Around the Table

Part of the remembrance of this Holy Week centers around a table. Jesus met with his disciples in the Upper Room and they broke bread together. When Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me,” I think he was talking about the act we now call “Holy Communion” but also the act of gathering around the table.

The significance of this “gathering” has been real to me in the last couple of weeks here in Zambia as I have been part of gatherings around tables.

After a break for a year or so, our fellowship group with our Zimbabwean friends has resumed. Twice we have gathered for fellowship, tasty soup, and sharing together. I’m always struck by the diversity – people from different countries (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, USA), different economic and social backgrounds, diverse cultures, different ages. But we always feel the joy of being together and the unity that comes in the Body of Christ.

Dick and Anita Mumba, and Benedict and I have begun meeting regularly with the Village of Hope mothers and aunties. These are times of worship through song, prayer, and fellowship. Although we don’t eat a meal, we do gather around the big table in the Visitor House to have tea and muffins. To sit and fellowship together affirms our community and unity. It has been lovely.

This week we have had the joy of visitors from MI being with us. Different teams have different experiences. For this team, each evening meal together became a time of rich discussion. How can our lives be lived in ways that glorify God and bring the Kingdom here on earth? Last Sunday Mark and Di Wenham, the Mumbas, and Kimberly joined us. Around the house were discussions about Foundations of Farming, life in Zimbabwe, and sharing of personal histories.

One of my favorite hymns sums it up well.

Draw us in the Spirit’s tether,

For when humbly in Thy name,

Two or three are met together,

Thou art in the midst of them,

Alleluia, Alleluia,

Touch we now Thy garment’s hem.

As the brethren used to gather,

In the name of Christ to sup,

Then to thanks to God the giver,

Break the bread and bless the cup,

Alleluia, Alleluia,

So now bind our friendship up.

All our meals and all our living

Make as sacraments of Thee,

That by caring, helping, giving,

We may true disciples be,

Alleluia, Alleluia,

We will serve Thee faithfully.