To begin the theological reflection a participant shares a slice of life - it may be a story, an object, a piece of art, a poem, a picture.   Once the slice of life is presented the group develops a metaphor to encapsulate and generalize the thoughts & feelings surrounding the experience or event.  The group then explores the metaphor by discussing four areas:  what the world of the metaphor is like, what the faith perspective or tradition says about the metaphor, how today's culture might react to the metaphor and what positions or perspectives do the individuals in the group hold about the metaphor.  Finally, the group considers insights and implications for actions that arose as a result of this theological reflection.

So here we were at EFM and an object was placed on the table in a brown paper bag.  The unveiling revealed a box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.  A lively discussion ensued around topics of comfort food, nourishment, family meals, and the box being more than what it appeared.  The metaphor became "manna from heaven" and after discussing the metaphor through the four areas I previously mentioned, we developed some position statements:

I believe God will provide
I believe Grace can come in small packages
I believe we should seek times to gather in community
I believe sharing a meal binds people together

And our implications for action included being intentional about sharing our food with others, giving to food pantries, having people over for dinner and sharing hospitality, and creating rituals and traditions which bind people together.   All this from a box of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese!

We, the church, celebrate the ritual meal of Eucharist each Sunday where we share the bread of life and the cup of salvation.  This sacrament of Eucharist is a gift from God; it provides nourishment; it is life-giving; it is far more than what it appears.  It is, as Sacraments are defined in the Prayer Book, "an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace that Christ has given us."

Through the Eucharist we recognize God's continued presence with us and all the people of God throughout the ages, and we ask to be strengthened for our journey as we go out into the world to love and serve God.