Communion of a Different Kind

In the Austin American Statesman last week, there was an article[1] titled “Wedges, in hopes of lifting wedges between people,” about how the message of Peace through Pie is spreading.  Two ladies started with an idea that has connected several churches here in our area, and these pie socials are now being organized in at least five other states.

Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church, St. James Episcopal Church, Trinity United Methodist Church, Multicultural Refugee Coalition Community Center, and several Foundation Communities apartments are hosting these pie socials with “peace in mind.” Luanne Stovall, one of the organizers, is quoted in the Statesman as saying, “You can be rich, poor, black, white, any age, any ethnicity, but you can come to the table and share the pie and the communion of the table.” Even several area high schools got in on the event this year.

What can your church do to join with other churches and organizations nearby to promote unity, offering communion of a different kind?  New Hope Community in Round Rock hosts “Savory Sunday Nights” where an inspirational movie or documentary is shown, and light snacks are served, all to build community. There are parent/child Valentine’s dances coming up at local YMCA’s.  Alpha groups are beginning soon in many churches across our city.

Whatever we can do to bring people to the table, involve them in a relaxing event, or offer them a safe place to talk, we can offer communion from the body of Christ to those who live near us.  After all, Jesus too broke bread and shared it with his friends, and told us to do the same.   It doesn’t have to be a small plastic cup and a tiny cracker – it can be a pie that’s cut into pieces and shared – it can be anything at all that He places in our hands to give, as we remember His love for us and offer it to others!