Church Suppers

The final church supper of this summer's season topped off the day Saturday night. We arrived with hungry bellies anticipating baked beans, potato salad, and blueberry pie. For $6 a plate, we would eat our fill of country fare often prepared from family recipes handed down through generations of homemakers. Sunshine had warmed the afternoon, and the cool dining room soothed our bare arms and legs. New and familiar faces graced the tables. After a welcoming prayer of thanksgiving, we stood in line to serve ourselves.

In a culture that often fosters isolation with workplace cubicles, faces hidden behind computer screens, and distracting gadgets and telephones that claim our attention, church suppers provide an opportunity to lead us away from all that and into community. We connect with people beyond the pew and share smiles and hellos and handshakes. We pass the salt & pepper and chat about the weather. We break bread together like Jesus and his Disciples and it is good.

Query for prayer and reflection: As Christians, how do we navigate the narrow line between entertaining - which showcases ourselves - and hospitality which focuses on the needs of others whether it be nourishing food or a listening ear?

Muriel Fish serves as church librarian and lives on Fishbone Farm with her husband, four hens, and one spoiled tabby cat. When she's not collecting eggs, she teaches public speaking and writing courses at Thomas College.

Summer Leans Toward Autumn

                                                                                        
 

Smithfield is beginning to display that end-of-summer look. Goldenrod and ragweed are blooming in roadside ditches. Insects and crickets buzz and chirp in the grass, seeking mates. Late nesters, yellow finches are just beginning to set up housekeeping. Gardens are rich with harvest.

It's been a busy summer within our congregation. The spring clean-up day in May left the church refreshed and ready inside and out for prayer and worship. Church suppers welcomed old and new friends for hearty food and fellowship. A pie sale at the Smithfield Grange during Smithfield's 175th anniversary celebration weekend raised money toward a new church sign. The annual Loon Call 5K Road Race attracted more runners than ever. The church library's shelves received a coat of paint and books were sorted into genres. Our chime choir, vocal choir, and worship band continued to bring special music and hymns to our services.

Recently I discovered a small wood frog and a grasshopper sitting together on one of my day lilies. They reminded me of the diversity found within nature and among people. They reminded me of the diversity flourishing within our church as we share our gifts and talents with each other and the community. Our church doesn't end at the end of the worship service each Sunday but extends into our homes, workplaces, and the relationships we touch with our presence and Jesus living through us.

How God blesses us! Those who host the church suppers, participate in the chime choir, sing in the vocal choir, play in the worship band, share announcements, usher and greet, offer intercessory prayers, and assist at the Lord's Table serve God and all of us with their selflessness. And let us not forget the blessing of our pastor, Bert, and his wife, Carol. 

Soon Sunday School will begin again. Our teachers and young people will return to school or begin their college career. Let's pray for their safety and well-being. May they find and savor diversity and fellowship in the classroom as they learn from each other. Perhaps, like the wood frog and grasshopper, they'll make a new friend and sit outside together on a sunny day.

A Query is a question for reflection and prayer. I offer you the following Query: How have you discovered and use your God-given gifts?

Muriel Fish serves as church librarian and lives on Fishbone Farm with her husband, four hens, and one spoiled tabby cat. When she's not collecting eggs, she teaches public speaking and writing courses at Thomas College.