Come to the Table Week 1: Grace

El Sobrante United Methodist Church

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Come to the Table Week 1: Grace

August 27, 2023 • Rev. Emily Pickens-Jones

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Welcome to our new worship series, “Come to the Table.” We will hear the call to dine with Jesus — an invitation that means much more than a simple eating experience. It never was simply about eating with Jesus. The table was the place where he fed people, and also challenged them to acts of hospitality that reflect God’s way. When we say “yes” to the place at Christ’s table, we accept a way of life that embraces God’s definition of love, peace, grace, and joy.

Come to the Table Week 5: Joy

October 1, 2023

Today we conclude our worship series, “Come to the Table,” on World Communion Sunday! This day is a global celebration of a sacred ritual that helps us remember Jesus’ life and ministry and connects us with our Christian ancestors and siblings across time and space. There is great joy to be found at God’s table: joy in the vibrant relationships that nurture and sustain this community, joy in the sharing of our gifts and resources, joy in the journey as we work towards a more just and equitable world. Thanks to special guests Rev. Dan Damon and Dancers' Circle

Come to the Table Week 3: Peace

September 10, 2023

The table of peace can take almost any shape. Our table this week is a conference table, perhaps depicting where two or more parties meet to negotiate the terms of a contract, a settlement, or a ceasefire. For Jesus, peacemaking was often found in the act of sharing a meal with people who would have been considered “outsiders.” We like to imagine Jesus in perfect harmony with everyone who gathered with him at the table — but perhaps sometimes even he held his breath when he brought people together with opposing viewpoints. Today we come to the table of peace, ready to practice patience and compassion, even when we disagree.

Come to the Table Week 4: Grace

September 24, 2023

At the table of grace, there is always more than enough to go around. Everybody makes mistakes, and we have all needed forgiveness at some point and gentle guidance to adjust and make amends. Grace doesn’t keep track of how many times we’ve messed up, and it doesn’t hinge on the condition that next time, we’ll do better. Grace exists outside of time and says we are enough, right now and always, no matter what.