Each month we gather around many tables here at Payson Park Church.  We gather at Coffee Hour, for committee meetings, and in the classrooms of God’s Garden.  We gather, too, around that small table in the parlor to knit or to study the bible or another book or simply to talk personally.  In large and small groups we meet and talk, and at these gatherings we not only discuss our “business” concerns but also our most personal lives.  No matter how or when we share here at Payson Park Church, it is always with care and as members of a community of faith, striving, as we proclaim, to “walk in the ways of Jesus.” 

It is with this ultimate purpose in mind we recognize the central table of our lives: the table set before us as we celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion.  Each month on the first Sunday we come as disciples to sit as if with Christ, that meal and its message a transformational presence in our lives. What a blessing it is to gather this way!  What unconditional love and acceptance we find there!  Through Communion we celebrate our unity with God and one another, as well as with other Christians around the world.  In prayer and contemplation we are joined with the One who calls us to live with hope for peace and healing, offering us a chance to recommit ourselves to be vital members of  “the living body of Christ.”  What a wonderful privilege!  

With this sense of gratitude we move through these winter months together.  After sharing a festive meal at our Annual Meeting, we now begin a new year's work together, our new slate of officers, committee chairs, and committee members approved.  May our thoughts and words always be inspired by the table set by Jesus:  the table of abiding love where we learn to call one another "brother" and "sister" as we see we are part of one great human family.  Thank you for gathering together so faithfully.  Thank you for being a part of Payson Park Church!

With love and gratitude from the Rev. Dr. Lael Atkinson