An Open Table // M-Note 11.9.24

I have been reflecting a lot this week about the importance of the church. In the wake of our national election, we once again see the divisions of our country laid bare. Some people are celebrating, others grieving, some excited, and others scared. Looking at the electoral map and exit polls, we see that we are divided by geography, income, education, race, gender, as well as by our politics. It is tempting to continue to retreat to enclaves of people who look and think just like us.
 
The church stands as a unique community where diverse people gather willingly to worship, learn, serve, and eat together. It is one of the few places left in our culture where diverse people gather from various backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to be one community. In the church, we are united by something bigger than any of this. As Paul writes,
 
You are one body and one spirit, just as God also called you in one hope. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all. (Eph. 4.4-5)
 
The church matters because it is here that we can break down the walls that divide us, learn from people that are different from us, and model ways to be in community. Our world needs the church. At The Gathering, we have an open table. This means that everyone is welcome to communion because we worship a Jesus who is Lord, not of some, but all. I love this about our church, and I think it has something to teach the world.
 
This weekend we will gather for worship to continue our series on the Book of Job, Why Do Bad Things Happen? If you’ve missed the first few weeks, you can check out or share the series here. I hope you will be there Sunday. I think our world needs it.
 
Peace,
 
Matt
 
P.S. If you need a little joy, plan to stay after worship and help decorate for Christmas, next Sunday, November 17. Your time serving would really help us make the Christmas decorating go quickly, and it is a lot of fun. You can sign up here.