This summer United Methodist Women members will be among the students at the Schools Of Christian Mission across the country. Our own Anne-Marie Failor and Patti Taylor will represent Berea Friendship at the School Of Christian Mission in Spartanburg.

This year's school of Missions will offer the following curriculum:
United Methodist Women's Spiritual Growth Study: Food and Faith;
Geographic Mission Study: The Beauty and Courage of the Sudan – Why a Dream of Peace is possible;
Issue Mission Study: Giving Our Hearts away: Native American Survival.

The theme of this summer's School Of Christian Mission is "Together at the Table: The table is an important symbol for the gathered community. It is around the table that food is shared, issues of life discussed, decisions made, crafts created and board games played.

As Christians, we are reminded of the significance of the table in Jesus' day. He shared meals in the homes of friends; in the temple, he overturned the tables of injustice, and on the eve of his death, he broke bread and set forth a means of grace for those who would believe.

Yet, when we gather at the table, there are contradictions. At the table there is feast and there is famine. Treaties are made, and treaties are broken. At the table hospitality is offered, and hospitality is denied. At the table we gather to celebrate, and we gather to grieve. AT the table there is hope, and there is doubt.

Although the realities of the world in which we live too often divide and exclude people at our table. The Christ we follow calls us to a higher standard of living and loving as together we work for peace and justice for all of creation. In the sacred circle of life, enfolding the world and all that dwell therein, all are together at the table of God's Love.