St. Marks United Methodist Church

The churches of the South are known for insider “lingo.” We know what we say when we say it, and others who may be new in our earshot are left to guess. Teaching the lingo of the church ranks with teaching theology and doctrine that all may participate fully in the grace offered, especially when it comes to the language of the Covered Dish. The Covered Dish… more than a bowl or pot that has a lid… is expanded to mean a gathering with hospitality, fellowship, and food as the central players. The Covered Dish, also known as The Pot Luck, is an event in which church people bring their special “dishes” like unto heavenly manna for the taking and sharing.

Traditionally a groaning table – or perhaps a length of chicken wire stretched between two trees and covered with white butcher paper – is loaded with the bounty of the harvest. The goodness of God’s Providence and Plenty is celebrated with thanksgiving  by cookers and eaters alike who keep the event as a opportunity to celebrate in community all that is good.

Menu items of old include: Corn Pudding, Potato Salad, Deviled Eggs, Ham and Fried Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Coconut and Chocolate Cakes and the list goes on. The practice of Radical Hospitality in the covered Dish is that I will cook and bring enough for my family and for a family that might be visiting that they will experience the enoughness and sufficiency of God… like loaves and fishes. I have learned through the years that a plate of cookies does not a Covered Dish make. Meagerness and scarcity do not witness God’s abundance for God is not a puny or paltry God. So when our church calendar says we are having a Covered Dish, let us participate in the abundance of God bringing gifts of food and fellowship to share with others and give witness to the Radical Hospitality of Christ.