PASTOR DAVE’S MUSINGS FROM THE HEARTLAND

March 2, 2025

BREAKING BREAD

                An essential ingredient of Jesus’ earthly ministry was breaking bread together.  In Matthew (Matthew 14:13-21), we read about the feeding of the 5,000 when a boy shares his five loaves of bread and two fish.  When Jesus and his disciples are attending a wedding in Cana (John 2:1-12), Jesus turns water into wine during the banquet.  Jesus instituted Holy Communion when He and his disciples were observing a Passover meal (Matthew 26:17-20).  Jesus was criticized for eating with sinners and tax collectors (Matthew 9:10-17).

Diane and I attend the Plymouth First United Methodist church.  The church has at least three ministries and one activity that involves the breaking of bread. Like most churches, First Church has a funeral dinner committee.  When I was pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in Kendallville, Indiana, cheesy potatoes were a staple at funeral dinners.  Breaking of bread is a way of showing physical support for those experiencing loss.

First church also has a casserole committee. They take food to persons who are going through difficult times, primarily illness.  The day after I got out of the hospital, a member brought a meal to show concern and support.

A ministry of First UMC that has grown is a free community meal the last Wednesday of the month.  It is available to anyone in the community.   During these hard times many find that their resources are running out the end of the month.  A meal for every member of the family can be a real blessing.  Because of construction in the basement of our educational building, the committee is only able to offer carry-outs at the present.

The final Sunday of every month is cookie Sunday at First UMC.  They are served following the worship service with punch.  Mine often make it to Sunday school where I have them with coffee.  For some time First UMC held their worship service at First UCC because we were unable to use our own sanctuary.  While we were there, we were invited to First UCC’s monthly carry-in dinner. It was a time for the two congregations to get to know each other.

Breaking bread together is also an important part of family bonding.  At Thanksgiving and Christmas our house, which more than adequately serves our needs, is overflowing with family who have come to celebrate the holidays.   As the grandchildren have gotten older and bigger we have had to find creative ways to seat everyone.  One of my fond memories of growing up was celebrating holidays with my cousins who lived in Beaver, Pennsylvania.  I have a picture of all the cousins gathered for such an occasion.

For many years when one thought of the art of cooking a name that quickly came to mind was Julia Child.  Child wrote, “Dining with one’s friends and beloved family is certainly one of life’s primal and most innocent delights.  One that is soul-satisfying and eternal.”  These words might well describe early Christian communities.  “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.  They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.  And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:46-47).”

Breaking bread together is one of those simple pleasures that can bring enormous rewards.

(Comments may be sent to davidh15503@embarqmail.com.)