This past year, St. John’s Ministry goals have been to

Connect with God,

as a church,

and in the community through

  1. music,
  2. food and
  3. children, youth and families.

 

In the lead up to Vestry (St. John’s AGM) at the end of February, I will take some time to reflect upon what these goals have looked like in supporting us to follow Jesus and Love God and our Neighbour in the Sea to Sky over the past year.

While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”  Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you,  for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

-Matthew 26:26-28

Food is so central to our spiritual life as a community. What is Holy Communion, one of our most holy sacraments, but a meal at Jesus’ table? It is the place where we gather, the Body of Christ, to receive the Body of Christ, and be strengthened for our journey.

Through this Eucharistic meal, we are connected to God, to one another, to the Church around the world, and to all creation.

Of course, this is only the beginning of our foretaste of the heavenly banquet. Our feasting continues, with every coffee time, potluck and BBQ, youth group pizza dinner and family feast. There is not much we do that doesn’t have food as part of it, even if just a simple cup of tea and a biscuit.

It is part of our hospitality and care for our neighbours and community as well. There is something so important, I think, about offering coffee and snacks as part of tot time. It is love and care offered in a practical way. I also think it is no accident that we as a parish feel drawn to Community Christmas Care, to the food drive alongside the Squamish Multifaith Association, and to food programs through things like Alongside Hope.

All of these, while not the Eucharist, can be eucharistic, flowing from and connected to this central meal  – nourishing, connecting, sacred, full of gratitude and grace, pointing us to God.

Eating together, with friend and stranger, sharing what we have. That is what Jesus did. That is what Jesus does.  

May we, as individuals and as a church, continue to feast – continue to become more like Jesus.

Thanks be to God!

CG+