Good Friday Dinners
Many of you are preparing to eat dinner with some friends as a way to remember and celebrate Good Friday. For clarity’s sake, it is important to note that this is not a celebration of the Lord’s Supper. That time we reserve for the church to do together. We are one people of God that enjoy the bread and the wine together as His people.
Good Friday Dinners are more about highlighting how central the table is to the Kingdom of God. God’s Kingdom goes forward at tables. The Israelites need not do anything but celebrate the Passover Meal in their homes with family as the Lord swept through Egypt. David said God prepares a table before his enemies. In Acts 2, they went from house to house breaking bread in their homes with glad hearts. Meals are important to the Kingdom of God. Full stop.
So this year for Good Friday, we are encouraging people to gather around the table with others. Invite friends over. Come up with a meal plan. Enjoy the presence of others and see it as God’s blessing in your life.
There is total freedom in how you structure this time with others. The only requirements are food, laughter, and conversational depth. As we should seek to do everyday, tomorrow night is especially about being present to those you are with, entering in to their lives and hearts for the purpose of love. As we saw this past Sunday, we are increasingly becoming a community of love. This is another opportunity to grow in that reality.
One way you can facilitate this is being intentional with discussion around the table. If you need some guidance in discussion, Here are some questions you could consider:
You might want to start dinner with this prayer that everybody could say together. Or you could start another way as well. Whatever works best.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, as we remember your sacrifice on this Good Friday, we are reminded of the profound significance of meals and tables in your Kingdom. May this time of fellowship around this table be a foretaste of the great banquet you have prepared for us in your Kingdom. Help us to extend hospitality and love to all who gather around our tables, just as you welcomed all who came to you. Amen.
However the night goes and however you choose to structure it, remember this: Jesus is with us when we gather in His name. There is so much that is happening in nights like this. Jesus himself is pushing back the powers of darkness in the world through simple gestures of hospitality and openness to others when it is done in faith. So relax. Enjoy Jesus together. Savor the foretaste that it is to be with others in this way.
Love you Church.
Alex Gailey
P.S. - Do not forget the men’s breakfast on Saturday morning at 7am. We will have a light breakfast and coffee. Some Worship. Fellowship. God’s Word. It’s gonna be a great time together. Easter Weekend is the best!
Good Friday Dinners are more about highlighting how central the table is to the Kingdom of God. God’s Kingdom goes forward at tables. The Israelites need not do anything but celebrate the Passover Meal in their homes with family as the Lord swept through Egypt. David said God prepares a table before his enemies. In Acts 2, they went from house to house breaking bread in their homes with glad hearts. Meals are important to the Kingdom of God. Full stop.
So this year for Good Friday, we are encouraging people to gather around the table with others. Invite friends over. Come up with a meal plan. Enjoy the presence of others and see it as God’s blessing in your life.
There is total freedom in how you structure this time with others. The only requirements are food, laughter, and conversational depth. As we should seek to do everyday, tomorrow night is especially about being present to those you are with, entering in to their lives and hearts for the purpose of love. As we saw this past Sunday, we are increasingly becoming a community of love. This is another opportunity to grow in that reality.
One way you can facilitate this is being intentional with discussion around the table. If you need some guidance in discussion, Here are some questions you could consider:
- How have you seen God moving in your life in the current season you are in?
- What can we celebrate with you?
- What can we grieve with you?
- What are some of the deepest desire for your discipleship to Jesus that we can come alongside of and encourage in you?
You might want to start dinner with this prayer that everybody could say together. Or you could start another way as well. Whatever works best.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, as we remember your sacrifice on this Good Friday, we are reminded of the profound significance of meals and tables in your Kingdom. May this time of fellowship around this table be a foretaste of the great banquet you have prepared for us in your Kingdom. Help us to extend hospitality and love to all who gather around our tables, just as you welcomed all who came to you. Amen.
However the night goes and however you choose to structure it, remember this: Jesus is with us when we gather in His name. There is so much that is happening in nights like this. Jesus himself is pushing back the powers of darkness in the world through simple gestures of hospitality and openness to others when it is done in faith. So relax. Enjoy Jesus together. Savor the foretaste that it is to be with others in this way.
Love you Church.
Alex Gailey
P.S. - Do not forget the men’s breakfast on Saturday morning at 7am. We will have a light breakfast and coffee. Some Worship. Fellowship. God’s Word. It’s gonna be a great time together. Easter Weekend is the best!
Posted in A Note From Alex
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