Come to the Table

Come to the Table

My favorite part of the day usually has a predictable answer: dinnertime.  The food itself is satisfying and delicious, but I love mealtime because of what else it offers:  the chance to feed and nurture our relationship as a family.  Although I am the one who prepares most of the meals, dinner does not arrive on the table by my hands alone.  Indeed, it takes many, for there is a table to set, candles to light, hands to wash, and drinks to be poured.  Sometimes, there are invitations to extend:  to grandparents who live nearby; to friends; to neighbors.  Finally, we are all seated around the table, ready to offer a prayer and share in the meal.    

Occasionally, there are tears shed at our table.  Most times, there is laughter.  We share the highs and the lows of our day.  We talk about challenges and obstacles we’ve faced; we discuss difficult events and topics.  We celebrate triumphs and successes.  At the dinner table, we seek comfort, we provide solace, and we receive gifts of grace.  Each person intuits how much he or she belongs at that table, how it never feels quite the same without him. We know dinnertime to be safe and affirming, warm and inviting.  We know there is always a place for us at the table.      

It’s not so different from the table that has been prepared for our faith family. 

The most important role of youth ministry is to foster faith formation through relationships with individuals and with the church body as a whole.  When I look around the youth gathered at our church’s table, I am astounded by who I see.  We have some amazing athletes – soccer players, tennis pros, swimmers, rowers, horseback riders, basketball players.  We have very talented musicians – piano, brass, and woodwind players; budding guitarists; singers.  We have avid readers, and dedicated scholars.  We have award-winning writers.  We have funny and witty humorists; we have generous and compassionate friends.  Some at the table are outgoing and chatty; others are thoughtful and reserved.  All of those gathered at the table are filled with light, and with the desire to let their light shine. 

The youth at our table are, quite literally, hungry.  Have you heard that about teenagers, that their stomachs are bottomless pits?  They look forward to snacks at Sunday School and treats during youth group gatherings.  They are also hungry for the insight and knowledge of living a Christ-centered life.  They desire a place where they feel loved and cared for, unconditionally, by everyone at the table.  They seek a place where they might shed tears and unburden themselves of worry, and share laughter as they celebrate success. Our youth hunger for the acceptance and grace that a faith family provides.  They thirst for inclusion into all areas of the life of this congregation, and for the open invitation to do so. 

I wonder, then, if you have joined us at the table?  For there is room for everyone here, and it does not feel the same without you among us.  Our young people are seated at the table, bringing their own gifts and provisions to share.  They hunger and thirst for the gifts our faith family can offer, gifts that many of you have given:  making treats for summer Breakfast Bunch; donating board games; hosting a pool party; contributing materials and supplies.  Perhaps others of you might consider sharing your gifts as well.  You might bring snacks or make treats for youth group events.  You might volunteer to serve as a faith partner by making the commitment to pray regularly, engage in conversation, and send cards on special occasions to your youth partner.  You might encourage them to offer their gifts of music during worship, or to serve as a reader during the lessons.  You might engage them in conversation about a shared interest:  an upcoming sports event; a popular book or new music album.  You might step into the role of serving as a youth advisor.  You might tell them how happy you are to see them on Sunday morning.  You might pray for them.

Dear faith family, come to the table.  There is a placeholder with your name on it, awaiting your arrival.  Join us; feed and be fed; give and receive the gifts of love and grace; help to nurture, sustain, and grow the relationships we have with our young people as we feast together on the bread of life.