Sunday suppers

I haven't been feeling super inspired to write lately, so I figured today I would just let you in on what's been consuming my thoughts/plans/decision making lately.

Let me harken back to several years ago, when I first stumbled upon my favorite book series. In the first book, "Madame Chic" and "Madame Bohemienne" each host at least one dinner party every week. I loved this idea, so for the last two or so years I have hosted a couple of different friends about once a month for a casual dinner party.

However, in my recent readings on Christian hospitality, I've been convicted that hosting French-style dinner parties is not the same as having a hospitable heart and, therefore, an open home. Jesus's example to us was much more broad and everyday. So...

A few weeks ago, we began what we've dubbed "Sunday suppers": since we don't have church on Sunday evenings, we are offering a meal to anyone who wants to come and enjoy some fellowship. And by anyone, we really mean anyone. We would love to have the sort of community with one another that you read about in the New Testament, but this meal isn't limited to Christians.

Jake and I have both been feeling a lack of deep, meaningful relationships lately. It seems there are so many relationships which are superficial, lacking the sisterhood/brotherhood bond we'd love to share. As introverts, it's pretty difficult for either of us to initiate specific relationships. What we do have, however, is our home. And food. And an enjoyment of sharing both with others.

My meal planning sessions include leftovers for when we make a lot of food on a Sunday but don't have a lot of visitors. My grocery list includes hopefully more than enough, because I've never cooked for a big crowd before. I've been on the lookout for more comfortable dining chairs to encourage people to linger at the table - and lo and behold, I found three gorgeous black cane back chairs at the Habitat ReStore the other day. There wasn't a fourth; however, there was a wooden, armed cane back chair placed near them. So I snatched those puppies up and brought them home to beg Jake to help me redo them :) In white, of course. With drop cloth covering the seat cushions.

So far, all the Sunday suppers have been small affairs. Which has been an enjoyable and non-threatening way to begin opening our home on a regular basis. We dream of this becoming big, and having a regular community entering our home on a weekly basis. Doesn't it feel like life is too segmented today? Everyone is so busy, it's like we've isolated ourselves from other people (in real life anyway). We want to bring back neighborliness and sharing everything we have with those around us.

What do you think - would you come to one of our Sunday suppers? (if you're truly interested, we have food enough to share every Sunday evening at 6 pm, no exceptions) Have you ever hosted others in your home regularly, maybe even for a meal? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!