Pagham United Reformed Church
The Dinner Service
Our first ‘The Dinner Service’ a new way of being Church was held: At 11. 45am. On 29th April 2018
Our first ever The Dinner Service, forming an integral part of our Sunday morning Worship was held at Pagham United Reformed Church on 29th April. It was led by our Minister, the Rev Bruce Allinson who planned it with much thought and reverence to ensure that everyone present was involved as we broke bread and ate together.
In a warm friendly-orientated atmosphere we prayed in unison, enjoyed a delicious dinner, ate scrumptious pudding and participated in good conversation with each other. We sang ‘Abba Father’ and ‘Bind us together’ from the new to us ‘Songs of Fellowship’ book 1and 2. Prayers and scripture were shared throughout our meal to prepare us in mind and body for the week ahead and beyond. The Bible reading from 1 Kings, Chapter 19 verses 1 to 18 was delivered by Bruce in his usual articulated style that could be heard and understood by everyone at the table. Our church dinner service followed the ancient practices of gathering at the table, God’s table, where all were welcome with a strong emphasis that there was no division in our Church between rich and poor, male or female, culture or lifestyle. We are all blessed in our faith and love of God and each other, that is what counts. The elements of our usual communion, bread and wine, played a significant part in our special Agape church dinner worship. It was an unique and wonderful first dinner service at our Pagham Church which was very much enjoyed and appreciated by all those who were able to join us. We ended the worship by saying ‘Grace’ together.
The two set places on the table which remained empty, throughout the meal, was a reminder that:
In a warm friendly-orientated atmosphere we prayed in unison, enjoyed a delicious dinner, ate scrumptious pudding and participated in good conversation with each other. We sang ‘Abba Father’ and ‘Bind us together’ from the new to us ‘Songs of Fellowship’ book 1and 2. Prayers and scripture were shared throughout our meal to prepare us in mind and body for the week ahead and beyond. The Bible reading from 1 Kings, Chapter 19 verses 1 to 18 was delivered by Bruce in his usual articulated style that could be heard and understood by everyone at the table. Our church dinner service followed the ancient practices of gathering at the table, God’s table, where all were welcome with a strong emphasis that there was no division in our Church between rich and poor, male or female, culture or lifestyle. We are all blessed in our faith and love of God and each other, that is what counts. The elements of our usual communion, bread and wine, played a significant part in our special Agape church dinner worship. It was an unique and wonderful first dinner service at our Pagham Church which was very much enjoyed and appreciated by all those who were able to join us. We ended the worship by saying ‘Grace’ together.
The two set places on the table which remained empty, throughout the meal, was a reminder that:
at our next The Dinner Service
held at 11:45am on the 5th Sundays of the Month throughout the Year
held at 11:45am on the 5th Sundays of the Month throughout the Year
If you are worried about what to eat
bring a plate of food and share.
bring a plate of food and share.