Why Meet at Tables?

We meet at tables to connect with each other, to dialogue and share opinions in response to challenging questions, and to learn together and grow in our spiritual walk.
Most of life’s deep insights come through conversation. In fact, the less formal the environment, the better the conversation and the learning seems to be. Conversation in a small group seems to relax the mind, eases the fears we may have of our thoughts and feelings be judged in a more public setting…and this leads to a better ability to be receptive to new perspectives and insights.

Think for a moment about the community that surrounded Jesus and the many conversations that various people had with him. There are a total of 82 questions that Jesus asked…who knows how many questions he was asked! Many of these questions, if not all of them were meant to provoke thought:
      Matthew 6:27 – “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”
      Matthew 7:3 - "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention        to the plank in your own eye?”
      Matthew 16:13-15: “When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples,        "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say        Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who        do you say I am?"
These questions became the means through which those who followed Christ could gain insight and perspective. Remember, these Scriptures were recorded conversations with Jesus, not necessarily “doctrinal” teachings, as we would treat them today!

What’s a service that meets around tables like?
Many choose to start their morning with a stop in the lobby to grab a cup of Starbucks (we have a great machine that serves fresh brewed coffee, tea and hot chocolate) and a danish. As you make your way to a table in the sanctuary, a team of musicians is playing instrumental music that sets the mood for good conversation. On your table are all of the things you need to ‘find your way’ through the service…bulletins, offering envelopes, conversation starters, etc. For the first fifteen minutes we relax together, talk around the table, check out what’s happening in the bulletin, prepare our offering and enjoy the music. For the next 45 minutes, a message is shared from the Bible on a topic of interest. Throughout the message there are opportunities to dialogue around the table in response to key questions that help us dig deeper for meaningful application in our own lives. The service ends with a song of worship and the offer of prayer for anyone who has need.