Thursday, August 29, 2024

Gratitude in action: Common Table

The Rev. Dave Desalvo

The following is an edited excerpt from words spoken by The Rev. Dave DeSalvo at a thank you pot-luck for Common Table volunteers. It is a prime example of Wholehearted community!

“Welcome to Common Table. Wherever you are in your journey of giving your time, your cooking skills, chopping veggies, the sandwich brigade, salad-makers, bakers, dishwashers, servers, and those who hand out meals outside—all are welcome here tonight and every Thursday at Common Table. We need you. We love you!

People come to Common Table for the good food, of course, but they also come for other reasons—healing of their souls, fellowship with others, the kindness of gentle hands and hearts that set up tables in Thaxter Hall and outside in the parking lot—good folks who support our guests in their need to gather for food and fellowship. It isn’t something we do to be recognized. No; we do it because we are aware that a gift is not really a gift until we give it away. To have a friend, be a friend. To be loved, love others. Being thankful is good and giving thanks for the opportunities we all have to share our gratitude for being able to do things for others—these are greater gifts.

Thank you all.”