Drew’s message this past Sunday was titled, “Eating Together.” If you did not hear his message, you may be thinking “what an odd title for a message” (especially since his previous message was on “Fasting”)! But, we see both lifted up in scripture as important resurrection routines. In fact, in Acts 2 we read that the early church practiced “eating together” daily; “Every day they continued to meet together…They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.”
In the Kairos community, sharing meals together is an important part of our DNA and a value of our community. As we share meals together, we…
- KNOW God’s story and ourselves as part of His ongoing story. As Eugene Peterson writes, when it comes to discipleship, yes, Sunday worship is critical. Bible studies are helpful. Retreats can be great. But “over a lifetime, ….the presence of the risen Christ at our meals may actually be more formative of the life in Christ in us.”
- LIVE in community, seeking reconciliation and having our understanding of the Kingdom broadened. We encourage each other as we follow in the way of Jesus. Drew put it this way, “In fact, I believe the argument could be made that nothing is more important to the vitality of our faith than who we eat with and how we do it.
- JOIN God’s continuing work of restoration and practice the way of Jesus. In Sunday’s sermon, Drew noted, “Sharing meals from a place of faith is the method by which God changes the world.”
During our worship service each Sunday, we celebrate communion or “the Lord’s Supper.” As we partake of the meal Jesus invited us to and hear the words of institution He used, we are reminded of God’s great gift to us and of our connection to the Church all over the world and throughout the centuries.
But, communion is not the only meal we eat together. Small groups share meals. Our Leadership Team shares dinner together during their monthly meetings. Our S.O.B.’s (Slightly Older Bunch) has dinner together every other Sunday. We get to know newcomers to the community over a meal at our Newcomers Lunches. Staff regularly shares meals and coffees with individuals (including our kids), couples, and families in the Kairos community. Our community dinners are a yearly highlight. Community members share meals with other community members in their homes and in restaurants, at the ballfield and at the park.
And, a couple times each year following our worship service, we gather as the entire community and share lunch together.
One of those times is this Sunday, May 19. Following the worship service, we will share lunch together outside behind the sanctuary (near the playground). Everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, and those who support our worship as musicians and childcare staff is included. Don’t miss the opportunity to “eat together,”making new connections and renewing old friendships, and as Drew reminded us, it is in sharing a meal, “we remember and see God’s role in our lives with thanksgiving and gratitude.”
We look forward to “eating together” on Sunday!
And while the “eating together” and not the food itself, is what is important, if you know Fox Brothers BBQ, you know this food is going to be great! There will be pork BBQ, brisket, mac & cheese, baked beans, drinks, and their famous “nana pudding.”
We will give the final headcount to Fox Bros at noon on Thursday, so if you haven’t already let us know you are coming, please do so today by replying to your Paperless Post invitation or emailing jan@kairosatlanta.org.
There is a suggested donation of $12 per adult and $5 per child (age 3 and older), but we do not want cost to keep anyone in the community from joining us. If you are able to pay, please do so prior to Sunday by texting “Kairos Picnic $__” to 73256. You may also pay by check – payable to Kairos; we would prefer not to collect cash on Sunday. If you are not able to pay the full amount, please pay what you can and join us anyway.
– Jan