Pastor’s eNote: Weekly Update

The Table

Much of Jesus’ ministry happened around a dinner table. Consider, for example, Mary’s anointing of Jesus feet shortly before his crucifixion. This story is loaded with love and devotion, all of which happens at a meal. The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper happened around a dinner table. Next time you read the gospel stories of Jesus, pay attention to place food, meals, and fellowship have in the life of Jesus.

Just a few weeks ago our church gathered around tables for breakfast before our town hall meeting. Watching our congregation in fellowship brought joy to my heart. Meals are where good deep things can happen.

Our Dinner Church called The Table launches tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. We launch this five-week meal each Wednesday during Lent with the hope of rediscovering the presence of Jesus around a table. This table is not just for our church but for our community as well. The doors are open wide to welcome all for a free dinner.

Our meal includes dinner, but also includes a Jesus story, reflection question, and a time of prayer. Our hope is that this becomes new space for new people in the life of FFMC. Here are a few things you should know about The Table:

• We are creating a new community of faith. This is a new church being “launched” within our own church.
• We are creating safe space for people to experience the hospitality of Jesus. We want FFMC folks to come but we also want to make our guests FEEL very welcome.
• We hope that people from our Sunday congregation will engage with new people. Spreading out and connecting with new faces is the heart of The Table.
• We know that many will come who spend little time around a dinner table. So many eat a meal on the couch, floor, or even on the street. Jesus welcomes all of these to his table.
• We are hosts for a time with Jesus. Our work will mean holding others the way Jesus would. No conditions. No expectations. Only love.

I believe that some from our FFMC family will come to The Table and experience God’s call to share in this important ministry. Please come and share together around the table. Let’s open our doors wide and welcome all who might come. May everyone there experience the love God which can happen around a meal together.

Grace to You All,

Pastor Craig Brown

(February 24th, 2026)