JustLove
JUSTLOVE
TABLE LEADER GUIDE
Gather. Listen. Connect. Act. A practical checklist for creating welcoming spaces where faith, relationships, and justice come together.
GATHER. LISTEN. CONNECT. ACT.
MENU You prepare a table before me. — Psalm 23:5
SECTION A
WELCOME TO THE TABLE Getting started The heart behind JustLove Table A Christ-centered, nonpartisan approach
SECTION B
SETTING THE TABLE Know your context Table roles and responsibilities Sending the invitation
JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE
SECTION C
THE TABLE JOURNEY Four gatherings: a continuing rhythm. Table 1: Appetizer Consider Together Our Action Choice Table 2: Main Course Let’s Do It! Table 3: Serve It Up Table 4: Taste & Reflect
SECTION D
THE PANTRY Table opening mixers Resources Children’s Champion flow Follow-up letter Communicating our Table story
JustLove JustLove
GATHER. L I ST E N . C O N N E C T. A C T.
Getting Started Why JustLove Tables Matter and How to Use This Guide A SIMPLE IDEA. A P O W E R F U L I M PA C T. JustLove Collective emerged in Spring of 2024 to become a worldwide movement under the motto, “Uniting hearts, inspiring action.” JustLove Tables are regular gatherings where people come together to share a meal, enjoy honest conversations, and explore what faithfulness looks like in our communities today. HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE This guide is a practical tool, not a rule book. Use what’s helpful, adapt what you need, and make it your own. Each section includes clear guidance, simple reproducible checklists, and resources to support you from start to finish.
“In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” – George Orwell
M AT E R I A L S N E E D E D E A C H TA B L E Whiteboard or flipchart (with marker) to keep track of ideas Reproducible forms copied to distribute to everyone YOUR NEXT STEPS EXPLORE
Read through the guide to get familiar with the process and possibilities. Find a place to meet.
JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE
ASSEMBLE
Invite a few people to help, get materials needed, and choose the roles that fit your team.
BEGIN
Set a date, start planning, and take the first step toward a meaningful gathering.
GATHER. LISTEN. CONNECT ACT.
JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE
GATHER. LISTEN. CONNECT ACT.
Christ-Centered ChristCentered
Justice
“They recognized him in the breaking of the bread.” –Luke 24:30 (NIV) Christ-centered justice begins with the conviction that every human being bears the image of God and therefore possesses a dignity that cannot be determined by race, wealth, citizenship, status, or power. Justice is not simply a political idea or a response to whatever issue dominates the moment. It is a biblical commitment rooted in the character of God and revealed most clearly in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus consistently moved toward people whom society pushed aside. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, welcomed the stranger, challenged systems of religious and social power, and restored dignity to people others had learned to ignore. The cross itself demonstrates a God who enters human suffering rather than remaining distant from it. Christ-centered justice, then, requires more than believing the right things about injustice. It asks what love requires of us when another person's dignity, safety, opportunity, or humanity is being denied. It calls Christians to confront both personal prejudice and systems that produce or perpetuate harm. Distilled simply, Christ-centered justice is love made public. It is seeing people as Jesus sees them, standing where Jesus would stand, and using whatever influence we possess to help create conditions in which our neighbors can live with dignity, freedom, and wholeness.
NONPARTISAN STATEMENT JustLove Table is open to LOVING people from all religious traditions and beliefs. JustLove Collective is nonpartisan and does not endorse or oppose candidates or political parties. We encourage thoughtful civic engagement grounded in justice, compassion, truth, and love.
JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE
JustLove
GATHER. LISTEN. CONNECT. ACT.
Know Your Context “This is what God’s kingdom is like: a bunch of outcasts and oddballs gathered at a table, not because they are rich or worthy or good, but because they are hungry, because they said yes. And there’s always room for more.” —Rachel Held Evans Every JustLove Table looks different because every community is unique. Understanding your context helps you plan in a way that is relevant, respectful, and impactful. You can choose more than one context that fits your setting.
CONTEXT CHECKLIST
Check all that apply
RURAL / SMALL-CONTEXT
COLLEGE / UNI VERSI TY
Smaller towns or rural areas where relationships are close-knit and resources may be limited, but opportunities for deep connection are strong.
Faith communities, campus ministries, or higher education settings where spiritual formation and social engagement interact.
URBAN / MULTI-CONTEXT
SINGLE-CONTEXT (CONGREGATION-BASED)
Larger, more diverse communities with a variety of cultures, perspectives, and needs. Opportunities to build bridges across difference are abundant.
A local church or faith community that wants to begin or deepen this work within its own congregation.
SCHOOL / ACADEMY
HOME / NEIGHBORHOOD Gatherings in homes, around tables in neighborhoods, or with friends and neighbors where everyday relationships spark change.
K-12 schools, academies, or educational settings where students, families, and staff gather to learn, grow, and build community.
REFLECTION Which context(s) best describe your setting? ___________________________________________________________________ What opportunities or unique needs exist in your context? _______________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE
REPRODUCIBLE
GATHER. LISTEN. CONNECT ACT.
JustLove Table Roles “There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.” — 1 Corinthians 12:4
Every JustLove Table is unique, and roles can be combined, adapted, or rotated depending on your context and the size of your gathering. Use the checklists below to understand each role and identify who will take on each one. CHAPTER LEADER
CONVERSATION FACILITATOR
Think: “Who is making sure the whole gathering comes together?”
Think: “Who helps us have a meaningful conversation without doing all the talking?”
Set the date/location and review the Seasonal Content Packet Check in with the leadership circle Welcome the group and guide the flow Complete the post-gathering report to JustLove Collective HOSPITALITY HOST Think: “Do we have a place to gather, food to share, and everything we need to feel welcome?”
Review the content and prepare materials Guide open, respectful conversation Connect conversation to the local community Share themes and resources for next time COMMUNICATIONS CZAR Think: “How do people know we’re here, what’s happening, and how to join us?”
Confirm venue and organize food/sign-ups Coordinate supplies and volunteers Welcome arrivals and keep hospitality running smoothly Organize cleanup and note improvements for next time
Create and share invitations and announcements Share info through local networks Capture photos/stories (with permission) Share photos with JustLove Collective for Pulse and JustLove Notes
COMMUNITY CONNECTOR
VOLUNTEER & ACTION ADVOCATE
Think: “Who is helping people connect with a local community and each other?”
Think: “How do we make sure the conversation actually goes somewhere?”
Maintain the contact list and follow up with people Help identify community partners and new voices Welcome newcomers and get them connected Follow up and invite people back
Review action options and local opportunities Bring concrete information and next steps Help the group choose realistic action steps Follow up, track progress, and share updates
CARE & INCLUSION COORDINATOR
CHILDREN’S CHAMPION
Think: “Who is paying attention to whether people can actually belong and participate here?”
Think: “How can children and families genuinely belong in this community?”
Identify accessibility or participation needs Help establish simple agreements for inclusion Notice whose voices are heard or missed Share observations and suggest improvements
Find out ages/needs and recruit volunteers Prepare age-appropriate activities and a safe space Welcome and engage children and families Ask families for feedback and plan for next time
Smaller Table Combining Roles Option: 1
Chapter Leader / Conversation Facilitator
2 Hospitality Host / Care and Inclusion Coordinator
4 Communications Czar
3 Community Connector / Volunteer and Action Advocate
5 Children’s Champion
JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE
GATHER. LISTEN. CONNECT. ACT.
AN INVITATION
r i a h c a p u l l u P
THREE SIMPLE WAYS TO INVITE SOMEONE TO THE TABLE.
TEXT MESSAGE
LETTER
A FRIENDLY, QUICK INVITATION THAT SHARES THE ESSENTIALS
A WARM, DETAILED INVITATION WITH A BIT MORE CONTEXT
A SIMPLE, PERSONAL INVITATION EITHER PRINTED, BY HAND, OR TEXTED
To: friend@example.com Subject: You're Invited to a JustLove Table
1:47
Dear Friend,
JustLove
Hey friend!
I'm hosting a JustLove Table at my home, and I'd love for you to join. It's a simple meal, honest conversation, and a chance to connect with others about what matters in our community. Date Time Place
I'm hosting a JustLove Table and would love for you to be part of it! It's a chance to share a meal, have meaningful conversation, and explore together how we can make a positive difference in our community.
This isn't a program, church service, or political meeting. It's a relaxed gathering of neighbors and friends who care about people, listen well, and want to turn conversation into action.
Date Time Place
Bring yourself and something to share for lunch (all are welcome)! Let me know if you can come. I'd love to have you there!
😉
Dear _______, I was thinking about you this week because we know how much you care about our community. We’d love to get you together with a few other people who care too, share some food and conversation, and try something new. It’s called a JustLove Table. The idea is pretty simple: get some good people around a table, share a meal, talk about what’s happening in our community and world, and ask what we might actually do about it together. It grows out of the JustLove Collective, a movement built around the idea that loving our neighbors ought to mean more than simply caring about them. We want to pay particular attention to people who are being overlooked, excluded, or pushed to the margins—and find practical ways to help.
Please bring yourself and something to share for lunch — a dish, a story, an idea, or just a willing heart.
So we're starting with a meal at our home, (Date and Time). Feel free to bring a friend and something to go in a “haystack” meal. RSVP at Facebook message or text me at (cell number), or email me at (email).
I hope you'll join us!
Peace & love,
With gratitude, [Your Name]
Your Name
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE
JustLove
THE TABLE JOURNEY JustLove Table offers a rhythm, not a finish line. The 88 minutes are like 88 piano keys that can make a masterpiece. Typically the bi-monthly cycle will run six months. Each of the four gatherings builds on the preceding one, and together they create a pathway from listening to lasting change – in our lives, our communities, and beyond.
TABLE ONE APPETIZER
Brainstorming & Listening Who and what are we seeing in our community?
TABLE TWO MAIN COURSE
Choosing & Planning What can our Table actually do? What is a meaningful and realistic action?
TABLE THREE
TABLE FOUR
SERVE IT UP
TASTE & REFLECT
Action & Accountability
Reflection & Learning
How will we put our plan into action?
Let's do it together.
What happened? What did we learn? What's working well? What needs to change?
Someone is ready to start another Table.
A new Table begins at Table One. (You can continue your Table while helping new Tables. Recruit new leaders). There is more to do with this cause.
Return to Table One: The Appetizer
“Breaking bread in their homes with glad and generous hearts...the Lord added to their number day by day.” – Acts 2:46, 47 JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE
(Brainstorm & Listen again). We're ready to notice what else is happening around us. Explore a new area of focus or followup on ideas that weren’t chosen.
GATHER. LISTEN. CONNECT. ACT.
TABLE ONE
APPETIZER Brainstorming & Listening
Purpose: Build relationships, listen to what people are noticing in the community, and begin discovering what this JustLove Table might care about together. POTLUCK & CONNECTION (30–45 MINUTES)
Set up the space and food. Greet people as they arrive. Hand out Ice Breaker Questions (reproducible) Use nametags as needed Enjoy the meal together. This is an important part of the Table.
THE 88-MINUTE FLOW TIME
HOST TIPS FOR TABLE ONE Create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment. This is a listening session, not a problem-solving meeting. Make space for everyone, especially those who are often unheard. This includes giving children a space. See “Children’s Champion Flow.”) Capture key ideas visibly (whiteboard, sticky notes, large paper). Say “yes” –- not “but.” Keep the tone hopeful, fun, and curious.
(Suggested approach AFTER the meal)
WHAT WE’LL DO
GUIDANCE & PROMPTS
5 MIN
Welcome to the Table
Welcome everyone and introduce JustLove Table. Share the purpose for today.
5 MIN
Ground the Table
Read a short scripture or reflection. Offer a brief prayer.
Set the tone and invite everyone in. Center our hearts.
Connection
In pairs or small groups, invite introductions. Prompt: What brought you here? What gives you hope right now?
20 MIN
Look & Listen
What are you noticing in our community? (Record these ideas). Who is being unseen/unheard? Who is already doing good work?
20 MIN
Dream Together
Hand out “Consider Together” sheet. Use whiteboard or larger paper to capture and cluster ideas.
What Do We Bring?
What are your passions, skills, relationships, and resources? Hand out “Our Action Choice.”
8 MIN
Before We Meet Again
Identify 2-4 areas the group wants to learn more about. Confirm the next gathering date.
5 MIN
Close the Table
Close with “What’s one word you’re taking from tonight?” Hand out “Resources” sheet. Close with prayer.
15 MIN
10 MIN
Get to know one another. Notice what’s happening in our community. Imagine what’s possible. Identify our gifts and strengths.
Identify next steps.
Go with gratitude.
THE TAKEAWAY At the end of Table One, you should leave with: Relationships beginning to form. Community concerns on the table. Gifts and connections becoming visible. A few areas the group wants to learn more about. A date to gather again.
"For wherever two or three gather in my name, I am there with them.” – Jesus, in Matthew 18:20
Send follow-up email a couple days after Table 1. See Sample Follow-up Letter in Pantry. JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE
GATHER. LISTEN. CONNECT. ACT.
REPRODUCIBLE
“Pursue justice. Correct oppression.” – Isaiah 1:17
O p t i o n a l S u p p l i e s N e e d e d t o K e e p Tr a c k : C h a l k b o a r d , a wh i t e b o a r d , p a p e r r u n n e r, o r p o s t e r b o a r d a n d Po s t - i t n o t e s
JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE
GATHER. LISTEN. CONNECT. ACT.
REPRODUCIBLE
“Never place a period where God has placed a comma.” – Gracie Allen
JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE
GATHER. LISTEN. CONNECT. ACT.
TABLE TWO
MAIN COURSE Choosing a Meaningful Action Purpose: Build on what we have heard and learned, discover where this Table can make a meaningful difference, and leave with one realistic action and a simple plan for doing it together.
POTLUCK & CONNECTION (30–45 MINUTES) Share the meal and welcome everyone back. Let conversations flow and catch up. Have notes, ideas, or resources from Tables One available for people to review. Create a relaxed and welcoming space.
HOST TIPS FOR TABLE TWO Continue the journey of listening and deeper conversation. Use the “Let’s Do It!” and “Our Action Choice” reproducibles. Build on genuine energy and enthusiasm, not force agreement. Choose one action that is realistic and doable. Be clear about next steps and who will do what. End with hope — this is the beginning of something good.
THE 88-MINUTE FLOW (Remember, this is a suggested guide after eating.) TIME 5 MIN 5 MIN 10 MIN
10 MIN
25 MIN
10 MIN
15 MIN
8 MIN
WHAT WE’LL DO
GUIDANCE & PROMPTS
Welcome & Reconnect
Welcome everyone and thank them for being here Recap where we’ve been (Table One) and where we’re headed
Ground the Table
Read a short scripture or reflection Offer a brief prayer. Ask for special requests and praises.
What Have We Learned?
What surprises or stories have stayed with us from Table One? Has anything changed how we understand the issue?
What Could We Do?
What is already happening that we could support? How might we grow? (Say “and,” not “but.”)
Set the tone and invite everyone in. Center our hearts.
Share insights and new understanding.
Narrow possibilities.
Is This Our Action?
Discern together.
Check the Energy
Make sure we’re ready.
Make the Plan
Turn the action into next steps.
Commit & Close Go with hope.
Need: Does it matter? Is there a real need? Leverage: Can we make a difference? Together: Can we do it as a team? Completion: Can we finish it?
Hand out “Let’s Do It!” sheet Who will lead? Who do we need to involve? Choose ONE action (Save others for later). What are you leaving with tonight? Confirm the next gathering date. Close with prayer.
THE TAKEAWAY
By the end of Table Two, you should leave with: One meaningful action. People willing to participate. A clear next step. Shared responsibilities. A realistic timeline. A fresh hope and momentum. JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE
“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” – Stephen R. Covey
GATHER. LISTEN. CONNECT. ACT.
JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE
REPRODUCIBLE
GATHER. LISTEN. CONNECT. ACT.
TABLE THREE SERVE IT UP
Reaction & Accountability Purpose: Check in on the action you chose, celebrate what's happening, work through challenges, and take the next steps together. POTLUCK & CONNECTION (30–45 MINUTES) Share the meal and thank each other for being here. Welcome new participants who may be joining. Please have your action plan and notes available.
THE 88-MINUTE FLOW TIME
WHAT WE’LL DO
8 MIN
Welcome & Reconnect
10 MIN
Ground the Table
Gather and get settled. Center our hearts.
10 MIN
20 MIN
Celebrate What’s Happening
Notice and name the progress.
Where Are We Now? Be honest about the reality.
HOST TIPS FOR TABLE THREE Start with celebration — acknowledge progress, no matter how small. Be honest about challenges. This is a space for growth, not blame. Say “and,” not “but.” Invite new ideas or resources. Adjust your plans as needed. Make sure everyone leaves with a clear next step. End with hope — this is the beginning of something good.
(Suggested approach for after the meal.) GUIDANCE & PROMPTS Welcome everyone (including new faces). Briefly share the purpose for tonight Read a short scripture or reflection. Offer a brief prayer. Share what we’re proud of. What challenges or obstacles have we encountered? What have we learned so far?
Make Adjustments
Do we need additional people, resources, or partners? How can we better organize the pieces of these next actions?
Take the Next Step Move from talk to action.
What is our next concrete step? Who will do what? When will we start?
10 MIN
Check the Bigger Picture Stay aligned with the why.
How does this action still connect with our values and purpose? Are we bringing the people most affected to the center?
5 MIN
Close the Table
“What are you leaving with tonight?” Thank everyone for their commitment. Close with prayer.
20 MIN 15 MIN
Problem-solve together.
End with gratitude.
THE TAKEAWAY
By the end of Table Three, you should leave with: A celebration of progress. A deeper understanding of challenges. Adjustments to your action plan. A clear next step and timeline. Continued fellowship and support.
JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE
"Justice is what love looks like in public." – Cornel West
GATHER. LISTEN. CONNECT. ACT.
TABLE FOUR TASTE & REFLECT
Learning & Storytelling
Purpose: Pause to reflect on what we’ve experienced, celebrate progress, and , learn from our stories. Then look ahead to multiply the impact and set the next Table.
POTLUCK & CONNECTION (30–45 MINUTES) Share the meal and enjoy each other’s company Welcome everyone and invite gratitude for the journey. Set a relaxed space for honest reflection and big dreams. Have any action photos available to celebrate.
THE 88-MINUTE FLOW TIME
WHAT WE’LL DO
HOST TIPS FOR TABLE FOUR Invite everyone to participate — every story matters. Look back with gratitude and forward with possibility. Record insights, photos, or quotes (with permission). Explore how this work can continue and where new tables might be hosted. End with hope — this is just the beginning of more.
(Yes, only a suggestion for after the meal.) GUIDANCE & PROMPTS
5 MIN
Welcome & Reconnect Set the tone and celebrate the journey.
Welcome everyone. Say a prayer. Invite a brief check-in: one word for tonight.
8 MIN
Look Back: What Has Grown? Celebrate progress.
What are we most proud of? What has surprised us? What impact have we seen in ourselves, our Table, our community?
20 MIN
Share Our Stories Real people. Real impact.
15 MIN
What Are We Learning? Find the wisdom.
15 MIN
Continue & Multiply New tables. Wider circles.
How can we keep this going? Who else do we want to invite? What would help you host or join another Table?
15 MIN
Commit & Set the Next Step
What is one action you will take? What support do you need? When will we take the next step? The next Table?
Close the Table
Invite one word or reflection: “What are you leaving with tonight?” Thank everyone for their ideas and commitment. Close with prayer.
10 MIN
From conversation to action.
End with gratitude.
THE TAKEAWAY
By the end of Table Four, you should leave with: A deeper appreciation of what we’ve experienced. Stories inspire and inform. Clarity on what’s working and what’s next. A commitment to multiply and set the next table. Renewed energy, hope, and momentum.
JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE
Invite people to share a story, moment, or takeaway. Hand out “Communicating Our Table Story” reproducible. What’s working well? What challenges remain? How have our perspectives shifted? (Collect reproducible handout.)
“ You can choose comfort or you can choose courage, but you can't have both, not at the same time." – Brené Brown
JustLove
GATHER. LISTEN. CONNECT. ACT.
JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE
REPRODUCIBLE
GATHER. LISTEN. CONNECT. ACT.
Resources
JOIN THE JUSTLOVE COLLECTIVE Receive free JustLove Notes, Pulse magazine, The JustCoz Podcast, and JustLove Summit details.
TOOLS FOR LEARNING, CONVERSATIONS FOR CHANGE, COMMUNITIES FOR GOOD. You don’t have to create everything from scratch. JustLove Collective offers a variety of resources that can help you learn, start conversations, explore issues, and take action.
PULSE
ARTICLES. REFLECTIONS. PRACTICAL IDEAS.
Pulse offers timely articles, reflections, reviews, and issue-focused resources to help you think deeper and take action for a more just world. At the JustLove Table: Choose an article, discussion question, or resource to introduce a topic or open a conversation.
justlovecollective.org/pulse
THE JUSTCOZ PODCAST
CONVERSATIONS FOR A MORE JUST WORLD.
justlovecollective.org/theju stcozpodcast
The JustCoz Podcast features honest conversations about faith, justice, leadership, activism, and Christ-centered community building. At the JustLove Table: Listen before gathering, assign an episode, or use one as a conversation starter.
JUSTLOVE NOTES
NEWS. OPPORTUNITIES. ENCOURAGEMENT.
Subscribe to our Substack for the latest from JustLove — including new resources, events, and ways to get involved. At the JustLove Table: Stay informed and bring fresh ideas, musical recommendations, and opportunities to your Table.
justlovecollective.org/notes
SCHOLARLY ARTICLES
RESEARCH. UNDERSTAND. ENGAGE. Coming Soon
A collection of academic articles on faith, justice, race, leadership, and social change. These resources support deeper study and informed contemplation. At the JustLove Table: Use an article to ground a discussion, explore a new topic, or support a series on a key issue.
JUSTLOVE BOOK CIRCLE
READ TOGETHER. GROW TOGETHER. ACT TOGETHER.
justlovecollective.org/book circle
Explore a featured book each season, with discussion guides, reflection questions, and resources to deepen your learning and inspire action. At the JustLove Table: Use a passage, chapter, or discussion question for deeper conversation.
THE JUSTLOVE COLLECTIVE WEBSITE THE HOME BASE.
justlovecollective.org
Visit the JustLove Collective website to explore everything — from current initiatives and resources to stories, events, and ways to connect. At the JustLove Table: Come back often as new content and opportunities are added.
CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR THE TABLE (ART) (ART resources include Table Blessings, printable trifold to advertise a Table, and other resources). REPRODUCIBLE JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE
GATHER. LISTEN. CONNECT. ACT.
1
Children’s
n o i p m a Ch
WELCOME & CONNECT Create a Safe and Joyful Space
4
“Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” – Jesus, in Matthew 25:40 (NRSV) REFLECT & RESPOND
Growing Compassion in Action
Greet each child by name. Help them feel seen, included, and valued. Begin with a simple icebreaker question “When is your birthday?”or activity to help everyone feel comfortable.
Invite children to share, ask questions, or think about how they can make a difference. Keep it simple and hopeful.
Time: 10 minutes
2
Time: 12 minutes
5
EXPLORE & LEARN Engage Curious Minds
CLOSE & CELEBRATE Send Them Out with Hope
Use a short story, children’s book, discussion, video, or question to introduce the day's theme. Keep it interactive and age-appropriate.
End with a positive reminder, a takehome idea, or a short blessing. Thank them for being part of the conversation!
Time: 12 minutes
3
Time: 5 minutes
CREATE & PLAY
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Hands-On Learning Choose a craft, game, and/or activity that reinforces the theme. Movement, creativity, and play help children process ideas and build connections.
Time: 50 minutes
Be warm, patient, and flexible. Meet children where they are. Keep activities simple and inclusive. Emphasize kindness, curiosity, and respect. Connect the theme to real-life actions. Have fun!
IDEAS TO GET YOU STARTED
Find step-by-step guides, supply lists, and more on the JustLove website. STORY IDEAS Good Samaritan Zacchaeus Jesus Welcomes the Children Ruth & Naomi Feeding the 5,000
LINK TO STORY GUIDES UNDER CONSTRUCTION
JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE
CRAFT IDEAS Kindness Cards Everyone Belongs Poster Friendship Bracelets Community Mural Encouragement Rocks
LINK TO CRAFT INSTRUCTIONS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
GAME IDEAS Parachute Games Team Scavenger Hunt Help Your Neighbor Relay Build-It Together Challenge Movement & Mindfulness
LINK TO GAME INSTRUCTIONS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
GATHER. LISTEN. CONNECT. ACT.
EXAMPLE FOLLOW-UP EMAIL AFTER TABLE 1
Dear friends,
Thank you for your part in creating the first official JustLove Table!
The reviews are in. Here's what you said: “I felt that all the connections I made here were God-breathed!”
“Being here makes me feel that I can do something about all the ugliness happening in the world.”
“If others knew about groups like this, there would be a lot fewer people leaving church.”
Yes. Yes. And yes! We agree! God brought us all together—an amazing, passionate, gifted, experienced, and networked crew. Thank you for carving out time for the very first official JLC Table! Our grievances are real. Our compassion for the marginalized is palpable. And knowing what each of us is doing to move the dial toward justice is inspiring. But we didn't just pontificate. We came up with practical ideas for what we could do together, three of which we want to explore at our next meeting on (DATE and TIME).
To prepare for that meeting, Kay, Nancy, Steve, and Melissa volunteered to vet the suggestions. Vetting includes studying the idea and answering the following questions: Does it matter? Can we make a difference? Can we do it as a team? Can we measure what we accomplish? Kay will present the potential viability of women’s ordination for Chesapeake; Nancy will present specific action possibilities for partnering with ACS; and Steve, Melissa, and Nancy will zoom in on the potential for vouchers. Eileen will give more details about the menu in an upcoming email. Meanwhile, I forgot to mention Saturday that JustLoveCollective.org has some outstanding resources. Browse the website and you'll find podcasts, panel discussions, and stories. I’d like to highlight one resource in particular, Pulse magazine. Pulse is designed for eyes tired of squinting to see tiny feeds on smartphones. Pulse feels just like the old-fashioned magazines you used to hold in your hand. Remember those? Pulse is a fullcolor, large-format page-turner viewed best on the large screen of your desktop computer.
EXPLORE JUSTLOVE COLLECTIVE
Pulse Magazine tackles today's issues through the lens of Adventist activism, everything from social justice and spirituality to culture and the environment. You'll find essays, poetry, stories, and plenty to make you think. Maybe even inspire you to act.
All 28 issues are archived here, and there is no paywall. You can also sign up for a free subscription at the bottom of the Pulse webpage. Happy reading! JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE
Dave and Eileen
WHERE YOU’ LL FIND PULSE AND OTHER RESOURCES.
GATHER. LISTEN. CONNECT. ACT.
REPRODUCIBLE
Communicating
Our Table Story
HERE’S THE STORY OF OUR JUSTLOVE TABLE*
WHO is involved (first names only):
WHERE we are located: WHEN we began gathering: Here’s one especially memorable story from our chosen action: (No worries, submit this info after engaging in your action. Take as much space as you need.)
Here are some quotes from Table participants about their unique experience:
Attached are photos of our JustLove Table action, complete with captions and first names.
Contact info for your Communications Czar and Table Leader: Please send all Table participants a faith follow-up, including photos from your chosen action, and submit their email addresses to be subscribed to justlovecollective.org
.
*Submit within two weeks your Table story of about 499 words to events@justlovecollective.org for possible publication in JustLove Notes and Pulse magazine.
JUSTLOVE TABLE LEADER GUIDE