Dinner for eight

This week we catch up with Kathrine Mitchell to find out what a dinner for eight involves, and how these dinners are helping ashgrove build connection with other churches around Brisbane.

What is dinner for eight?

Dinner for eight is an old concept which involves a whole bunch of people (in this case from late 20's to late 30's and all from different churches) being divided up into groups of eight for a night of eating, fun and sharing fellowship together. People are asked to open their homes and volunteer as hosts, or sign up to be on the guest list. The hosts are then given a list of randomly selected people, up to the number of eight and asked to invite them over for a meal.  

Where did the idea come from?

Three young adults from ashgrove, including myself decided to plan this event. The idea came out of a desire to see and experience relationship growth within this particular age group at ashgrove and to build a connection with other Christian fellowships around Brisbane. Through this we hoped to provide opportunities for people to encourage one another and build friendships within our church fellowship and the wider body of Christ.

Why have these dinners?

The aim of these dinners is simply to gather people together and offer them more opportunities to encourage and strengthen each other in the Lord.  Hebrews 10:24 & 25 guided us in this, 'Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially that the day of His return is drawing near.' (NLT)

What other churches are people coming from?

Mitchelton Presbyterian, Village Church, The Gap Uniting, Arana Hills Church of Christ, Wilston Presbyterian, Gateway Baptist, Life Point Christian Church, and probably more!

What led you to get involved?

Since it was partially my idea I naturally fell into sharing the role of organising it. I definitely have a passion for it. I see relationships as a vital part of life and I appreciate how important they are for helping us grow. I love making friends and sharing in the journey of life with others. I have a huge burden to work towards actively loving people no matter who they are or where they've come from.   

How many people are attending this dinner?

We have 8 groups of 6 - 8 people (approximately 50 people) meeting for the dinner around Brisbane this Saturday night.

For those of us who missed out, will the dinners happen again?

 There is a strong possibility that they will happen again. I think the response we've had from people around Brisbane warrants it.