WE’VE HOWDY-ED BUT WE AIN’T SHOOK by Maree Garchow-Bellchambers
We see others at church, recognize them, smile and nod – but it ends there. If fact if we see them at the grocery store, we may not even recognize them. It takes an intentional meeting for people to get to know one another. And “Breaking Bread” together is that intentional event. in a 1-1 or other small group setting (around 8) Breaking Bread together fosters a meaningful connection – we begin to get to know the other person and we open up about ourselves.
If we examine the New Testament, we find ‘breaking bread’ was prominent in Jesus’ ministry. He regularly used ‘breaking bread’ as an opportunity to have fellowship with his disciples and others he wanted to meet. Breaking Bread was also used as an occasion to teach: when Jesus ate with some Pharisees, He spoke of love and forgiveness when a sinful woman came to anoint His feet, (Luke 7:36-50), on the Road to Emmaus Jesus opened the prophets and told them all the Old Testament had predicted about Himself.
When they stopped to eat as Jesus broke and blessed the bread their eyes were opened. After the resurrection the disciples continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” Acts 2:42.
Breaking bread is the common denominator! At Faith we are using ‘breaking bread’‘ as an event to create meaningful connections which hopefully will develop into meaningful relationships.
Over the past 10 days three groups of empty nesters have broken bread together, a total of 20 individuals now know each other a little better, they have moved beyond the howdy and have shook! These folks were delighted to get together. For some it renewed old relationships for others they met people they had only seen from a distance. All went beyond the pleasantries and began to form connections and develop common ground.
The take away from each group was that “we should do this again!” The next time we will mix up the groups so you could get to know different people, add in others who couldn’t make this last time. And see what God has in mind for us.
Hosts: Many thanks to Bill & Mary Ann Nielsen for hosting our first dinner Friday, January 10, Jim & Evie Bennett for hosting the second dinner Sunday, January 12 and Steve & Maree Garchow for hosting the third dinner Friday, January 17. Hosts provided the main course and guests brought side dishes to share.
Maree Garchow-Bellchambers
Director of Community Connections, mgarchow@faithlakeforest.org