Transform the Way We Bring People Together
The Art of Gathering
The new series The Art of Gathering feels especially meaningful this time of year. Matthew 18:20 reminds us, “For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” We pray before we eat, so yes—Jesus is with us when we gather together.
Do you remember what your Thanksgivings were like when you were a child? Did you go to Grandma’s house and visit with all your family? Did you get to play outside with your cousins? Think back and let those good memories wash over you.
We didn’t have family here. My parents moved from Ohio when I was barely two, so all my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins stayed there. Our Thanksgiving table was just us. For a few years, though, we had a special guest join us for dinner—Mr. Graham, an older member of St. Paul’s. He was a widower who lived for a while across the street from Dad’s office. He was such a nice gentleman, and we kids did our best to behave at dinner!
Mom always went all out with the meal—turkey and all the trimmings, including oyster dressing (Dad loved that, but the rest of us? Not so much!). Mr. Graham seemed to enjoy the happy chaos of our house, with three kids getting underfoot. We loved hearing his stories from “the olden days,” and looking back, I think we were just as blessed by his presence as he was by ours.
Gathering with friends or family can be one of life’s greatest joys. Sharing food, memories, and stories helps bridge the distance, no matter how far apart we may be. Sometimes, we make our own family when our relatives are too far away. Wherever and with whomever you gather this month, show God’s love to them—and invite Jesus to your table.
The new series The Art of Gathering feels especially meaningful this time of year. Matthew 18:20 reminds us, “For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” We pray before we eat, so yes—Jesus is with us when we gather together.
Do you remember what your Thanksgivings were like when you were a child? Did you go to Grandma’s house and visit with all your family? Did you get to play outside with your cousins? Think back and let those good memories wash over you.
We didn’t have family here. My parents moved from Ohio when I was barely two, so all my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins stayed there. Our Thanksgiving table was just us. For a few years, though, we had a special guest join us for dinner—Mr. Graham, an older member of St. Paul’s. He was a widower who lived for a while across the street from Dad’s office. He was such a nice gentleman, and we kids did our best to behave at dinner!
Mom always went all out with the meal—turkey and all the trimmings, including oyster dressing (Dad loved that, but the rest of us? Not so much!). Mr. Graham seemed to enjoy the happy chaos of our house, with three kids getting underfoot. We loved hearing his stories from “the olden days,” and looking back, I think we were just as blessed by his presence as he was by ours.
Gathering with friends or family can be one of life’s greatest joys. Sharing food, memories, and stories helps bridge the distance, no matter how far apart we may be. Sometimes, we make our own family when our relatives are too far away. Wherever and with whomever you gather this month, show God’s love to them—and invite Jesus to your table.
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