September 7: Dinner Tables

Aug 26

Written By Zach M

Sept 12-14 Forks Community Days Event

GOALS:

Be a gift to our community—our primary goal is to live out the gospel, as Jesus was a gift of salvation to humanity we need to imitate the blessing and bless those around us. We are raising money to help another organization called the EPDSC (eastern PA Down Syndrome Center)
1. the EPDSC has been a blessing to my family, they have two main things they do: connect parents and families with various events
2. help connect parents to resources to help their child (early intervention, IU, doctors, etc. )
Start relationships with other volunteers—we will have volunteers with us from BAVTS (bethlehem area vocational technical school, and the EPDSC) this is a chance to build relationships with them and invite them to gather with Table of Life
Invite customers to our website—our main goal for everyone else is to let them know that Table of Life exists and to point them to the website where they can find more information. Engage in conversation if they are willing.

Needs the day of the event

Cashier and accounting (we have to submit 20% to Forks)—we need to track how much we sell because Fork Township gets 20% of Sales. I will write a script to help the cashier ask if the person making the purchase would also like to make a donation. I have a credit card reader that is VERY easy to use.
Organizing table and selling—people will come to our tent, you will greet them, introduce yourself, ask their name, and then tell them what we have available and how much it costs. Once they tell you what they want to purchase you will get it and bring it to the cashier with the customer and remain there until the sale is completed.
CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE—at least one person at the tent should be there just to connect with customers and other volunteers, to make sure everyone knows what they are doing.
Please bring with you: water, folding chairs, snacks

How you can help:

pray, Pray, PRAY!

Choose at least one:

Track 1: follow up on testimonies shared at the celebration service and take time to hear what God is doing in one another’s lives, and to pray deeply for each other.
Track 2: Choose which objections (below #1-12) your group would like to discuss
- read passages aloud pertaining to those discussions
- use the “questions for discussion” as needed

Choose one or two of the following Objections to discuss:

The Problem of Evil and Suffering
- “If God is good and all-powerful, why is there so much pain and injustice in the world?”
Exclusivity of Christ
- “How can Christianity be the only true religion? Aren’t all religions basically teaching the same thing?”
Hypocrisy in the Church
- “Christians are judgmental, hypocritical, and don’t practice what they preach.”
Science vs. Faith
- “Modern science has disproved the Bible and made faith unnecessary.”
Historical Reliability of Scripture
- “The Bible has been changed and corrupted over time—how can we trust it?”
Hell and Judgment
- “A loving God wouldn’t send people to hell.”
Miracles and Supernatural Claims
- “I can’t believe in miracles—they defy reason and evidence.”
Cultural and Colonial Legacy
- “Christianity has been used to justify violence, oppression, and colonialism.”
Personal Autonomy
- “Christianity is too restrictive—it tells me how to live and takes away my freedom.”
Religious Pluralism & Good People
- “What about people who are good but don’t believe in Jesus? Will they really be condemned?”
Faith and Evidence
- “I only believe what can be proven. Faith is just wishful thinking.”
Christian Morality and Modern Culture
- “Christian views on sexuality, gender, or marriage are outdated and harmful.”

1. Understanding the Objection

2. Personal Connection

Have you ever wrestled with this question yourself?
Do you know someone who has brought this up to you? How did it affect your faith or theirs?

3. Cultural Context

4. Exploring Christianity’s Response

5. Engagement with Others

6. Faith and Growth