Horizons magazine is published by Presbyterian Women (PW) the national women’s organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Issue link: http://horizons.epubxp.com/i/52581
Greatly Honored and Parched for Justice! RADICAL HOSPITALITY BY LARISSA KWONG ABAZIA Are Those Who Are Famished For use with Lesson Four of the 2011–2012 Horizons Bible study, Confessing the Beatitudes by Margaret Aymer Scriptural Emphasis: Matthew 5:6; Luke 6:21a, 25a; Psalm 107:1–9 E ach week, in the fellowship hall of Lake View Presbyterian Church (LVPC) in Chicago, a booming voice can be heard shouting numbers: "One, two, three, four . . ." People rise out of their seats, get into line, pick up a brown plastic lunch tray and gather various food items laid out on long tables. A smiling face greets them as he or she serves the hot food for the day, careful to give everyone a generous, steaming portion. The Golden Diners is a food program sponsored by the City of Chicago that offers low cost hot meals to people age 60 and above. In return, host locations provide various activities throughout the week for participants. No one is turned away if they can't afford the cost of the meal; all are welcome. The Golden Diners at LVPC are a diverse group of people: college graduates, former blue-collar workers, married, single, widowed, divorced, active members of their com- munities, artists, chefs, teachers and even a recent recipient of a PhD. Yet when this group gathers, a community of support and care is created across seemingly different back- grounds and contexts. Conversations at tables range from politics to pop culture, from plans for the week to daily struggles. If someone misses lunch several days or weeks in a row, people begin to ask around to find out whether the person is okay. Golden Diners become more than just familiar faces, they become family. The power of food and meals never ceases to amaze me. As a Chinese American, food always has been a centerpiece in my family's home. If an unexpected visitor came to my family's door, the first thing to do was to offer them something to eat or drink—and often, this wasn't just a cookie or a glass of water! My parents would take out leftovers from the night before or even cook something fresh from the items in our refrigerator. I grew up with a deep sense of hospitality connected with the nourishment of others because of the actions of my parents. Friendships and connections were built around meals. Family ties were strengthened when we gathered with extended family members to celebrate with a meal to which everyone contributed. November/December 2011 35 Bi ble st udy resour ce