1 Peter 4:9 – Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. (NIV)

One of the best programs that our church offers is called "Bread Breakers". For six months in the year — usually October through March — people in our congregation open up their homes, once per month, on a Friday or Saturday evening, to share a potluck dinner with other church members and visitors. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed. The company is always good, and people go away feeling connected to one another.

It's a simple thing to do, and for those who host these programs, it's a great blessing of love to the church. Behind the scenes, these hosts look after the arrangements — making telephone calls to guests, asking them to bring appetizers, salads, side dishes, or sweets for the meal. The host usually cooks the main course. It takes a lot of time and patience, but the final outcome is a house full of happy, well-fed people who have discovered the joy of agape — the fellowship meal of the first Christians.

We hope that more people will sign up for the program this fall. It's one of the easiest ways of embracing and nurturing new members and visitors into the fellowship of the church. Such hospitality brings healing and wholeness, happiness and holiness to all the participants. It's a God-given gift and a wonderful way to share support and faith.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You constantly had meals with other people — in homes, on hillsides, at the shore. These meals became opportunities to share Your love, to embrace folk, and to enhance faith. Thank You for the times we share Your Spirit in each others' homes and hearts. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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