Messy Church is about hospitality, and the table is where we practice it best.
Jesus frequently met people at tables, sharing food and conversation, breaking down barriers, and creating community. Whether it was a picnic with five thousand plus of his followers, dining with a tax collector Zacchaeus, who many believed was the definition of a sinner, or sharing in the meal with his closest followers prior to his arrest, Jesus showed us that meals are about more than just eating—they’re about belonging.
The early church described in Acts also placed a high value on gathering around a table. “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” (Acts 3:4) I imagine the tables in first century Palestine were much different than what we have today, but it illustrates that meeting at tables brings nourishment to both the body and soul.
Giving thanks for tables of connections
Today I am grateful for the time I was able to spend around a table with my Messy Church USA colleagues. During the weekend of February 14-17, three members of the leadership team for Messy Church USA, were able to meet in person. With the gracious hospitality of Leyla Wagner, our Membership Registrar, Johannah Myers, Program Director, and myself, Administrative Director met in Huntington Beach, CA. Gathering around a ‘real’ physical table is a treat for us since almost all our work happens via a ‘zoom’ table.
During our time, we gave thanks for the past eight years of Messy Church USA and the many volunteers who brought this organization to life. We made plans to accomplish our 2025 goals for writing, training and connecting Messy Churches. However, most of our time together was spent visioning the future of Messy Church USA. How is the Spirit of God, nudging us and guiding us forward as an organization? Over Greek food, tacos, and pizza (a favorite of many Messy Churches in the USA), we talked, dreamed, prayed, and listened deeply to one another. Through it all, we embraced the mess, trusting the Spirit to nudge, prod and lead us as we continue to equip Messy Churches to start, sustain and connect in the USA.
Peace, Roberta
Question to Ponder
What are the ways that you show people that they are welcome and belong as they gather at your Messy Church tables?
Pizza Rules at Messy Churches in the USA
Thanks to all you participated in our February Poll question; How do you handle meals at your Messy Church? What’s your go-to meal?
Pizza received 36 % of the vote. Spaghetti and Taco tied for second with 24%.