Feed People-Metaphorically

I find the eucharist, communion, the Lord's Table, the bread and the juice, whatever we call it, I find it the most moving part of our worship experience. The smell, the taste, the physical experience in my mouth, swallowing, doing this all together with my siblings in Christ, I am always overwhelmed. It is meaningful as such basic food, and meaningful that it is shared in community.

A good meal opens up a good conversation. A brownie offers an opportunity to share something personal. Most congregations are good at feeding each other, and our neighbors, but are also places where we feed people metaphorically. The literal food is the gateway to sharing and caring for each other.


Byron Rushing, onetime Massachusetts State Representative, and adjunct professor at Episcopal Divinity School while I was there, told us that his church took as long with prayers of the people as they did with the sermon. The prayers were a time to tell each other how they are doing, what is going on in their life. To ask for prayer is to reach toward God; in that community it is also to reach toward their church family. If your church sharing is not as deep as it could be, the trick is to find a few people to break the ice. Meet with whoever holds the spiritual health of your congregation: deacons, council, vestry, pastoral visitors, etc., and strategize for how to build depth during Sunday worship. The worship leader needs to be comfortable with silence, waiting for people to share. Work to become a place that anxieties, longings, passions, and fears are welcomed.

Consider how to add a similar culture to your meal program, pantry, or thrift shop. My cousin's church added a prayer room, prominently marked, off to the side. People were free to come in and just share what was on their mind. Create open hours for your sanctuary so that people can come in and sit in a beautiful space.

Imagine, as you engage the community around climate change, immigrant rights, or any other issue, how your church might act as the chaplains of these movements. Look for opportunities to offer individual and group caretaking of those who are doing the actions. We do some of that by showing up with food and drink to share. By calling the most active individuals to check-in on how they are doing. By recognizing all those involved are God's children, our siblings, all working for what God wants here on earth.

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