Providing food for those in need is a universal practice of those who follow the way of Jesus. From the very first expressions of the Church in the first century to every expression of the Church across continents and cultures today, providing food is a tangible practice of loving your neighbor. “The one thing I think it's impossible to get away from is Jesus' command to care for the person who is not like you and who is close to you. I think that is the best definition of neighbor, right?” says Alex Walton, Lead Pastor of South Fellowship, with a grin and an engaging English accent.  

Friendsgiving is an invitation to a shared meal and a shared sense of belonging. It is a way to enter the holidays with a sense of presence in the present, and a gracious opportunity to set down any heavy expectations of family past or ideal futures. For Alyssa and Andraé Alexander, it has become as much an expression of Thanksgiving as the day itself. Friendsgiving is a generous and gracious invitation to hospitality, food, and friendship.

My family and I joined Monroe Organic Farms’ CSA this past year. Each week, Monroe would drop off a handful of shares at a neighbor’s home, and everyone would come by to pick up their vegetables. Along with getting big bags of beautiful produce each week, I got to know the Monroe family more deeply, along with Mary Ann, my neighbor, who sat in her garage for two hours every week distributing the farm shares.

Providing meals is a nourishing way to love your neighbors. It may be for a family welcoming home a new child or welcoming a new neighbor to the neighborhood.