Come to the Table

One of my favorite things I get to do as the Program Coordinator at Interyear is hosting events! We have two events a month, and I get to help shape what those look like and feel like. My favorite event we’ve had was a Fellows Alumni reunion last September. We set up three 6-foot tables and shared a meal together. It was a beautiful time of connecting, sharing stories, and meeting with those who had all been a Fellow (or married a Fellow!). 

A commonly referred to image that really stands out to me is The Table. This is a key image used to describe how we can connect with God and other believers. The idea of sharing a meal with Jesus and other believers is an idea that is comforting. Sitting down for a meal with loved ones and friends, knowing you can come as you are and be known and loved - it changes things in us that other things can’t. Not only are we all seated at the same table as each other, but Jesus is at the table with us too. He sees the need for fellowship around a meal - choosing to sit with us instead of stand over us. Everyone is invited to be a part of the community that gathers at the table with God. 

That’s one of my favorite things about Interyear Fellowship. This is a place for anyone. This is a place where we invite people to bring their whole self to the table. The good, the bad, the broken, the beautiful – all that makes them who they are. We can offer this invitation because it was first offered to us by Christ himself.  

While there are limited spots in our program, there is always more room at our table. The Interyear community stretches out further than only Fellows, and that’s how we like it. We want our events and Open Houses to be gateways for a community to form with and around our Fellows. We want to have a longer table - a table where all are welcomed in. 

You are allowed to bring your full self to the table - there is room for all of you here. You don’t have to shrink or hide the parts of yourself you aren’t proud of. This community will meet you with grace and love and care. You will be comforted and known. Don’t hide - don’t shrink. You can step out into the light here. 

All of who you are is welcome at our table: the pain, the heartache, the joy, the relief. All of the things that describe and explain where you’re at in this season of life is welcome here. Our table is founded on love, rooted in grace, and only possible because of the way God has already welcomed us to God’s table.