August 1 - “Passover” - Exodus 12:1-14
This night was to be different from all other nights. God Himself would “pass over” and redeem every household from judgment over which was spread the blood of the lamb. Passover is about memory. Each year families gather to remember, to tell the story that is as dramatic and profound as it was the first time it was told. The story is taught to children, so that they will remember and tell their children. The story is told so that all who hear will remember what God did for His children when they were slaves in the land of Egypt. In gathering closely around the table, God forms community through the traditions of Passover and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. It is here that we experience community and table fellowship. Come, gather around the table to tell and hear the stories, to remember where we have been on our journeys and where we are going.

August 8 - “The Lord’s Supper” - Matthew 26:17-31, Jeremiah 31:31-34
Jesus’ death cannot and should never be overlooked, or de-emphasized, but it is His LIFE that is being offered at the table---the life that rushes out of that cup like a spring of living water. It is God’s promise from before time and forever, spelled out in flesh and blood---HIS flesh and blood. It is the new covenant and the last one---new because it is offered to us fresh and anew each day; and last because there is nothing more---nothing more that God could ever do or say. This is as close as God can get: sharing His blood with us to make us His kin, his blood brothers and sisters. By sharing His blood with us, God makes an indissoluble union, friend to friend, brother to brother together forever no matter what!

August 15 - “The Great Banquet” - Luke 14:15-24
According to Jesus, the kingdom is a wonderful party---a glorious feast. But remember, the invitation list to this party is not an exclusive one---quite literally everyone is invited, because God loves us all with a fierce and eternal love, and God wants very much for all of us to be a part of His holy family. When Jesus returns and this great party breaks out---we will all be there together to enjoy the fellowship of Jesus Christ Himself, but also the fellowship of all the people at the banquet. Heaven is going to be much more diverse than many people think! And remember this: The church is not a museum for saints; it’s a hospital for sinners, it’s a place of redemption, hope and healing for sinners.