Do you remember that gospel story? Lots of hungry people. It’s late. Uncertain disciples with some half-hearted practical suggestions about going to town for food. Then, Jesus gives thanks and starts to share this tiny amount of supper with this huge gathering. It seems like a ludicrous act, but by the time the sharing is done, the crowd is full and there is a ton left over. So... where did the food come from?

Although there are several biblical accounts of bread being delivered to God’s people from heaven, we suggest that this particular miracle is more complex and challenging. Perhaps the food came from the people themselves when they began to believe that they, too, might have something to give thanks about and share. Jesus’ action led the way, but the transformation of the reluctant crowd was the real miracle that provided abundance for all.

So what does all this have to do with education?!

Consider an educational miracle in the manner of the loaves and fishes.

All ages - newborns and seniors, whole families and single people, brand new university students and our longest-time members, anyone and everyone wanting to grow and learn and share - gather in the Mayflower Room each Wednesday evening from September until early April. It is a Loaves and Fishes Gathering. We share dinner as part of the evening. We hear and tell stories, sing and play, talk and pray together. We share in large groups, small groups, and sometimes on our own…each week new and different but always believing that each of us has something to offer and all of us have something to gain. And as we give thanks and begin to share, the people themselves provide the education.