Flowing Forth UMC hosts 'open table' worship at Pal Joey's

Posted August 24, 2021 11:00 pm

Submitted by Al Benson

The Rev. Derek Rogers, Flowing Forth United Methodist Church pastor, celebrates communion at an "open table" worship service Aug. 22 evening at Pal Joey's Restaurant in Batavia. Courtesy of Al Benson

Inspired by Jesus' last supper with his disciples, Flowing Forth United Methodist Church held a first "open table" worship service over food at Pal Joey's Restaurant in Batavia. The informal service from 6 to 7:30 p.m. drew about 30 congregants. Appetizers were free but donations were accepted.

The Rev. Derek Rogers, Flowing Forth pastor, said "What if church was more like a dinner party? It's the way Jesus most frequently gathered together with people.

"It's the way the early church met together too. Over a meal, around a table. A meal shared around a table is a place of community, conversation, and grace.

"We believe this could be a way to reach people who might never step foot in a typical church gathering."

Pastor Rogers opened the service with a welcome to guests, personal reflections and celebration of communion.

After congregants sampled appetizers, Rev. Rogers distributed print copies of Jacopo Tintoretto's "Last Supper" painting. To foster table discussions, congregants were asked to indicate a person in the painting that they identify with. He closed the event with a benediction.

The open table was in addition to Flowing Forth's regular Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. at Aurora Christian Schools.

According to Pastor Rogers, Flowing Forth will hold another special service Sunday, Sept. 12, at Cool Acres Park, 500 Clearwater Drive (Rt. 25) in Aurora. At 10 a.m., worship will take place in the park pavilion with a picnic following. Worshippers should bring their own food.

Call (630) 239-2321 or visit flowingforthumc.org for more information.

Leslie and Wayne Frieders of Sugar Grove, from left, chat with Mona and Joe Middleton, Aurora, during Flowing Forth's "open table" worship Aug. 22 at Pal Joey's Restaurant in Batavia. Courtesy of Al Benson

Flowing Forth United Methodist Church congregants review print copies of Jacopo Tintoretto's "Last Supper" painting at an "open table" service Aug. 22. For table discussions, Rev. Derek Rogers, right, asked congregants to indicate a painted person that they identify with. Courtesy of Al Benson

Rev. Derek Rogers, standing, Flowing Forth United Methodist Church pastor, dispenses communion bread to Louise Hari of Montgomery, left, and Tom Carter, Aurora, at an "open table" service Aug. 22 at Pal Joey's Restaurant in Batavia. Courtesy of Al Benson

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