A PLACE AT THE TABLE

The theme for our Lenten devotions is inspired by a hymn of the same name in the Renewing Worship Songbook.  It begins like this:

For everyone born, a place at the table;
For everyone born, clean water and bread;
A shelter, a space, a safe place for growing;
For everyone born, a star overhead.

And God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy.
Yes, God will delight when we are creators of justice
¼ justice and joy.  

As you read these devotions, you will see that God makes room at his table for all kinds of people, unworthy though they are of God’s generosity.  All kinds of sinners are invited to the table, including (and maybe especially) those held in low esteem by society because of age, race, color, creed, occupation, income, or gender.  In every case, God says, “Do not send them away.  Give them something to eat.”

Give them something to eat.  You out there, you Christians ¼ YES, YOU ¼ give them something to eat.  If they are physically hungry, make some stew.  If they are emotionally hungry, hold their hands.  If they are spiritually hungry, tell them “God loves you, and so do I.”  Speak up for those who cannot speak and defend the rights of those who cannot defend themselves.

And God will delight when we are creators of justice ¼ justice and joy.

Thanks to Marcia Werts for editing, to Mark Yeskie for Internet management, to Lori East for cover design, to Pastor Tom Hallstrom for text selection, to Debbie Stephens for administrative support, to Lotus Gerards for extending the outreach of this booklet, and to many others who have helped along the way.  My special thanks to all the writers, most of whom are operating outside their comfort zone.  God loves you, and so do I.

Dallas Cronk, coordinator