At The Table

I have been enjoying the United Church of Christ Lenten Daily Devotional "Into the Deep." Perhaps some of you are as well.  Copies are still available at church.  March twenty-ninth's passage by Rev. Mary Luti titled "The Gospel at Lunch" reflects on a passage from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 23, verses 11 and 12: Then Jesus said, "The greatest among you shall be your servant.  Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."    Mary reflects on a lunch time experience as a teacher during a semester in Mexico watching in wonder as the boys served the tables.

The story got me thinking of my time at summer camp in my youth.  

The girls at camp, divided in squads rotated each day through tasks that made daily camp life run. Like "Dish," yes we helped scrape and clean the dishes. "Errand," which included sweeping and tidying camp buildings, and "Table," setting, serving and clearing all three meals of the day.  One day in the rotation was set as a day of rest. These assignments were not seen as a chore, rather a vital part of each camper's contribution to the community woven in and around all the really fun things we did at camp.  We participated eagerly and with joy, well maybe not so much joy for Dish.  But, if I close my eyes, I can be there in a second, the sights and smells return, and the pride and joy when it was time to serve on "Table."  Back and forth to the kitchen window to serve my table the bowls and platters of food, seated next to the counselor at the head of the table who served family style we would share the feast, whatever it was, in delight.  

This Sunday we are invited to the communion table for First Sunday all age worship.  We will serve and be served the bread of life and cup of blessing.  

We give thanks for health and strength and daily food, and praise thy name O' Lord.  Amen.

May the peace of Christ be with you and yours, Pastor Pam