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“Every day they continued to meet together... They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” (Acts 2:46–47, CEB) 

We have officially crossed the threshold into 2026. By now, the confetti has been swept up, and the pressure to set "New Year's Resolutions" is in full swing. We resolve to lose weight, save money, or read more books. We treat the New Year like a solo athletic event—a test of our personal willpower. 

But if we look at the birth of the Church in Acts 2, we see a different kind of new beginning. They didn't start with a to-do list; they started with a table. 

"They broke bread... and ate together." 

In the Kingdom of God, new things rarely happen in isolation. They happen in community. Jesus essentially ate His way through the Gospels—dining with tax collectors, feeding the five thousand, and revealing Himself after the resurrection over a meal in Emmaus. He knew that shared meals invite all walks of life to connect in authentic fellowship. 

Radical Hospitality as a Resolution This year, instead of just focusing on self-improvement, what if we focused on "Radical Welcome"?. 

  • Self-improvement says: "I need to be better for myself." 
  • Radical Welcome says: "I need to open my life to others."  

In two weeks, our church is launching ConnectDinners Dinner Church. This isn't just a potluck; it is a mission. We believe that we exist to love God and love our neighbors. We are creating a space where we can meet people exactly where they are on their journey. 

The Power of the Shared Meal When we eat together, we "Connect Deeply". Walls come down when bread is broken. Conversations shift from the weather to the heart. We begin to help everyone become more like Jesus, not through a lecture, but through a relationship. 

As you step into 2026, do not just make a plan to go to the gym. Make a plan to go to the table. God is preparing to do a new thing in our city, and He has set a place for you. 

Reflection: Who in your life is hungry—not just for food, but for connection? Are you willing to embrace "Radical Welcome" this year and invite them to the table?  

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of a New Year. I confess I often focus on my own goals and forget my neighbors. Thank You for the invitation to the table. As we prepare to launch ConnectDinners, I pray for [a neighbor, a friend, a coworker] that I can invite to sit with us. Let this year be defined by radical hospitality. Amen. 

Want to know more about the vision for 2026? Let’s grab a cup of coffee and dream together. Text Pastor Vic at 509-919-1897 to set up a time to chat.