University Blog

A Meal With University

Posted by Debra Harris on

What does mealtime mean to you?

Mealtime was a BIG Deal to Jesus. Mealtime was a chance for fellowship, deepening friendships, welcoming strangers and feeding the poor. All throughout the New Testament Jesus calls people to share a meal with Him – Luke 5:29; 7:36, Luke 19:1-5, Rom 12:13; Acts 2:46, Matthew 14:13-21 are just some examples.

In the book of Acts, we see the Holy Spirit guiding the early church in breaking bread together; “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” – Acts 2:46

People enjoy sharing a meal because of the biblical symbolism. It is a measurable expression of unity, love and service and the opportunity for true fellowship and genuine hospitality to the community. Sharing a meal feeds the need to know and be known because it eases the way for face to face conversations.

Wednesday Night dinners are just as important here at University…inside, outside, home-cooked, food truck, delivered or catered. Church members, community, students, families, friends, rich and poor gather on Wednesday to share a meal, grow in friendship and welcome those who search to be part of the body of Christ.

In the gospel of John (John 6:1-14), what starts as a boy and his lunch of five loaves and two fishes, ends up a meal for 5,000. This story shows God’s generous love and this invites all to share what we have with gladness and generosity. All Church Wednesday meals started as a way for church members and families to eat together instead of separately in different locations of the church. We have grown in the last 5 years to welcoming and inviting nearby neighbors, the Impacto community, the homeless and students. For some, this may be the only meal they receive that day the federal waiver that helped school districts provide free meals to all students for the last two years expired at the end of the last school year. I can relate because growing up in a large family there were many times when one meal a day was all we got. My heart overflows with joy on Wednesday evenings seeing the members of University graciously welcoming these folks with smiles and open arms.

So, I invite you to join me beginning this Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 5-6:30pm in the North Campus Gym to share a meal.

If you are able, a $10 donation per person towards the cost of the meal is appreciated. There will be several payment options available in the Lobby (Cash, check, online, Square or pay what you can). Extend the invitation to others and let's begin to develop the kind of relationships we are to enjoy at mealtime.

Want to come over for dinner?

Grace and Peace

Debra Harris

Director of Hospitality

For now information on Wednesday Night meals and programming click here.

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