Feast al Fresco

It is nearly "summer break"... the time when Sunday attendance at services tends to dwindle with everyone away here or there. In many parishes, like my own in White Plains, NY, services will be combined into one just a tad earlier than the "sung" or "family" service is the rest of the year.

Fr. Gawain instituted a pleasant and interesting practise last summer... something called Sunday on Thursday. It gives families and individuals who might be away for the weekend the opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist on Thursday evenings, followed by a light BBQ. A parishoner would sign up for the grill duty and providing some substances and anyone coming brought a salad or beverage or dessert.

It gave us the opportunity to try some different types of music, a simple Eucharist format and have interactive discussions at 'sermon' time.

I have a feeling something like this happened when Jesus invited the disciples to come in from their fishing to have breakfast on the shore. It wasn't fancy and there was food, prayer, fellowship and certainly discussion.

Try it in your parish... in the front, back or side yard; have a moveable feast at different parishoner's homes; give the youth of the parish the opportunity to share their music or themes for Eucharist.

In your parish, it may provide a refreshing twist for family members who, because they serve different functions on a Sunday, don't worship as a family and a draw for the unchurched in a neighborhood! The 'Feast al Fresco' may be just what the weatherman ordered! Have fun this summer!