When reading the Gospels, it’s fairly common to hear about Jesus sharing a meal with others. Friends, tax collectors, notorious characters, multitudes, and, of course, his disciples. Breaking bread with Jesus was always a big deal because Jesus + a meal led to something special; lives were changed, forgiveness was extended, teaching moments occurred, God’s power was revealed, bodies and souls were fed, and community through His love– happened. By His grace and through His presence with us today, these things still happen!
- February 2nd was the Souper Bowl of Caring “Noisy Offering”. We give so others can eat. That’s holy work. Also, our youth hosted a soup bar after church!
- Young people desiring to come to the Lord’s Table for their first communion will go through instruction and preparation for this special milestone that will be celebrated on February 23 rd. If you haven’t signed up yet, speak with Chaplain Paula soon.
- Our Scout troop will again host the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper on February 25th to help us prepare for Lent which begins Ash Wednesday (the 26th) with school chapel worship at 8:40 am, and then congregational/community worship at Noon and 7:00 pm.
- In February, we will host an evening with our wonderful new Police Chief, Ed Jackson, who will offer a community lecture on the US Constitution. In addition to being a veteran law enforcement official, the Chief is also an educator and asked if we might be willing to host an event on February 27th from 6:30-8:30 pm. The idea grew and we’ve also decided to host a free community dinner prior to the lecture from 5:00- 6:15 pm. It’s simply a way for us to invite new friends to the table and share God’s love with them through our hospitality. I hope you can help (see the flyer in this Table Talk) as we work together to extend a warm welcome to our neighborhood and law enforcement friends.
- The evening of Saturday, February 29th our annual St. Martin’s School Italian Dinner will be held. This is one of my favorite nights of the year and always the source of so many blessings as we help our school through our presence, participation, and generosity.
So, February will be a time when our focus on the table will extend to hungry people far from Annapolis, to our immediate neighborhood, to our church and school communities, and within our family at St. Martin’s. Of course, the most important table is in worship where Christ welcomes us, blesses us, and then sends us. I hope you make a point to come to His table this month—and to also enjoy some of the other opportunities we will share as His people in February.
I remain thankful for all of you and hope to see you in church soon! God’s Epiphany Light and Peace, Pastor Dave+
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