The Table of Sharing
Dear friends
Whilst compiling the Wardens’ annual report for the AGM, it became apparent that sharing food happens at St Mark’s quite frequently!
The early church saw every table, every meal as a deeply sacred place of worship and mission. The table is where the Gospel is embodied. At the table, meaningful conversations unfold and lives are transformed. The lonely will find connection, the anxious will experience peace, and the addicted will taste freedom as they experience Christ through his people.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows (Psalm 23)
We can have the greatest impact when we sit face-to-face with friends, strangers and foes. At the table.
From today’s Gospel we hear “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.” (Luke 24:30). It’s worth remembering that Jesus shared a table with both the tax collector and the Pharisee, as well as the disciples. Inviting someone to share a meal is a fundamental act of manaakitanga (extending care, respect and hospitality).
As we gather around the table, our hope is that the community of Opawa-St Martins will experience the love of Christ. They will be known and loved.
God has a table where he calls his friends to a feast that never ends; God has a table and one day we’ll meet him there. (John Bell & Graham Maule) God invites us to His table.
Who do we need to invite to ours?
Parish Officers
Parish Governance
Parish Groups
From the Vicar
