We gathered for dinner after worship on January 23, and I was wonderfully surprised at the banner that read, “Pastor’s Appreciation Day” with a lovely snowman painted on the end. The spread of food looked amazing and tasted even better. It is a great joy to share a meal in Fellowship Hall, large such as it was that Sunday, as well as the lovely meals Sunday evenings and the first Wednesdays of the month (it will be baked potatoes this Feb. 2). Yet the surprise did not end there. I was honored, humbled and extremely thankful for the Proclamation of “Pastor J.C. Mitchell” day, a desk plaque, and the greatest gift, a basket of cards from various congregants (the children’s being the most dear and smile producing). I thank everyone who helped surprise me with such a wonderful honor, and everyone that celebrated with us that Sunday afternoon. Mindi, A.J., and I are very thankful and honored to be part of such a wonderful and loving congregation: our family.
Each week, while we may not share a meal in Fellowship Hall, everyone is welcome to come back Sunday evenings at 5:30 PM to do just that as well as stay and hear some wonderful music and enjoy a study; or if a child, a fun night of educational fun and games. We also share the wonderful meal of the Lord’s Table during worship. This is central to our worship and our identity as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). “In 1991 The Commission of Theology, a working group of our Council on Christian Unity, stated in 'Report to the Church on the Lord’s Supper' that the Lord’s Supper is a means by which we are nourished in the love of God in Jesus Christ and united with the church universal ‘is a truth the Disciples are made aware of more surely by our partaking of the Supper than by any statements we make about it.’” (Kinnamon, Michael; We Are Disciples: 2009) This is both because each person’s relationship with Jesus is personal, and the breaking and sharing of the bread has numerous theological implications. We are reminded of the sacrifice, the new covenant, the gathering of believers at one table, the banquet in heaven, the resurrection, and the great Love and forgiveness of God for all of us (and I am sure you can add more thoughts, for it is in our partaking that we know Jesus). We keep the Table central to our worship and identity, knowing it is Jesus who invites to this open table.
In the Gospel of John, the Last Supper is depicted differently from the synoptic Gospels. John tells us it is the night before the Passover and describes Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. During this Last Supper our Lord Jesus demonstrates a wonderful example of leadership. Jesus knows He will go to the cross, taking on our sins, and thus tells His disciples, and us today, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” I feel the love at First Christian Church; let us share the invitation to the Table, to the Love, to each other, and beyond the church walls.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor J.C. Mitchell
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