By Sara Ivey
Feasting together is a fundamental human experience, a kind of communion, a trustful and often soul-satisfying act that can lead to reconciliation. Since God placed humankind in the garden to tend and keep it, we have created rituals around food, turning biology into an act of culture, a liturgy of community and family. I am grateful that at Transfiguration, we continue a rich history of staying connected through acts of hospitality, shared meals, and fellowship.
We sit at the same table at monthly St. Elizabeth’s Guild Potluck dinners, gather in people’s homes for Foyer Dinner Groups, and assemble for special events throughout our church calendar. As we look to the year ahead, our Mission, Ministry & Connections Committee is coordinating an exciting initiative to bring people together and support our church. “Fig Parties” will launch on Sunday, August 25 and you won’t want to miss this year’s lineup of Transfiguration member-hosted experiences!
While producing television programs for The Food Network, I focused on creating shows that nourished people’s souls. I sought out chefs I wanted to cook with, prioritizing connection over sheer culinary skills. Even today, in my personal life with my husband, we value the company at the table more than the recipes or restaurants we choose. That’s why we quickly purchased tickets to a few themed parties at last year’s EMF Fish Fry. We knew we’d likely get a chance to deepen our connection with our Fig family and that our ticket purchases would benefit one of the many ministries at the church. After attending a few parties with Fig folks, I’m convinced that these experiences in community can be as life-sustaining as the food we consumed there.
Our society depends on nourishment, which social scientist Robert Putnam calls “social capital.” In his 2000 best-seller Bowling Alone, Putnam posits that the “success of a society depends on connections among individuals, social networks, and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them.”
In the critical times of 2024, we face the serious risks of social isolation and loneliness impacting both personal health and the health of American society. The decline of community leads to our democracy’s present crisis, fostering distrust of those who are different from us. Establishing connections while sharing meals and experiences can help us sustain a multicultural democracy. It may be a challenging task, but it has the potential to counter discontent and vulnerability to false ideologies, cults, and prejudices.
Fig Parties, an idea started at EMF’s Fish Fry to raise money for Transfiguration’s special programs, have ranged from lively Mardi Gras-themed crawfish boils to elegant wine tastings and laid-back backyard BBQs. These events are an essential part of the health of our community. They invite new people in, unite diverse groups, and help foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity.
“Fig Parties” will be unveiled and go on sale on Sunday, August 25, at 10:00 a.m. in the Parlor. I hope you’ll join us for one of these outstanding opportunities to forge new friendships, rekindle old bonds, and foster community in our church. If you’re interested or co-hosting one of these events, it’s not too late to join in the fun. Contact Brooke Robb for details.
Our ever-growing Fig community can help us swallow life in big gulps, savor life by laughing with new and old friends, and share our triumphs and tragedies along with our casserole recipes.
Famous film director Federico Fellini once said, “Life is a combination of magic and pasta.” I firmly believe in the magical experience of nourishing people at the dinner table. It’s the recipe for a happy life and a healthy society. Above all, sharing a meal conveys a hidden, intimate message—that we can trust each other with our very lives.
