Lovefeast Gathering 2026

In the quiet beauty of St. Mary’s Chapel, the community gathered for a Lovefeast, an ancient Moravian tradition rooted in fellowship, simplicity, and grace. More than a service, the Lovefeast is an invitation: to slow down, to sing together, and to share a humble meal. Today, our community shared sweet bread made by our Jan Term Break of Life class and coffee as a sign of unity.

The service opened gently, with music and a blessing that set a tone of reverence and welcome. A familiar prayer, “Be present at our table, Lord,” reminded us that what we were about to share was not only food, but presence. As sweet buns and coffee were passed, the chapel grew still. We listened. We breathed. We honored the silence of the moment.

Hymns and sacred words wove together themes of generosity, abundance, and togetherness. Readings invited reflection on giving freely, on bread as the “stuff of life,” and on the holy act of sharing what sustains us. The Lovefeast traced its roots back to 1727, when the Moravian community first gathered around simple food, prayer, and song, an expression of faith lived out in community rather than spoken alone.

At the heart of the service was fellowship. Bread baked with care. Prayers offered in gratitude. A recognition that we are part of an interconnected web of life, called to unity even as we honor our different traditions and experiences. In making, breaking, and sharing bread, we were reminded of our responsibility to one another and to the wider world.

The service closed as it began: together. Voices rose in a round singing Seek Ye First, simple and strong, echoing the call to seek what truly matters. Standing side by side, the community joined in prayer and received a final blessing, carrying with them the quiet power of shared grace.

The Lovefeast remains one of the most meaningful expressions of Moravian tradition: a modern agape meal, partaken in love and friendship. On this day, in this place, it reminded us that unity can be tasted, heard, and felt, and that sometimes, the most profound moments are shaped by the simplest gifts.