Columbia Union Members Called to Share Their Tables

Story by Ricardo Bacchus

“Growing up in a large family, my parents always taught us that, although we were poor economically, we were rich in love. Therefore, God always provided enough for us to feed someone else,” expresses Marcellus T. Robinson, Columbia Union Conference president. “We always set out an extra plate at the table, expecting that somebody would knock on our door in need of a meal.”

Inspired by testimonies like these, the Columbia Union, under the leadership of José D. Espósito, vice president for Multilingual Ministries and Evangelism, is taking mealtime to the next level. 

During the 29th Columbia Union Conference Constituency Meeting at the Southern Asian church in Silver Spring, Md., Espósito introduced the Share Your Table initiative to the delegates.

In 2026, Columbia Union leaders are challenging church members to bring friends, colleagues and neighbors together for moments that are simple but deeply meaningful. The initiative encourages members to open their doors to others, inviting them to experience simple, meaningful moments of connection.

At the meeting, delegates who accepted the call to participate received bags that included, among other items, a prayer apron specifically designed to be worn when others enter their homes. Robinson concluded the celebration with a special prayer for those who came forward and for the new initiative.

“The purpose is to invite one person or family to your home for a meal—breakfast, lunch or dinner,” explains Espósito. “While serving your guests, you will have the opportunity to wear an apron that asks, ‘How can I pray for you today?’”  

This prayer apron gives guests an opening to share what's on their hearts—prayer requests for jobs, health, finances or family, says Espósito.

Union leaders extended the invitation to its eight conferences and hope many churches join the movement. 

To start, Espósito is already presenting Share Your Table at this summer's camp meetings, where he is distributing more bags.

“Jesus took time to share the table with His disciples, and people invited Him to eat at their tables,” adds Espósito. “This program gives us the opportunity to mingle with non-Adventists, former Adventists or even our young people in our churches.”

Robinson adds, “I think this program is a reflection of who God is. Share Your Table helps people realize in a tangible way that God exists, He cares for us and we are the living vehicles by which He displays that love to others.”