In the fall of 2019, a San Francisco couple named Medha and Vivek, recent MBA graduates from The Wharton School, developed an experience they call “Stories Over Meals.” Each month, they gather a group of individuals from varied backgrounds, identities and life experiences over a meal. At the meals, they always begin with a story prompt question. Previous prompts have included, “What would the current you tell the younger you?” and “How do you address your fears?” What story prompt would intrigue you at such a gathering?
Stories and Meals. It is an ancient pairing. In the Christian story, Jesus spent the last evening with the disciples celebrating the Seder meal. All the Gospels, with variations, tell the story of this meal, complete with warnings of betrayal and promises of divine presence in the breaking of bread.
We also remember that this “last supper” was itself an enactment of a more ancient meal, the Passover, which itself is rich with story. Toward the beginning of the meal, it is tradition, even now, for a child to ask the question, “Why is this night different from all other nights?” This query leads to the telling of the story of the Passover, and how the children of Israel were delivered from bondage. The storytelling includes even the food, as yeast-free (unleavened) bread is eaten to symbolize the haste with which God’s people were to begin their journey.
This is the storied background for the first sermon in the July series “And God said, ‘Let There Be Story.’” The sermon for this week, arising from Matthew 26: 17-30, is titled “Once Upon a Time: Once Upon a Meal.” The Gospel text will be read by Maria Schmidt. We will be led musically by the Chancel Choir, under the direction of Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Gabriel Fanelli. Stephanie and Patrick Conklin will sing At the Table of the Lord by Jay Althouse. We will, as always, have a moment for children. We will, appropriately, celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion together.
If this is your first time at St. Mark’s, or if you are a long-standing part of our community, we look forward to connecting with you at this service, which begins at 10:30 in the sanctuary. To join online, visit www.smumc.church and click on the Live Stream banner.