Around the Table- 06/29/2025

The percentage of individuals reporting they have no close friends has quadrupled over the past thirty years. Additionally, 54% of Americans report that "no one knows them well," and 36% state that they feel lonely "frequently" or "almost all of the time." This figure rises to 51% among young mothers and 61% among young adults. Loneliness has been correlated with various health issues, including anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, heart disease, cancer, and dementia. How do we combat this kind of loneliness? We believe that we start with gathering around the table. "In Luke's Gospel, Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal (unknown)."

Jesus gathered around the table with His closest friends in His greatest time of need, serving them by washing their feet, sharing a meal, praying, and speaking truth in love. He showed us the profound importance of community and connection.  On His last night, He broke bread and shared the cup, symbolizing His forthcoming sacrifice and asking us to remember Him often in this way (Matt. 26:17-30, Mk. 14:12-26, Lk. 22:7-38). We excel at practicing the observance of communion, do we also cherish the essence of community?  We build community when we gather, connect, and invite others to join us around the table.