Have you ever heard of “Brunch Church”? If not, get ready to be inspired!
Brunch Church was started by members of Peace Lutheran Church in Monroe, Washington shortly after COVID. They saw that people really needed community in the post-pandemic world – so in 2022, they began hosting a gathering that involves a less formal worship service and a meal. During Brunch Church, tables are set up in the sanctuary, and folks are invited to enjoy church and then fellowship together in an informal and fun way.
Pastor Todd Roeske said it’s been a great way for congregation and community members to connect. He offered this firsthand account of Brunch Church:
“’I think we should support the community dinner,’ Billy suggested. ‘I eat there, and I really like it.’ Billy joyfully joined in our congregation’s discussion about where our 75th anniversary mission money should be allocated. Billy is a visitor to our congregation who lives in his van. He felt right at home as he joined with everyone else eating French toast casserole, singing, listening to God’s Word, discussing prayer and enjoying fellowship during Brunch Church.
Once a quarter, worship at Peace is a bit different. We move all the normal chairs and bring tables into the sanctuary. Volunteers fix a nice breakfast. Then we eat, talk, and worship together. It is an actual worship service, with Scripture reading, songs, prayers, offering and a message that includes conversation around tables while we eat. Our people have loved it. Last Sunday, after I asked people to tell one another of a time that Jesus answered their prayers in a way that was an encouragement, I had a hard time getting the group to stop talking. That is the kind of problem I want to have!”
Last year, Peace members realized that their sanctuary could not hold more than about 60 people for Brunch Church, and the big tables they used were not very conducive to conversation. So they applied for and received a NOW District Community Care Grant to help purchase tables that will fit 90 people and allow for a more optimal seating arrangement. Community Care Grants are smaller-sized awards of up to $3,000 to help ministries and workers be essential participants in solving the critical challenges facing their communities. It is meant for projects that address immediate needs, support new bridges, and engage regional partnerships. And even better: Ministries may submit an application at any time throughout the year, so there is no need to wait to apply.
As Peace member Deanna Nowadnick noted: “We especially love Brunch Church. It’s been a great joy to gather together to share worship and praise along with a special meal and communion. We get to sing and pray. We get to talk amongst ourselves — at times giggling, at times groaning. We get to go back for more pancakes. The sharing of a meal is a prominent theme in both the Old and New Testaments. We see how meals are used to establish and deepen relationships, bringing us together for a time of nourishment and fellowship. Jesus ate with his followers. He ate with tax collectors and sinners. He fed one; he also fed thousands. He even enjoyed a meal with Zacchaeus and on a separate occasion, he dined with a Pharisee.”
Peace’s most recent event on Sept. 15 saw 41 in attendance – which was fewer than usual, but still generated some good community building time.
“Our goal is to continue to expand and use Brunch Church to reach out in our community,” Roeske said. “Since Brunch Church doesn’t feel like regular church, it is a great entry point for those who haven’t had a lot of good church experiences. It is also a great place for our own congregation to grow in community and love for each other. After one of our Brunch Church services, one long-time Lutheran said, ‘That is how church is supposed to be!’”
Click here for more info about the Community Care Grant – and all other NOW District grants!
