Fried Chicken and Communion

Sunday we concluded a series at the Springs called, "A Place at the Table."  It may be my favorite teaching series ever.  At each gathering, we took a look at an episode in Jesus' ministry that occurred at dinner.  It's amazing how many there are, and highlights the importance of the common meal in the first century, and why we believe it should still be the centerpiece of social, spiritual and family life today.  Sunday's episode was the Last Supper, arguably the most important dinner of all.  We tried to view the event as it happened, with Jesus participating in the Passover meal with his disciples, which to this day is celebrated not at a church building, but at home.

Last night we celebrated communion around the table with friends, similar to the way the first Christians did.  We all sat on the Harrises' back porch.  We shared the bread at the beginning our meal, then enjoyed dinner together--fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and rolls.  Toward the end of the meal we shared the cup--grape juice in plastic cups.  We ended the evening in rich conversation as some of the boys played football in the yard.  It was a Texas spin on an ancient tradition, and recaptured the "community" of communion in a way I had not experienced in a long time.

So fill your cup, raise it up.  Here's to Fried Chicken and Communion, remembering the great love of Jesus and celebrating the Christ-life among friends.