Dear Lenten Pilgrims,

My friend Rev. Jan Richardson is one of the coolest clergy colleagues I know. She is a United Methodist minister, an internationally regarded artist, and the director of The Wellspring Studio, LLC, in Winter Park, Florida. Her artwork has been called “breathtaking” by The Chicago Tribune and is featured in numerous published collections. She is also an amazing speaker and retreat leader.

One of my favorite pieces by Jan is called “And the Table Will be Wide.”  I knew that at some point during our Lenten worship series “Meeting Jesus at the Table,” I wanted to share it with you.

Take a look at the image. What parts capture your attention? What does this piece tell you about who God is, and about our relationships with each other and with God?

It is a dinner table, with an unmistakable reference to holy communion. But notice that the table is round, not rectangular, like most communion tables, or the iconic table in Davinci’s The Last Supper. The legend of King Arthur contained a round table because it was believed at that time to represent the earth, in which people from all walks of life were welcome and present.

So, in Jan’s image, there is a wide diversity of people, each with a seat at the table. (Including a cat!)

As we prepare for the next stop in our Lenten journey this Sunday, which will include an invitation to the communion table, I invite you to ponder the image, along with Jan’s powerful accompanying poem.

 

And the Table Will Be Wide

A Blessing for World Communion Sunday

by Jan Richardson

And the table

will be wide.

And the welcome

will be wide.

And the arms

will open wide

to gather us in.

And our hearts

will open wide

to receive.

And we will come

as children who trust

there is enough.

And we will come

unhindered and free.

And our aching

will be met

with bread.

And our sorrow

will be met

with wine.

And we will open our hands

to the feast

without shame.

And we will turn

toward each other

without fear.

And we will give up

our appetite

for despair.

And we will taste

and know

of delight.

And we will become bread

for a hungering world.

And we will become drink

for those who thirst.

And the blessed

will become the blessing.

And everywhere

will be the feast.

Blessings on your Lenten journey, and see you Sunday! There is a place for you (and everyone) at the table!

Magrey

 

Did you know that there are probably other people who attend Hyde Park that live near you? We want to help everyone connect during the month of March! Connect across neighborhoods where people from Hyde Park United Methodist will gather with each other over food and conversation. Will you host? When will you attend? Learn more and sign up today!