If those of us who have written these reflections on “Come to the Table” have done our job, you have been challenged and stimulated, had your faith deepened and renewed and have begun to develop a renewed sense of what it means to be a Christian and member of Urbandale UCC.  Unfortunately for me, I don’t know what richness has been shared since I write this the last week in April.

But I do know that when we share with one another—our hopes and dreams, our joys and sorrows, our excitement and reservations—we know each other better, our understanding is increased and our commitment to our life together is deepened.  That is what happens when we “come to the table” with open hearts and minds.  When we share the feast of the people of God, we make more room for the Spirit to strengthen and enliven our shared faith.

So as Pastor David becomes a part of our special segment of Christ’s church, he will want to learn from us just as we want to learn from him.  He will want to share experiences of camaraderie and worship.  He will want us to share what being in mission means.  He will encourage us to hear what mission means to him and how we live out our shared mission together.  He will help us learn more about being part of the faithful people of God.  He will not live our faith for us.  Put briefly, we will be “partners in Christ’s service.”  That is what happens when we “come to the table.”

Gayle V. Strickler, Jr.

(If you have access to a New Century Hymnal, please take time to read the words of Hymn 495.)

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