Message Minute (Gathering at the Table)

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." - Acts 2:42

There's something almost magical about sharing a meal with someone - maybe it's the way conversation flows more naturally when your hands are busy and your guard is down. Or how breaking bread together has been a sign of friendship and peace across cultures for thousands of years. The early church understood this. They didn't just meet for teaching and prayer – they ate together regularly.

Summer gives us so many opportunities to gather around food. Backyard barbecues, picnics in the park, ice cream runs with the kids, farmers market hauls that turn into impromptu dinner parties. These aren't just social activities – they're holy moments of community building.

When we share meals, we're following Jesus's example. Think about how many of His most important moments happened around food: feeding the five thousand, the Last Supper, cooking breakfast for His disciples on the beach. Jesus knew that when we eat together, we connect on a deeper level. We slow down, we listen, we laugh, we share not just food but our lives.

This summer, consider how you can use food as a bridge to community. It doesn't have to be fancy or elaborate. Some of the best conversations happen over hot dogs and watermelon, or while passing around a bag of chips at the beach. The food is just the excuse – the real nourishment comes from the connection.

Reflection Question: Who could you invite to share a meal with you this week, and what would make it meaningful?

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for showing us the power of sharing meals together. Help me use food not just to feed bodies, but to nourish relationships and build community. Amen.