What did you do?
Here at Pictou United our Worship Committee and our Christian Development and Faith Formation Committee met to consider how we might be part of the 100 Tables project. It was decided that in order to enhance and support our ministry with children and to continue our desire to allow children to experience a worship environment that is not only welcoming but appreciative of what they bring to our community of faith, we would purchase two children's size tables and stools that would be used outside when we our summer worship is in our Spirit Glen Garden, and inside when we are in the sanctuary. So our 100 Tables launch was held during our Intergenerational Worship Gathering on September 14 . Using the theme and invitation of "Welcome! Welcome! Welcomed!" we had in place our two "There is a Place for YOU at the Table" tables at the front of the sanctuary (up to this point we had a very small table at the rear of the sanctuary). We also added a bookshelf with not only "bible story" books, but books about kindness, compassion, diversity, respect, pride, and more. On the tables were colouring sheets with welcoming and affirming messages—with the books nearby for the using. Our minister Mary-Beth Moriarty crafted our worship in that "welcome" theme—we are welcomed and loved by God as we are, and in turn live out that expansive love as we extend our welcome to all. Young and not so young, we all have a place at the table. Our 100 Tables are places where our children can be before and during and after worship to sit and read or colour or just to be.
Later, in October, on the World Communion Sunday we held an Intergenerational Worship Celebration using the theme: "there is a place at the table for you." Inspired by your take on the Da Vinci Last Supper artwork, we did our "best supper" photo. So prior to the sharing at table, the congregation was invited to gather at the table for a photo celebrating that there is indeed a place for ALL!
