together at home
a weekly practice of scripture, reflection, questions and prayer
Gather the cup, the plate and the bowl, and set them before you as you consider the following. If you have any bread or crackers, put them on the plate (and eat them during or after!). Scripture Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him…. As they came near the village to which they were going, Jesus walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. - Luke 24:13-16, 28-35 Reflection There are lots of stories in the Bible that involve eating. It seems like Jesus loved to sit down and have meal with people. In this particular story, two people are experiencing sadness and confusion; their world has been turned upside down. They’re so wrapped up in it that they don’t even realize that it’s Jesus walking beside them. It’s only when they start to eat dinner together with him that the Resurrected Jesus is finally recognized by his fellow travelers. A lot of life happens around the dining table. We reflect on the day; we listen to each others’ stories and feelings; we get to know strangers; and we grow in friendship with others. It’s a place where we gather not only to nourish our bodies, but our own souls and relationships. But during this time of separation, our tables may be emptier than they normally would be. We are perhaps sad and confused, and our worlds have been turned upside down. In the practice of communion, we believe that we are eating a meal together- with the body of Christ both past and present, and with Jesus himself. We believe that when we eat the bread and drink from the cup that Christ makes himself known to us in a special and unique way- that we are nourished both in body and soul. While we are no longer coming together in the same way to worship and to partake of the Lord’s Supper, we can create space for Jesus to walk beside us. We can continue to break bread, and when we eat, remember the One who nourishes us. We can open our eyes to recognize God in even the most ordinary experience of eating so that our hearts may burn and we may come to know Him more deeply. We can allow Jesus to nourish us. Questions/Practices 1. Eat a meal with someone this week. You could have a picnic outside or perhaps a “digital dinner” when you eat with someone while video chatting. Be intentional about the conversation: reflect on the day, listen to each others’ stories and feelings, ask questions, share freely. 2. What does it look like or feel like for Jesus to nourish your soul? Prayer God, You are the One who provides us all that we need. You nourish our bodies as well as our souls. Walk with us and feed us so that we may recognize you at work in the world and participate with you. Activity Suggestions for Young Ones - Coloring page below. - There are two prayers that devout Jews say before eating. They might have even been the same prayers that Jesus said when he blessed the food. Try praying them before a meal and/or memorizing them. Blessed are you, O Lord, our God, Ruler of the universe Who brings forth bread from the earth. Blessed are you, O Lord, our God, Ruler of the universe Creator of the fruit of the vine. - In the video below, you’ll find instructions on how to make the bread made by the Blystras typically used for communion at Maple Ave. Featured Artwork: Communion by Dani Suhy
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ServiceSundays @ 10:30am in the sanctuary and on Facebook
Office HoursMonday & Wednesday
10:00 am - 3:00 pm |
Location427 Maple Avenue
Holland, MI 49423 |
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