Candi Powell is among the many Minnesotans who hunger for an uplifting religious experience on Sundays. Her young children probably hunger more for some pasta and dessert. Both are served up at an unusual Apple Valley worship service called "Breaking Bread."
The service has no long sermons, no sitting in pews, no musty hymns. The faithful sit at tables in the church's social hall, and halfway through the service they stroll to a potluck buffet, fill their plates, and return to chat with neighbors.
"I love the format," said Powell, who recently attended the service at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church for the first time. "It makes it more family friendly. You're not just sitting. And it's easy to come here, knowing there is dinner."
Breaking Bread, launched last year, is among a variety of experiments unfolding at Twin Cities churches as they try to reach new and younger members. They're also designed to support existing members interested in something new.
The church's lead senior pastor, the Rev. Rick Summy, had offered a dinner service for people recovering from addiction at his previous congregation. Church leaders at Shepherd of the Valley decided to give it a try in Apple Valley, hosting an informal service with popular music, children participation, and a warm meal, said the Rev. Wendy Steger, who oversees the worship.
"The idea was to give people an option," said Steger, "to help people not comfortable in a traditional worship service."
Besides, early Christians often met over meals, she noted. Breaking Bread is a 21st-century version of that.
During a recent Sunday dinner hour, about 50 adults and children gathered around the tables in the church social hall, facing a small, makeshift altar covered with a few candles.
