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When you think about where you live, what attract you there? A vibrant culture? Local parks and eateries? School districts? Friendly neighbors? Employment?

Whatever your reasoning, where you live has become ‘home’ typically because of the community you’ve created there.

Without communities, we would live very isolated lives with minimal to no contact outside of our immediate social circle. Getting outside of our close-knit group, and meeting new people is an essential part of cultivating a fulfilled life. It allows us to support one another, interact, share experiences our joys, our burdens, our struggles, and our victories. Having this open bond with others is what builds valuable lifelong relationships and gives us a deeper sense of belonging.

Communities are also rich in resources. Your strengths may be someone else’s weaknesses and vice versa. With the diversity of skills, common goals can be achieved that much faster.

“You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do great things!” -Mother Teresa

When you think about the community you want to build or be a part of what comes to mind?

We understand the importance of community, yet so many of us tend to feel disconnected. In an age of technology you can enter the virtual world of online social media, email, and chat to connect instead of face to face, but as we recently discussed there is an immense amount of benefits when we do not neglect meeting together over a shared interest, activity, sports team, food, etc. We have to be careful to not let technology replace the local, physical connection.

In what ways do you want to see your community thrive? If being a part of a strong healthy community is important to you- come visit us at our next event Saturday, September 25^th from 12pm to 2pm at 611 Vitality Drive Fortville, IN 46040.

The Mercy Table is dedicated to community engagement where FUN is had, FOOD is shared, and FRIENDSHIPS made.

There is always a seat waiting for you at The Mercy Table.

We hope to see you there!

Cites: https://healthoholics.com/theimportance-of-community/

Join us for a fun fall filled day!

Saturday, September 25th 12pm – 2pm 611 Vitality Drive, Fortville

There is always a seat for you at The Mercy Table

There are so many positive aspects to being part of a group or community, (Hebrews 10:24-25). Providing unique opportunities for people to learn from each other and give support and encouragement are an invaluable part of joining forces with our peers:

• SUPPORT Being part of a community enables us to give support to other members. Being supportive of others will help them to feel good and better about themselves. With so much stress in the busy world we live in, there’s never been a more important time to love people through the before their storm, in their storm, and when coming out of the storm, (Hebrews 13:16, Philippians 2:4).

• INFLUENCE With community participation comes empowerment. When people feel empowered, they feel a sense of control enabling them to influence positive change. It is about making a difference to a group that matters to its members, (Psalm 111:10, Psalm 34:4, Ephesians 5:1-2))

• SHARING stimulates innovation and growth. Ideas breed new ideas, (Hebrews 4:12) Apart from having personal benefits of gaining knowledge and insight, sharing also contributes to the community’s greater worth, (Romans 12:13, Luke 6:38).

• REINFORCEMENT can be an effective learning tool a renewing of a mind and transformation of a heart that encourages and provides motivation. A strong community will go beyond the immediate, basic needs, and ensure that fulfillment is a positive experience. By doing so, it builds positive reinforcement for an enjoyable sense of togetherness, (Colossians 3:12-14).

• CONNECTION An open bond with new connections is what builds valuable relationships and gives us a deeper sense of belonging. It helps us to reach our goals and brings a sense of security, (Proverbs 18:24, Proverbs 17:17).

• LEARNING/RESOURCES Communities are rich in resources. Having knowledge is a unique resource and through its use, it increases in value, (Learning- Psalm 32:8, Philippians 4:9 and Resources -1 Peter 4:10-11, 2 Corinthians 9:10-11).

• PASSION Having an outlet for passions gives people the opportunity to share a subject they’re passionate about. This helps to spread confidence and encouragement to create new things that they can share with others, (Galatians 4:24, Colossians 3:23, 1 Corinthians 10:31).

Our strengths may be someone else’s weaknesses

Being part of a shared space gives people the chance to be inspired, solve problems, share humor, share burdens, share joy, and share their achievements, (Psalm 55:22).  People who stay within a community are the ones that agree passionately with its values and with these shared beliefs, trust and togetherness, there’s no limit to what they can do for their community. Bringing together like-minded people who are headed for the same goal undoubtedly, nurtures a rewarding and engaging community, (Philippians 2:2).

Join our engaging community.

Our engaging community is where FUN is had, FOOD is shared, and FRIENDSHIPS are made. Our members PLAY together, PRAY together, and SERVE together.

The word community is, without question, central to human experience, (Romans 15:7). Communities play an important role in every aspect of our lives. We have communities in our friends, our families, our employment, our neighborhoods, and in so many other places. We find community in the sports teams we support, the artists we enjoy, even the food we like. A community embraces spirit and character and is a vital element of a healthy community.

Having a sense of community unites us. It is a feeling that people within the community matter to one another with a shared faith that their needs will be met through commitment and togetherness,). Being a part of a community can make us feel as though we are a part of something greater than ourselves, (Psalm 133:1). Being part of an engaging community gives us a sense of belonging, (Galatians 3:28) It enables us to share personal relatedness and support perpetual growth of each other, ourselves, and our environment, (Galatians 6:10). It can give us opportunities to connect with people, to reach for our goals, and makes us feel safe and secure, (Psalm 91:1-2, Psalm 46:1)

It’s important for every person to have a sense of community. A strong community can greatly benefit individuals and families in a variety of ways. In an age where technology both connects us and separates us, a local community can greatly benefit our well-being and can increase our contentment in day-to-day life. As we get older, it can sometimes get harder to connect with the people around us. But, that connection will ultimately ease stress and feelings of loneliness, (1 Corinthians 12:12).

What makes a community strong is its solidarity toward a common goal. Big or small, a community can provide countless opportunities for growth and experience, (1 Peter 3:8)

With a community of people looking out for your best interests and working together for a common goal, there is no shortage of opportunities to strive for something greater than yourself. A strong community can give the support you need for success.

A strong community provides an environment of safety and security, (Psalm 91:4) You should feel secure within your community. You should feel a peace-of-mind and feel safe. No place is perfect, but you should always feel a sense of security when part of a strong healthy community. (Acts 2:46-47)

Cites: https://dunmorepa.gov/news/importance-strong-communities/ https://www.wellbeingpeople.com/2020/07/23/the-importance-of-an-engaging-community/

As of August 18, 2021, The Mercy Table has existed for 9 months, and we are constantly learning. Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. on December 18, 2020, we set up and set out to serve 200 Ham Christmas Dinner’s to our community as we gathered around the table together. As our time in history would have it we were encouraged not to gather. A direct disobedience to the very scripture text we are called to live by.

Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

At the same time and more importantly we are called to love. Luke 10:26-28 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”

So we honored what was asked of us and prepared to serve Christmas Dinner drive thru style. Our volunteers showed up early and ready with hearts of service. A few of the men volunteers adorned in bright yellow vest lined the parking lot to direct traffic with orange cones making a way for our guests. Men, women, and children volunteers were packing small trinkets and resource bags along with to go meals for the families we eagerly and expectantly awaited. The irony is that we had the workers in spades, and we looked like a well-oiled machine. We were ready and prepared to serve. How glorious it was to see people working together, how glorious the support we were given, how glorious it was that other organizations partnered with us for what we thought would be our grand opening.

Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!

Then 7:00 p.m. arrived and we waited, and waited, and waited some more for our first guest to arrive. When no one showed up one volunteer posted our event on social media and eventually a few stopped by. Another volunteer went to the people in the neighborhood and invited them to the banquet that was awaiting them and a few more showed.

Luke 12:21-24 ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’

This is the heart of The Mercy Table when we say, “Open to all, come as you are.” All are invited into a community of hope, all are invited to pull up a seat to The Mercy Table, all are invited to the banquet, where there is plenty of room.

We were quick to adjust for the benefit of our community and the decision to move the meal from Friday evening at 7:00 pm to Saturday afternoon at 12:00 pm began in January. That month we served a Venison Chili with Beans and all the fixings. Again, we had the workers in spades as one of the Rooted Bible study groups did their service project with The Mercy Table. We did have a great time of fellowship among volunteers getting to know each other much better and we dined at The Mercy Table together. A college student even took advantage of the opportunity for community service hours with us.

Our marketing was a little better for January as we discovered several social media cites for the Fortville and nearby communities to advertise and the kindness of many local businesses willing to post our flyers in their store fronts for customers to see. More than in December showed up to receive a meal drive thru style and again we went out and took the banquet to the people.

In February we partnered with another local organization in the community and waited to serve a meal alongside them on March 6, 2021. We served sausage and pancakes on a stick with coffee and hot chocolate. As we started to work with what was already happening in the area awareness of The Mercy Table began to increase, slowly, but steadily and it continues in the same manner today. However, some confusion in the message of who The Mercy Table is and what our mission is lurked in the shadows.

The Mercy Table was viewed as a source of food rescue in the midst of a pandemic as we were forced into serving drive thru meals rather than around a table together in community. Our vision has always been about re-engaging people in a safe place where hope and identity can be found in Jesus Christ with community. How we do that is our mission: The Mercy Table is where you can expect loving hospitality and authentic friendships, open to all, come as you are. We didn’t so clearly arrive at that conclusion until June or July of 2021. The food has always and continues to be the attraction, but the community and friendships we are building remain the star. The Mercy Table believes it takes a community to change lives.

Vision Statement: The Mercy Table re-engages people in a safe place where hope and identity can be found in Jesus Christ with community.

Mission Statement: The Mercy Table is where you can expect loving hospitality and authentic friendships, open to all, come as you are.

The drive thru meals continued through March and then finally we were allowed to invite people to a sit down gathering in April of 2021. We went all out with Kona Ice, outdoor games, Josie Beach of Polka Pop Balloon Stop – the works. Most people were from church and a few families were from outside the Fortville area. We called this a success. It was a fun time; not the turn out we hoped for, but we enjoyed ourselves. A lot of people weren’t ready to be in social gatherings. This time people knew we were there as we continued to take meals to the people.

At this point, we learned we could scale back on the food we were producing and reallocate some money to activities. We invested in board games. Sorry, Scrabble, Monopoly, Pop Up, Guess Who, Life, Clue, Hungry Hungry Hippo and more. We marketed on all kinds of social media, in several cities, with local businesses, word of mouth, etc. By this time we also figured out an inexpensive way to create marketing photos rather than flyers giving us 94.6% in savings. Without paying any “boost” marketing ads we reached over 3.5K likes and some shares. 35 to 40 people showed up to our June event – a fairly even mix of church people and not. As we said, there has been A LOT of learning. This was the first event that the delicious pulled pork, corn, and green bean meal was secondary to the community playing a board game together and getting to know one another. This is what The Mercy Table is about. This was a success!

We plan on continuing the success of making new friends around the table where some of the best memories are made with the communities we serve this August 28, 2021, at 12pm 611 Vitality Drive, Fortville as we bring back those board games, share a meal, and find out what we have in common with our new friends.

Ecclesiastes 4:10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

So why write all of this? When God gives you the wave to ride to put His love on display before others and for others ride the wave because you want to love people like He does, you want to show up like He does, you want to meet people where they are at like Jesus does, (Philippians 2:3-4). Because you are called to be salt and light in this dark world, (Matthew 5:13-16).

Please know there is always a seat for you at The Mercy Table.

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Join us at The Mercy Table where you can expect loving hospitality and authentic friendships, open to all, come as you are. Challenge someone to a game to a board game among new friends. It takes a healthy community to make new friends and change lives and what better way than over a meal shared together. Hope to see you at our next event. The Mercy Table is where you can expect loving hospitality and authentic friendships, open to all, come as you are.

The Mercy Table’s next event is Saturday, August 28th from 12pm to 2pm at 611 Vitality Drive Fortville, IN 46040.

There is always a seat for you at The Mercy Table.

The Mercy Table Mission Statement: The Mercy Table is where you can expect loving hospitality and authentic friendships, open to all, come as you are.

Hear the voice of love that’s calling

There’s a chair that waits for you

And a Friend who understands

Everything you’re going through

But you keep standing at a distance

In the shadow of your shame

There’s a light of hope that’s shining

Won’t you come and take your place

And bring it all to the table

There’s nothing He ain’t seen before

For all your fear, all your sorrow and your sadness

There’s a Savior and He calls

Bring it all to the table

He can see the weight you carry

The fears that hold your heart

But through the cross you’ve been forgiven

You’re accepted as you are

So bring it all to the table

There’s nothing He ain’t seen before

For all your trials, all your worries and your burdens

There’s a Savior and He calls

Bring it all to the table

Bring it all

You can bring it all

And come on in, take your place

There’s no one who’s turned away

All you sinners, all you saints

Come right in and find your grace

Come on in, take your place

There’s no one who’s turned away

All you sinners, all you saints

Come right in and find your grace

And bring it all to the table

There’s nothing He ain’t seen before

For all your sin, all your sorrow and your sadness

There’s a Savior and He calls

Bring it all to the table

https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/zachwilliams/tothetable.html

So come to the table, The Mercy Table where there is a seat waiting for you.

Kingdom Church

Tabletalk – Mercy For A Messy Table A Mouth Full of Words September 23

“Words are not simply sounds caused by air passing through our larynx. Words have real power. Words carry immeasurable significance: The universe was created with a word; Jesus healed and cast out demons with a word; rulers have risen and fallen by their words; Christians have worshiped through words of a song, confession, and preaching. Even in our technological age, politics, education, business, and relationships center on words. Since the tongue is such a power force for good or evil-we are wise to ask: What would homes, churches, schools, even the public square be like if we used words with mercy, intentionality, and eloquence? In a culture dominated by the abundance of text messages, tweets, and status updates, we are in desperate need to have a biblical understanding of the power of words. Those who are serious about raising up the next generation of kingdom leaders will take heed to the Bible-saturated wisdom of on a timely and often neglected subject.”

James 3:1-15 ESV

Taming the Tongue

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

Additional verses to help with taming the tongue and loving people with mercy and grace visit https://reformedwiki.com/verses/the-tongue