Come to the Table National Gathering 2020

By Patrick Neitzey

It had just rained. I remember because my nose hadn’t yet adjusted to the new pungent odors around the table. We were all anxious for food, so the chatter was at a minimum. The Dining Room was packed; word travels fast when Ms. Mary’s Meatloaf is going to be served.  Finally, the platter was laid down, we all took our portion and passed the plate. The more we ate the more the anxiety of eating with strangers dissipated. We asked for the vegetables to be passed, we laughed when the top of the ranch dressing bottle blew off when someone squeezed it, and, for a fleeting moment, we all were united in perfect relationship with one another. We all came to the table hungry, as strangers, as people looking for relief. We came with our hands open, looking to receive instead of to take, and there we found more than we needed, not only an abundance of food, but an abundance of love, of peace, and of grace.

As we come to the table, whether it’s a communion table, a dinner table, a table at a dimly lit pub, we come with the expectation that through conversations, sharing food, and space we create a window into what the Kingdom of God is like.  

This year at our National Gathering the theme is “Come to the Table.” Our hope is that by gathering together from all over the country, sitting down at the table together, we will be transformed through holy conversation, creative collaboration, and relational formation.  Our hope is that the community that is formed at National Gathering 2020 would continue on throughout the year as we travel back to our home communities.

National Gathering is a time for finding new relationships and growing together. Come and join us at the table, see they ways that community can change you and the world.