Room at the Table

Focus Statement

In Christ, there is always room at the table,

as there is room for all under the cross —

no outsiders, no leftovers, only one family gathered in grace.

Point of Relation

We’ve all known what it feels like to be left out —

at a cafeteria table, at a family gathering, even in church.

And we’ve also known the gift of being welcomed when we didn’t expect it.

That moment changes everything.

Methodism carries those moments, too.

Richard Allen, ordained by Bishop Asbury,

was still forced into the balcony at Old St. George’s in Philadelphia.

When white trustees tried to pull Absalom Jones from prayer

because he was in the wrong section,

Allen led a walkout — and the AME Church was born.

Jarena Lee, the first woman authorized to preach in the AME Church,

pressed her way into pulpits where men told her there was no room.

And Beth Stroud,

from our own EPA Conference,

bore witness to her call as a lesbian pastor, even when the institution pushed back.

Thankfully, as of May 2024, our conference has reinstated her.

Again and again,

the church has tried to shrink the table.

And again and again, God keeps widening it.

What Scripture Says

In today’s reading,

John looks and sees a multitude —

too many to count.

Every nation, tribe, people, and language,

all standing before the Lamb.

Not erased into sameness, but made one in worship.

They are the ones who came through hardship,

who know what it is to be excluded.

And now they are sheltered, fed, made whole.

The Lamb who was slain has become their Shepherd,

and God wipes every tear away.

In fact, I all hope you had a chance to read my latest devotion on

The Lamb as a symbol in Christianity.

Powerful stuff…very much related to this.

Paul, in 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, puts it this way: “

Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body.”

Every time we break bread and drink the cup,

we step into that vision — one family, gathered in grace.

What This Means For You

Maybe you’ve wondered if there’s really a place for you —

with your doubts, your past, your differences.

Revelation says yes. At Christ’s table…and in heaven…there’s room for you.

What This Means for Us

Friends, as a church,

our calling is not to guard the table but to extend it

to live the welcome we ourselves have received.

The table is wide,

the grace is deep,

and the family is one. Amen? Amen.