Article and photos from the Brooks Howell publication, Serendipitor — By Marcia Longknight

Jody Halstead and Laura Kirby facilitated the discovery of our Place at the Table with gentle faithful knowledge gleaned from their experience of Welcome Table and Respite hospitality at Haywood Street Congregation. We were blessed with the presence of Robert Stafford, Joe Rob, and Kaki Daniels from the Haywood community. Scripture recounting the experience of Jesus disciples on the road to Emmaus helped us recognize Christ in the stranger we welcome unawares at our table.

We absorbed stories of Haywood Street community welcoming everyone with extravagant hospitality. The table is spread with cloth table covering and napkins, full service tableware, and persons sharing a feast of good food and loving fellowship. Other services include clothing distribution, haircuts, housing and employment/training information, community garden. The Haywood Community works together to produce abundant living for all.

Humbly we participated in the preparation of dinner for the respite community who gathered at Haywood Street that evening. Meatloaf, green beans, mashed potatoes, and strawberry cake was the menu and our hands created the meal with love.

Introduced to the Welcome Table song of gratitude and caring, we knew the recognition of Christ at every table had entered our life of spirit.