What is a Dinner Church Ministry?

Dinner Church is worship centered around a shared meal, just as Jesus and the early followers of The Way gathered around tables to break bread, share stories, and experience the presence of God in community. At The Friendship Table, we believe that the table is where barriers break down, strangers become friends, and the sacred becomes tangible. Following ancient patterns of Eucharistic celebration, we gather on Tuesday evenings to cook together, bless and share bread, eat and converse, reflect on Scripture, pray for one another, and send each other forth with God's peace. This is liturgy itself, where the work of setting tables, and washing dishes becomes holy work, and where everyone has a place at Christ's table.

How We Gather

Dinner Church at The Friendship Table meets on every second and fourth Tuesday evening. We serve a simple, nourishing meal of soup, bread, and fruit—always vegetarian with gluten-free options available, and always nut-free so everyone can eat safely together.

We begin by gathering around the Christ Candle, then process to the tables where we bless and break bread together. Each person serves their neighbor, a practice that turns strangers into beloved community. We eat and share conversation, then turn to Scripture from the week's lectionary readings, reflect together through stories (not debates), and pray for one another and our world. We close by blessing the cup and sharing the peace of Christ.

Everyone participates—In setting up, in serving, in cleaning up. There are no spectators at this table, only ministers. Whether you've been following Jesus for decades or are simply curious, whether you're housed or unhoused, employed or looking for work, you belong here. This is Christ's table, and there's always room for one more.

New to Dinner Church? We want you to feel comfortable and know what to expect. You can preview or download our bulletin here to see the flow of our service before you come.

Want to learn more about Dinner Church? Check out St. Lydia's in Brooklyn, a pioneering dinner church community that has inspired table fellowship movements across the country.