Breaking Bread for the Journey
Pastor Joanie
Day 5 – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Strength: Breaking Bread for the Journey
Acts 27:33-36
Just before daybreak, Paul urged all of them to take some food, saying, ‘Today is the fourteenth day that you have been in suspense and remaining without food, having eaten nothing. Therefore I urge you to take some food, for it will help you survive; for none of you will lose a hair from your heads.’ After he had said this, he took bread; and giving thanks to God in the presence of all, he broke it and began to eat. Then all of them were encouraged and took food for themselves.
Reflection
Paul’s invitation to eat is an exhortation to those in the boat to strengthen themselves for what lies ahead. This taking of bread marks a change of attitude, as those in the boat move from despair to courage. In a similar way the Eucharist or Lord’s Supper provides us with food for the journey and re-orientates us to life in God. We are made strong. The breaking of the bread – at the core of Christian community life and worship – builds us up as we commit ourselves to Christian service. We long for the day when all Christians will be able to share at the same table of the Lord’s Supper and draw strength from one bread and one cup.
Prayer
Loving God,
your Son Jesus Christ broke bread
and shared the cup with his friends on the eve of his passion.
May we grow together in closer communion.
Following the example of Paul and the early Christians,
give us strength to build bridges of compassion, solidarity and harmony.
In the power of the Holy Spirit,
we ask this in the name of your Son,
who gives his life that we might live. Amen.
Miss Sunday’s Message?
Read or listen to Pastor Jason’s message: Can We Talk? The Power of Words
This Week at Hood…
Tuesday, January 28 – 9:00am – 2:00 pm – Volunteering at DUMA Food Pantry (319 E. Broad St, Dunn)
Wednesday, January 29 – 1:30 pm – Prayer & Inspiration
Wednesday, January 29 – 6:30 pm – Choir Practice
Thursday, January 30 – 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Pastor Jason at Inspirational Grounds for Drop-In Coffee & Conversation
Thursday, January 30 – 3:00 pm – Ladles of Love Meal Preparation & Delivery
Saturday, February 1 – 8:00 am – Leadership Launch 2020 in Wilson, NC
Sunday, February 2 – 9:00 am – Men’s Breakfast at Cracker Barell
Sunday, February 2 – 10:00 am – Sunday Morning Small Group
Sunday, February 2 – 11:00 am – Worship – Sermon: “Can We Talk? Communication or Conversation?”
Coming Events…
Saturday, February 1 – 9:00 am – 1:00 pm – Leadership Launch 2020, at the Regional Office (Fellowship Hall) in Wilson, NC
Tuesday, February 4 – 6:30 pm – DWM (Disciples Women) meeting in the Fellowship Hall
Friday, February 7 – 6:00 pm – Valentine’s Pizza Party @ Pizza Inn (VBS style)–invite a neighbor and join us for pizza, singing, dancing, and learning about God’s love