I am known in my family for having issues with containers on the table. If someone wants milk or orange juice, the cartons stay on the counter and I use pitchers instead. No boxes of anything. Jelly jars are forbidden: a glass bowl and a spoon are called for. No tubs of dip. If I thought a soup tureen would keep soup hot, I would scour flea markets for one.
I love setting a beautiful table. To me, it enhances the festivity of a shared meal. But we all know the sight of a table piled with empty pizza boxes and cans of soda or beer, with everyone laughing all around, is just as beautiful to behold. The delight and joy of a feast, no matter the form, is the true grace of the moment.
And life is a banquet of feasts! I and guest writers will reflect on Bruce Springsteen, Firefly and Serenity, verses from scripture, poetry, works of justice and healing, instances of shalom, chocolate, marvels of science, Bach’s Unaccompanied Cello Suites, theological nuggets, great books for theological study, and more, all in connection with the joy that these things bring us as God’s good gifts. You’ll see posts about seminaries and their programs, faculty and the work they’re passionate about, COTE (Committee on Theological Education) members and why they are happy to serve, and the thrill of helping children to be open to the theological formation in them by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Because Christ is the grace of every joyful feast. No matter the form of a feast, it shapes us into community and deepens our rootedness in the world, our belonging. This blog will be composed of entries that draw our attention to what is delightful and beautiful, including ourselves, created by God on purpose, in God’s own image. The universe God has created – and is creating still – is a feast for the eyes, ears, heart, and mind. The more we attend to this feast of wonders, the more we are formed into theological understanding of who God is, what God is about, how much God delights in us, and how our responses of pleasure and thanksgiving help compose the building of Christ’s kingdom.
The joy of the Lord is our strength! (Nehemiah 8:10)
Michelle J. Bartel, Ph.D., serves as Coordinator of Theological Education and Seminary Relations for the ministry area of Theology, Worship, and Education in the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
