Fellowship Meals

Every two months, we extend our period of fellowship following the morning service by hosting a lunchtime meal.  It provides an opportunity to build stronger relationships among members but is also an open invitation to all who come to our church from the community.

This tradition reflects practices from the early church where individuals from diverse backgrounds and various social standings came together in unity.

“…They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people…”  Acts 2v46-47

Not to be confused with the Lord’s Table, this was not a sharing of the sacraments, although that was also done in their homes; rather this is about the fellowship of a loving, caring and supportive community.

To get a little perspective, in Acts we read that “Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven” (Acts 2v5) and after listening to Peter preach “Those who accepted his message were baptised, and about three thousand were added to their number that day” (Acts 2v41).  Many of the new believers chose not to return home straight away, possibly because they felt their place was among fellow believers of the early church and the community in Jerusalem received them warmly.  These fellowship meals represented more than mere social interaction; they served as opportunities for early Christians to build relationships, offer mutual encouragement and share with one another.

Our Fellowship Meal is all about sharing—bringing what we can, spending time together, having conversations, making new friends and reconnecting with old ones.  Our motivation comes from love, reflecting and passing on the love God has given us.  In verse 47 above, the Greek word for ‘favour’ means “something that brings joy, pleasure and delight: graceful speech, goodwill and kindness.”  We trust that these qualities are clearly evident.

Just as food nourishes us, regular fellowship throughout the week is integral to sustaining our church community.  Fellowship provides opportunities for members to engage in shared reflection, study scripture, pray together and cultivate unity, love and joy.  If you notice a fellowship meal scheduled on the church calendar, please consider staying to participate.  Members contribute dishes as they are able, but all are invited to join the meal regardless of their ability to bring food.  Winter especially is a time when the slow cookers come out in force which contributes to a varied and enjoyable selection of food.