In the busyness of today’s culture, it’s easy for mealtime to be rushed through, grabbed on the go, or forgotten altogether. But it’s important to remember that mealtime is not simply about the food. It is about sharing our lives together each day.
The meal provides an opportunity for fellowship. After everyone is scattered about throughout the day, we come back together around the table to reconnect.
We see over and over again that sharing meals is a vital part of Jesus’ ministry and mission— feeding the 5,000, eating with tax collectors and sinners, breaking bread at the Last Supper—and an important activity among members of the early church.
For residents of the Justin’s Place Women’s Recovery Program, meals are intentionally planned and scheduled throughout the day to encourage this kind of hospitality and fellowship. But with an increase in the number of women we serve and limitations of the existing facility’s layout, the program lacked space large enough to accommodate all of the women under one roof, around the same table.
In an effort to address this issue, we began to look for ways to repurpose space adjacent to the kitchen at Jill’s Place Retreat Center, home to the Justin’s Place women. What was formerly an enclosed patio and a small meeting room, is now a new community dining room with space for every resident and even guests.
The renovations were accomplished with support from Covenant Church of Naples and Moorings Presbyterian Church. We are grateful for their partnership and look forward to breaking bread together with them and countless others as part of our St. Matthew’s House family!
Written by Hillary Lemaster
“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” Acts 2:46
Tags: Eat Together, Jill's Place, Justin's Place