Words of Welcome
Prayer
Dear God, we thank you for this meal and the joy of sharing it with friends. We ask that you bless this food to nourish our bodies and conversations to uplift our spirits. May our time together be filled with laughter, love, and meaningful connection. We are grateful for your presence in our lives and for the gift of community. Amen.
GRAB FOOD AND START TO EAT
If there is someone you don’t recognize at your table Introduce yourself:
Name and Pronouns
(If you don’t know the folks you’re sitting with…) What do you do full time? Work, school, etc. and what do you do/study?
If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be?
Finding joy
Matthew 5:9 (NRSV)
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Questions:
Is there a difference in peaceMAKERS and peaceKEEPERS? If so, what is the difference?
Where have you seen examples of Shalom in your life?
What are some ways we (individually and as a community) could actively work to be peacemakers in the world?
Prayer
Creator God, shape us into merciful people, pure in heart and clear in purpose, so that our lives reflect Your light. Let us be salt that preserves what is good and light that shines without fear, not for our glory, but for Yours. Guide us as we strive to be righteous peacemakers, working to bring justice and compassion to your world.
Amen
REMEMBER - YOU ARE A GIFT!
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Requests for care and/or prayer can be sent via e-mail to cares@riseharrisonburg.org, texted to 833-803-0868, or submitted online via our RISE Cares form.
