October Pastor’s Pen

“Parts Unknown with Anthony Bourdain” was a popular television travel and food documentary series hosted by the late Anthony Bourdain. The show, which aired from 2013 to 2018, followed Bourdain as he traveled the globe exploring different cultures, cuisines, and the human experience. Bourdain’s unique storytelling style combined culinary adventures with cultural immersion, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of various societies, their histories, and their food traditions. Bourdain often ventured off the beaten path, showcasing lesser-known destinations and engaging in authentic conversations with locals.

Bourdain once said, “Meals make the society, hold the fabric together in lots of ways that were charming and interesting and intoxicating to me. The perfect meal, or the best meals, occur in a context that frequently has very little to do with the food itself.”

As we continue our “Meals with Jesus” series in October, I want to encourage you to invite someone to share a meal with you or your family. Maybe invite someone to join you for lunch after Sunday worship and Bible study. Perhaps someone who is new to church or new to you. Maybe someone you’ve not connected with in a while.

Each week in this series, we’re sharing recipes from church members in our Wednesday email newsletter. Take one or two of those recipes, give them a try, and invite a neighbor or coworker over for dinner. Let’s use this month to be intentional about gathering at tables to share food, stories, and friendship.

Bourdain wisely stated, “You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together.” Jesus was a fan of meals, not for the food but for the community and conversation that occurred around the table, nurturing life-giving relationships with Christ and each other. May we learn to do the same as we break bread together. Now, pass the rolls …

Pastor Mel