Blog: A Table Comes Home
On this past Sunday we worshipped with the Western Hills Church of Christ, who gifted us their communion table. While the idea of a table as a gift may not mean much to some, this table packs history that predates most people here at the Avenue G Church of Christ.
It was the early 60’s when the decision was made for the Western Hills congregation to move into the building that they now are in. After worship there were some people who came to take pictures of the table. And while speaking to others I overheard their conversations among each other and decided to learn about what they were talking about. The first was a sister by the name of Donna Herbert. She explained to me that she had been a member at the church when they worshipped in a building on Avenue G and 7th street! That is two blocks away from where we currently worship! I went to go check out the lot that I was told about and there’s nothing there now only a house and a building next to the empty lot. There is also an auto repair shop across the street. But she shed tears on last Sunday while taking pictures of the table. I was glad when Scott Meyer assured her that it did not have to be her last time seeing the table and that she was free to come worship here. And I hope that she does!
The next story came from Larry Matthews. He told me that he performed communion for the first time on this table that we are receiving! He explained that he went a little further back than Sis. Herbert and he told of other stories as his wife had her input. There were many other stories including one where another sister explained that the table held the candles for her daughters wedding! I was so fascinated with the stories and I asked if I could take a picture and share the stories.
Donna Herbert, Larry Matthews and wife
I believed the nostalgia to be over as I was preparing to be the last in line for the big Easter Sunday meal and my grandparents house but I was in for another surprise. My grandfather Samuel Blocker shared how he used to clean at the building as well! He shared his memories of the congregation as well.
The transfer of the table led by Scott Meyer.
It is amazing how this meeting of people at the communion table are connected from the past and how we are still connected in the present. Lord willing this connection between the Avenue G Church of Christ and Western Hills Church of Christ continues. I pray that the example of the two congregations causes others to share moments of true unity where we can worship truly as one body! This table coming home to Avenue G shows us the power of God to connect people from all walks of life together.