Devotional

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my blood of the[a] covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” -Mark 14:22-25 NIV

As I entered the doors of Arcola Church for the first time, the first thing that hit me when I walked in was the delicious smell of freshly baked bread. I thought to myself, ‘am I in a bakery or a church?’ Quickly, I found a seat, met some wonderful people and listened to one of the best sermons I’ve ever heard, but I did keep wondering ‘why was someone baking bread at the church?’ Then, the moment came and I figured it out—communion.

Pastor Chris Riedel served communion and the ‘body of Christ’ was not dry wafers or crackers or plain store bought bread, it was freshly baked, homemade, warm (yes, it was still warm) bread. Oh glory, hallelujah, praise Jesus! Not only that, but he invited all to the table of Jesus Christ—young, old, protestant, Catholic, anyone—my whole family was allowed to partake. That one little piece of homemade goodness (the body of Christ) made us all feel fed, warm and welcomed. Most of all it helped us feel part of a community. Moving forward, we ceased our church shopping after that first worship and have been part of Arcola Church since 2005.

Over the next few months/years, I learned more about the ‘body of Christ’ at Arcola Church and how it feeds many. The youth (teens) would come over to the worship center kitchen and enjoy the remains of the communion bread—sharing fellowship and enjoying being fed. Eventually, after the teen ‘vultures’ had attacked the bread, the crumbs were tossed outside to feed the birds (and the ‘blood of Christ’ grape juice was poured into the grass out back to nourish the earth).

Communion at Arcola Church became more than communion to me and my family—it helped us create community and bring joy and relationships into our own lives. More specifically, for my family, ‘breaking bread’ has meant reaching out to neighbors and friends, including: inviting people into our home for get-togethers, dinners or block parties (new people), preparing dinner for those who need care, taking walks with friends who need someone to listen, playing golf in charity golf tournaments, joining a Bible study group, volunteering at Little River Elementary, coaching basketball, soccer, flag football and lacrosse, helping with Vacation Bible School, being a Sunday school teacher, volunteering at the Dulles South Food Pantry and more. Jesus set the table for all of us. He put us first, gave us life and is always there to feed us. How are we feeding each other? How can we take ‘bread’ to feed others and develop community? What can we do to care and comfort? What can we do to pay it forward? For as Christians, we are called to serve and to be disciples of Jesus Christ. 

Prayer

Dear Loving God, thank You for feeding us when we are hungry. Help each of us shine Your light into the world. May we live each day honoring Your presence and helping to transform the world into a better place.  Amen. 

Written by Lisa Korhnak who is the Director of Communications for Arcola Church (she also Directed Arcola's Care Ministry for 7 years). Her goal in working at the church is always to help others feel connected to each other, to God and to feel comfort when times are tough. In addition to her leadership as a director, Lisa is a congregational care minister and lay counselor - providing support to those in need of hope and healing. She and her family (husband, three children and labradoodle) live in South Riding and have been members of Arcola Church since 2005.