Zion Episcopal Church
Palmyra, NY
Dinner Church at Zion
Classic Title
Join us for our first Dinner Church
Our Menu will include: Pasta with Marinara Sauce, Bread, Salad and Dessert.
Looking for a different kind of Friday night?
Join us at Zion Episcopal Church for Dinner Church
on Friday, March 13 at 6pm.
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We believe God is in the air, in the earth, and right here beside us.
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Come for a relaxed evening of:
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A Shared Meal: Good food and even better company.
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Centering Silence: A moment to be still and aware of God’s presence.
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Open Conversation: No "right" answers—just sharing how we hear God in our lives.
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Below is an outline of the Dinner service.
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No dress code.
No judgment.
Just a common table for all.
You do not need to RSVP - there is always a seat for you at Zion.
But if you do plan on join us and would like to let us know or have any questions.
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Opening Psalm 139:2-3
Said together
You discern my thoughts
from far away O God.
You search out my path
and my lying down
and are acquainted
with all my way.
Silence is Held
Be still and aware of God’s presence within and all around.
A bell will be rung at the beginning of this time of centering ourselves.
Opening Prayer
Said Together
O God of the least and the homeless
O God of the lost and betrayed
O God of the stranger amongst us
Come close to us this night
That we may come close to you.
O great God, grant us your light
O great God, grant us your grace
O great God, grant us your peace this night
Kindle in our hearts the flame of love.
Lectio Divina
The Gospel passage is, read aloud, from three different translations.
First Reading: How do you hear God speaking in this passage?
A brief time of sharing is made, each person responding to the question.
Second Reading: What invitation to prayer do you receive in this passage?
A brief time of sharing is made, each person responding to the question.
Third Reading: What is God asking of you in this passage?
A brief time of reflection is made, each person sitting with what God might be asking.
A bell is rung at this time.
Intercessions
Said Together
You are above us O God
You are beneath
You are in air
You are in earth
You are beside me
You are within.
O God, you have made you home on earth
In the broken body of creation.
Kindle within us
a love for you in all things.
All are invited to share their prayers and thanksgivings
either silently or aloud.
Thanksgiving over the Food
Leader : Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation. You create the fruit of the vine. Grant that we who share this wine, which gladdens our hearts, may share for ever the new life of the true Vine, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
People: Glory to you for ever and ever. Amen.
The leader pours a small portion of grape juice into their glass. It is then passed to others.
Leader: Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation. You bring forth bread from the earth and make the risen Lord to be for us the Bread of life: Grant that we who daily seek the bread which sustains our bodies may also hunger for the food that sustains to everlasting life, Jesus Christ our Lord.
People: Glory to you for ever and ever. Amen.
The leader breaks off a small portion of bread from the loaf. It is then passed to others.
Leader: Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation. You have given us the risen Savior to be the shepherd of your people: Lead us, by him, to springs of living waters, and feed us with the food that endures to eternal life.
People: Glory to you for ever and ever. Amen.
Let us pray together the Lord’s Prayer
A prayer from the New Zealand Anglican Prayer Book
Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and for ever.
Amen.
Leader: The LORD has done great things for us,
People: and we are glad indeed. (Psalm 126:4)
The people share in the blessed bread and grape juice together.
Invitation
Leader: All are invited to share in this common table. We are all siblings in the Holy Family of God. How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in harmony. (Psalm 133:1)
People: O taste and see that the Lord is good. Amen. (Psalm34:8)
A bell is rung at this time.
The people feast together in the Spirit of Love, enjoying the gift of fellowship with God’s people.
After a time of sharing food and fellowship together, a concluding prayer is offered. After which, the people may remain, but the time of feast is ended.
Concluding Prayer
You are the love
of each living creature O God
You are the warmth
of the rising sun
You are the whiteness
of the moon at night
You are the life
of the growing earth
You are the strength
of the waves of the sea.
Speak to us this night O God
Speak to us your truth.
Dwell with us this night O God
Dwell with us in justice, peace and love.