ConnectDinners

Are you too busy for mercy? 🛑⏱️

Most of us know what it feels like to have a packed calendar. When our days get crazy, stopping to help someone else can feel like an impossible burden. We start looking for loopholes, wondering who we can safely ignore so we can stay on schedule.

In Luke 10, Jesus tells the story of two respected religious leaders who were too busy to stop for a hurting man on the side of the road. It took an outsider—a Samaritan—to show us what real love looks like. He didn't check his watch or look for an excuse; he simply stepped in to help.

Love doesn't ask for a loophole. Being a good neighbor means being willing to pause our lives and show mercy to whoever is hurting right in front of us.

What??? It's already October, where has the time gone. The leaves are changing, the temps are dropping.

Tonight at ConnectDinners we're serving cool weather comfort food - linguini with meat sauce, green peas, Texas toast and some gooey brownies for dessert.

Pastor Vic will be sharing another story where Jesus challenges the status quo - the story of the Good Samaritan.

Last week, we enjoyed dinner with 107 friends and neighbors at the table. Everyone is welcome to join us for dinner. Continue to invite your friends and family - we have room for more.

Every Monday night we serve a free community dinner, enjoy live music, hear a story about Jesus and have great conversation around the table. Doors open at 5:30, dinner is served at 6:00. We invite you to stay for the Jesus story and discussion, though it is not required.

4520 N Crestline, 1 block south of Wellesley 4520 N Crestline, 1 block south of Wellesley on Crestline

Every family has that one signature dish loaded with memories and secret ingredients. What dish brings you instant nostalgic comfort?

What??? It's already October, where has the time gone.

This Monday at ConnectDinners we're serving cool weather comfort food - linguini with meat sauce, green peas, Texas toast and some gooey brownies for dessert.

Pastor Vic will be sharing another story where Jesus challenges the status quo - the story of the Good Samaritan.

Last week, we enjoyed dinner with 107 friends and neighbors at the table. Everyone is welcome to join us for dinner. Continue to invite your friends and family - we have room for more.

Every Monday night we serve a free community dinner, enjoy live music, hear a story about Jesus and have great conversation around the table. Doors open at 5:30, dinner is served at 6:00. We invite you to stay for the Jesus story and discussion, though it is not required.

4520 N Crestline, 1 block south of Wellesley 4520 N Crestline, 1 block south of Wellesley on Crestline

"An expert in the Law of Moses stood up and asked Jesus a question to see what he would say. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus answered, “What is written in the Scriptures? How do you understand them?” The man replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.’ They also say, ‘Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself.’” Jesus said, “You have given the right answer. If you do this, you will have eternal life.” But the man wanted to show that he knew what he was talking about. So he asked Jesus, “Who are my neighbors?” Jesus replied: As a man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, robbers attacked him and grabbed everything he had. They beat him up and ran off, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road. But when he saw the man, he walked by on the other side. Later a temple helper came to the same place. But when he saw the man who had been beaten up, he also went by on the other side. A man from Samaria then came traveling along that road. When he saw the man, he felt sorry for him and went over to him. He treated his wounds with olive oil and w**e and bandaged them. Then he put him on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next morning he gave the innkeeper two silver coins and said, “Please take care of the man. If you spend more than this on him, I will pay you when I return.” Then Jesus asked, “Which one of these three people was a real neighbor to the man who was beaten up by robbers?” The expert in the Law of Moses answered, “The one who showed pity.” Jesus said, “Go and do the same!”" - Luke 10:25-37 CEV

🤔 "I Wonder" how stepping up to help someone in need can cross traditional divides in our community?

When life demands your constant attention, finding a moment of quiet can feel impossible. Inner strength doesn't come from pushing through burnout, but from allowing yourself time to pause and catch your breath. Give yourself permission to receive a little peace today.

Table Talk: Where is one quiet place or moment in your daily routine where you feel most able to unclutter your mind?

TableTalk is a new social media series by ConnectDinners. Twice a week, we will post a "simple" question and would love to hear what you think. Give us your input. Share a story. Add your thoughts. We want to hear from you.

Let's start with what I hope is a simple question - what type of coffee do you like with dinner?

"When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me," - Matthew 25:35 CEV

🤔 "I Wonder" how making time to notice people's everyday needs can change our local community?

Do you feel like you are drifting? 🌊🚶‍♂️

Sometimes it is easy to keep people at arm's length. We ignore messages, dodge invitations, and slip away. We think if we stay out of sight long enough, everyone will simply give up and stop looking. We might even start to believe that God has finally exhausted His patience with us.

But Jesus tells a story in Luke 15 about a shepherd who leaves his entire flock just to find the one sheep that wandered off.

Human beings might run out of energy, but God never quits the search. He doesn't roll His eyes when we slip away. No matter how much distance you have created, you are never too far for Him to reach. And when He finds you, He doesn't meet you with anger—He lifts you up with joy! 🐑💛

Chef Karen is cooking tonight at ConnectDinners. She's prepared a menu of Tuscan Chicken Meatballs in a creamy parmesan sauce over rice, green salad, rolls with butter and strawberry shortcake.

It's the last Monday of the month, which means it's a "My Story Monday". It won't be Ed's birthday, but he will be sharing how his story is similar to the bible story of the Lost Sheep from Matthew 18 with a twist.

We'd love to have you join us for dinner, we'll save you a seat. If you can pop in early, we'd love some help getting set up.

Every Monday night we serve a free community dinner, enjoy live music, hear a story about Jesus and have great conversation around the table. Doors open at 5:
30, dinner is served at 6:00. We invite you to stay for the Jesus story and discussion, though it is not required.

4520 N Crestline, 1 block south of Wellesley 4520 N Crestline, 1 block south of Wellesley on Crestline