The Gospels are full of stories of Jesus sharing meals with disciples, friends, even tax collectors and Pharisees. Whether multiplying bread to feed a whole crowd, relaxing with his inner circle, or telling curious elites stories about even greater banquets, Jesus imparts wisdom as he shares the wine and grants forgiveness as he distributes the fish. This eight-chapter resource provides biblical insights along with thought-provoking queries regarding our own time, such as whom should we invite to Sunday dinner and who is left out and left behind in our culture today. Illustrations by artist Kevin Burns complement each chapter and invite further meditation on the Gospel story and its meaning for our lives. Each chapter includes questions for small group discussion or personal reflection. A guide for church leaders offers suggestions for preaching this book as a sermon series and incorporating food-related outreach and hospitality efforts.

In "A Multitude of Blessings," Cynthia Campbell clearly and engagingly explores the ancient but timely issue of religious diversity, drawing on both biblical and theological sources. Analyzing Old Testament texts, she provides a close reading of several key passages that express God's steadfast love for humankind and show that diversity is part of God's overall plan for human culture. In the New Testament, she turns to several influential texts and familiar passages to which Christians have often pointed as proof of the exclusive truth or superiority of Christianity over other religious traditions. By putting these texts in their respective contexts and by examining the roles of religious "others" in the New Testament, Campbell demonstrates that God's grace extends far beyond a chosen people and that knowledge of God is not limited to Christian believers. Campbell ultimately affirms that religious diversity is part of God's providential care for humankind. Therefore, she urges Christians to be modest in their claims to truth, to be open to interfaith dialogue, and to work with others for justice and peace.

These essays and sermons are by twenty well-known Presbyterian scholars, pastors, and church leaders who seek to shape a vision for the theological center of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The book is organized around five themes: Christology and preaching, the church and evangelism, mission and service, the authority and interpretation of Scripture, and ecumenism and the Reformed tradition. Each section includes two essays and two sermons.