AVB, that it is. (In my mind’s eye, I can see you smiling from start to finish; next time you’re Stateside, include Chicago on your itinerary and we’ll go.)

As promised here’s the link to “Dog Days,” today’s Straight-Friendly post based on Yvette Flunder’s sermon:

http://straight-friendly.blogspot.com/2010/01/dog-days.html

Hi Tim

Thank you for your warmth and positive regard – much appreciated. I’m hoping this discussion has not been “aggressive” in the sense of being bullish? I prefer to think of it as ‘vigorous’, and hopefully that’s been OK with you? 🙂 I like to really discuss things as a way of learning but not if it causes offence.

Ann Maree, what a love you are! And in the God-is-truly-amazing vein, I’m so grateful that He guided you into a field where you could find help for yourself while offering help to others. That’s often His way and keeps His principle that what we give comes back to us in manifold measure.

Thanks for that, Tim. 😀 😀 😀 Of course, the fact that I’m being helped in the area of mental health could be interpreted by some that I’m a little mentally imbalanced!! 😉 However, I’m sure that in your spirit of generosity, that’s not at all what you meant. 🙂 🙂 🙂 😉 And yes, it is true God helps and guides me and brings the people, lessons, clients – my greatest teachers – across my path as needed. And the timing is always amazing. It’s wonderful how when we’re really following our heart’s desires, things flow and fall into place and the universe moves to support us. Knowing that makes me feel joyful and glad. 🙂

Your church does sound fascinating, a rich mixture of traditions, culture, free worship and healing. At my old church, the services used to extend sometimes to 3 hours also and no one minded. We were all so caught up in what was happening. I still have happy memories of those times.

Hope you’re enjoying the tennis.

Blessings,

Ann Maree

That sounds nice Meg. We were lucky enough to have mauritian, indian, malaysian, polynesian and south african influences and sometimes used to have curry nights. That was divine! Everyone would bring their favourite curry to share. I do love a hot curry and they were really good cooks too.

Ann Maree

Hi Tim,

The “Breaking Bread” informal dining fellowship really resonates with me 🙂 I can remember when I was attending church the most memorable times were not necessarily in corporate worship, but the informal fellowship with other christians over a meal. A friend always used to encourage me to invite other people over for dinner on a regular basis, as it enabled a much deeper appreciation and connection with that person/s. Sometimes the church atmosphere was just a bit too formal for really getting to know other people, particularly if the services were held at night and the weather was unfavourable 🙁 I definately think this type of fellowship must be an integral part of any church’s liturgy and their broader communion program.

Mobileguy, the intimacy and freedom that occur around a table are very real. And I can’t agree with you more–they’re essential for believers of every communion. My parents were very big on this idea and taught us the value of making room at our table for anyone and everyone–not just those in need of a decent meal, but anyone in need of companionship and community.

When I was growing up, there was this famous print of an old man seated alone at a table, blessing his meager meal. The original painting was called “Grace” and a lot of Christians we knew had it framed and hanging in their dining rooms. My dad always said it was the saddest picture he’d ever seen because the old man was eating alone. The picture also featured a book and a set of eyeglasses he’d set aside, which led Dad to think he was probably a wise old man with plenty to share. “Who’s being blessed by his eating by himself?” he asked.

That’s stuck with me to this day. Now I attend a church that’s a big advocate of integrating eating and worship. In fact our midweek study begins with a common dinner and naturally segues into discussion. It’s a tremendous blessing. And sometimes as I look at the big diversity gathered around the collective tables, I think of the lonely old man and understand completely what my dad was talking about!

BTW, here’s the painting I refer to: