Sharing more than a meal...

April 25th, 2025

There’s something powerful about a meal shared around the table.

Now, I’ll be honest…Leigh-Ann always makes incredible food. Whether it’s a normal weekday dinner or a holiday spread, she somehow nails it every time. I can’t wait to get home and eat tonight ?. But the real joy isn’t just what’s on the plate. It’s who’s around the table.

This past weekend all our kids were home, and we packed in some amazing meals. We had smoked ribs that made everyone quiet for a few minutes, Easter ham, and bussin’ potatoes (look at this dad talkin’ all hip ?). One of my favorite moments was a trip to Cold Stone, where we devoured our ice cream and ended up laughing so hard our sides hurt, though that might’ve just been the lactose catching up with us.

These are the moments I treasure most. Because the best memories in life usually happen at the table. It’s not just about food, it’s about connection.

This brings us to the start of our new sermon series called Open Hearts, Open Homes. Over the next seven weeks, we’re walking through the book of Acts to see how the early church lived out the gospel in real, everyday ways. We’re starting in Acts 2:42–47, where we get this beautiful snapshot of a group of ordinary people transformed by the grace of God.

What stands out isn’t their polished programs or perfect plans, but rather how they shared their lives. They ate together. They met each other’s needs. They prayed and worshiped and laughed and probably cried too. Their doors were open. Their hearts were open. And people were drawn to Jesus because of it.

Here’s the challenge for us as a church family:

Could we become a church changed by outrageous grace that practices unreasonable hospitality?

Will we make space at our tables for people we don’t yet know? Will we live with open homes and open hearts?

The gospel always makes room for more. And so should we.

So let’s lean in. Let’s open up. And let’s be the kind of community where stories are told, lives are changed, and no one sits alone.

Don’t forget, we get to worship Extra at the Austin, 1720 Cherry, Kansas City, MO. Here is a shortcut that shows parking options and has some FAQ’s. Our services are still at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or on our New Life website at 9:15 am.

See you Sunday!

Troy

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