Feasting

(c) Linda Moore

As a Baptist, I grew up associating food and religion.  There was nothing better than a potluck after church—we would always have fried chicken, of course, and a table filled with desserts.  I loved the way the smell of the meal permeated the sanctuary, along with the sounds of people working in the kitchen and preparing the fellowship hall.  Something about those days just seemed more holy.  It makes sense as I think about the many times Jesus taught around the table, or shared stories that dealt with food.  The celebrations of many faiths are built around "feast days" where the faithful come around the table to share, to remember, and to be in community.

There's something about gathering around the table--when sitting, we are on the same level.  We see the eyes and the smiles of friends, and the weight of the daily cares fall away.  We can stop our busyness and preparations and enjoy a different rhythm of time.  Our senses are engaged as we pass the bowls and smell the meal.  Our mouths water in anticipation and laughter fills the space as we talk with one another.  Food that is shared always tastes better....

(c) Linda Moore

Read more of this post over at the Baptist Women in Ministry blog...

Learn more about Virginia Baptist Women in Ministry's annual Feast event here.  

(c) Linda Moore

(c) suzanne l. vinson