More of the story: Waiting tables

Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.” What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. ~ Acts 6:1-6
The first thing that the world knew about Christians was that they ate together. ~ Rachel Held Evans

It didn't take long for divisions to arise in the brand knew Christian church. Added to the fold of the Jewish Christians were the Hellenist, or Greek speaking Christians.

 And right off the bat, there seemed to be a separation as to how parts of the group were treated. The Greek speaking widows and orphans weren't getting their share of the food.

 From the beginning, food was the central feature of this fledgling community.

 After preaching and teaching, feeding became the most important thing.

 And so deacons came into being.

 As a deacon, the symbol that I wear - the stole that I wear - is reminiscent of the towel that are servant wears to wipe the feet of their master. 

 Or the towel that a waiter wears over his or her arm when they come to serve you at a restaurant.

 Feeding was a big deal. Eating together was a big deal.

 Big enough that a new ministry began to make sure it happened.

 We've been eating together ever since then. When we gather around the table each Sunday, we leave our separations behind us. We come not as rich or poor, man or woman, child or adult, Republican or Democrat, black or white, gay or straight.

 We come as part of one community. One family. 

 Dining together, sharing together, strengthened together.

 Gathering around the table is who we are. All we have to do is show up.

 And then be ready to serve those who haven't yet gotten their share.

 Prayer: Feed me O Lord so that I may be strengthened to feed others. Amen.


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