Lewisburg parish builds community through food

St. Andrew's Open Table program opens doors through fellowship.

Jesus was known for breaking bread with people from all walks of life, in all kinds of circumstances. The Open Table program at St. Andrew’s seeks to honor that example by offering a free community meal from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month.  St. Andrew's Episcopal Church is very active in its outreach, therefore we knew we wanted to reach out to folks who may have financial hardship or others who just wish to come and eat and visit. There is always a need in any community to fulfill these needs and we have a fabulous space and a very giving church and wonderful cooks.

Since we first extended an invitation to the community in December, 2006, Open Table has evolved into a truly collaborative parish event, with many people providing wonderful desserts, breads, and salads to complement the main dishes for the meal, and many providing hospitality to our guests.  We pride ourselves in serving fresh fruit and salad purchased locally and all contributions are homemade. We also do not repeat a menu within the year. We estimate that parishioners have provided an equivalent of $800 per year of in-kind donations, not counting the donation of time and assistance. We have also been blessed  to receive Operation Understanding Grants, which have provided us the funds to purchase the “main dish” and necessities.

An average of 50-60 people have attended the dinners each month, including servers and helpers. We never lack for volunteer help on the night of an Open Table. Everyone seems to have a task and we all work in unison. Even more important than the food is the fellowship and friendship that these meals help to promote—a chance to make a personal connection over a meal. We feel this atmosphere of smiles reflect onto our guests. We see relationships develop, laughter is bountiful, and sadness felt on the passing of a guest.