On The Table

At a church as young as Common Table, we can hardly claim many 'traditions,' but we have developed some general practices over the past few Lenten seasons. We tend to do things that are simple and service-oriented, and in that great Lenten tradition of sacrifice, we try to challenge ourselves by forgoing our weekly Eucharistic meal at Chipotle in favor of a simple (read 'cheap') meal in someone's home.

So it's no surprise that the idea which came out of our team planning session for Lent takes all of these small traditions and expand them a bit: we'll be giving up church as we know it for Lent. Every Sunday through Easter, we'll be meeting with our friends at New Hope Fellowship, a church oriented toward homeless people. We'll be there to learn from them and their practices, and to serve them in whatever way we can. It's something we're very excited about.

Now if you're reading this and are a bit nervous or uncertain, or feel as though you'll be pushed out of your comfort zone, then welcome to Lent! But if you're worried that visiting a church like this might be awkward, then fear not: the people of New Hope are among the most hospitable and welcoming on the planet. You'll be greeted like an old friend, and compelled to stay after the worship service for lunch-- something they do each week.

So come one and all, and as you do, please remember two things:

Time. New Hope starts their service promptly at 10:50am. Factor that later start with the happy news that Daylight Savings Time starts this week, and you should make it right on time.

Parking. New Hope meets in a community center which has very limited parking. So if we could park at the ballfields just north of there, we won't cramp their style too much.

Hope to see you soon, and with best wishes for a significant Lenten season,
Mike Stavlund

Labels: lent, New Hope