A circle of friends is a blessed thing.
Sweet is the breaking of bread with friends.
For the honour of their presence at our board
We are deeply grateful, Lord.

Thanks be to Thee for friendship shared,
Thanks be to Thee for food prepared.
Bless Thou the cup; bless Thou the bread;
Thy blessing rest upon each head.

Walter Rauschenbusch (1861-1918) was a Baptist pastor and theologian who worked in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City. Hospitality was central to his mission. Faced daily with the struggle of the poor, he became a champion for social reform in health care, education, and issues of child labour. More particularly, he believed that a faith disconnected from our life and ethics at the table is not a Christian faith at all.