Since November 2018, over 500 people have gathered for “Peoples’ Suppers” in Oak Ridge. The suppers are designed to bring people together over a shared meal who might not normally have opportunities to meet and share stories. In a time of great polarization in the nation, the suppers began as a movement to bridge differences and build
understanding and now continues as a joint community outreach opportunity through the Oak Ridge Ministerial Association (ORMA).
Now that “social distancing” is in effect, the suppers seem perhaps as important as ever. Remaining connected
as a community while isolated is crucial and so is sharing our stories of how the crisis has affected us. Many congregations and other social groups have been staying in touch “virtually” through video chat and multimedia
opportunities afforded us in the digital age.
On Monday, May 4 at 6:00 PM, ORMA will offer up a community-wide “connection opportunity” via an online People’s Supper. The video chatroom can hold up to 100 people and then divide into smaller sub-rooms for deeper and more individualized conversations. If more than 100 people would like to attend, ORMA will quickly schedule a 2nd supper to be held later that week.
All that is needed to join is the log-in link, which will be emailed to participants upon registration at the
ORMA website. And of course, hopefully each person will bring a bowl or plate of their favorite food and heart to connect with neighbors.
Whether needing encouragement, or looking to offer some to another, this supper is designed to inspire hope. May
4th is also International Star Wars Day – “May the Fourth Be with You” – so organizers plan to have a little fun with that idea.
“The very first Star Wars released in 1977 was subtitled, ‘A New Hope,’” says Reverend David Allred of High Places Community Church. “We believe as we slowly begin emerging from this CoVid-19 crisis, there can be a ‘new hope’ for Oak Ridge; one that embodies real connections and neighborly affection for one another regardless of our
differences.”
The online “virtual supper” will consist on three primary discussion questions:
1) Who has been in your “fleet” during this time of social distancing? In other words, who are your people and how are you staying connected?
2) Who has been a “Yoda” to you during this difficult time? In other words, where have you gone for wisdom, encouragement, or joy?
3) Finally, what “new hopes” do you have for our community as we emerge from this time of trial?
Each room will have a moderator to guide the discussion and notes from all subgroups will be shared with
everyone via email after the supper is over.
To Join Use the Link Below!
See you at 6:00 PM tomorrow!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88392260397?pwd=LzdJNStQa1lubm8rZSsvR2JTcTdldz09
Meeting ID: 883 9226 0397
Password: 138052