This last Sunday, Mt. Calvary welcomed about 50 folks to a Potluck. At a Potluck each person or family brings a dish. The dish can be an appetizer, bread, entree, or - most likely - desert. There is a fine line between the famous and the infamous as far as Potlucks go. Lutherans are notorious for putting anything in green jello and bringing it to a potluck.
Clara and I had a friend from college who got married last winter. While in California over Christmas Break, we helped her and her husband move into their new condo. One box contained about a dozen cookbooks from the members of the Lutheran congregation she had grown up in. The cookbooks all contained dishes once brought to Potlucks. We spent about an hour reading through the cookbooks. They were clearly full of treasured memories, inside jokes, and proud accomplishments. After reflecting for a bit, we asked ourselves, “Why don't people do this anymore?”
It is true that Americans do Potlucks less. The book Bowling Alone is a landmark work in sociology. Bowling Alone chronicles the slow rise and steep fall of neighborly life in the United States. For example, in 1975 the average American had non-family members over for dinner 16 times a year. By 2000, this number had fallen to 8. It's not hard to imagine it being much lower as we approach the year 2025. While things were not perfect 'back in the day,' Bowling Alone puts numbers to what many of us are feeling acute loneliness.
This is all surprisingly relevant to the person and ministry of Jesus. How many times do the Gospels record Jesus eating with people? Meals create conversations that create relationships, and it is through relationships that the Gospel is shared. The Gospel is the good news that Jesus has brought you graciously to the table of God despite anything you have done or not done. All we do is believe it. Sure, some will reject the Gospel, but the Gospel cannot be shared without a positive relationship and conversation. Ultimately, what is heaven besides a potluck! -- a feast in friendship with others and fellowship with God.
First, let me thank you for the wonderful dishes you brought to the potluck last Sunday. It was a joy and an honor to share food and life with you.
Second, you are invited to an open house at the parsonage on Friday, October 14th between 4pm and 7pm. Please come for the full time, or just pop in and say hi! This invitation will also be going out to our neighbors and those who helped with the remodel.
Finally, we are grateful to receive some neighborly assistance from our sister congregation Christ Church Lutheran this Sunday. A work crew will be coming to Mt. Calvary in the afternoon to address some of the plumbing and electrical issues in the kitchen (so we can have more Potlucks.) There will also be an effort to clean up and freshen up the church lounge. Please stick around and lend a hand if you are able.
See you this Sunday for worship.
In Jesus Service,
Pastor Kurt