McDonald's takeaways, home-delivered pizzas, microwave ready-meals all lead to trays in front of the telly and away from sitting down, as a family, to a shared meal. Many mourn the passing of the traditional evening meal, but there are a growing number who try to retain the family-together meal with its unity-building values.

This material is structured around the traditional 40 days of Lent although it does not have to be used in the order in which it is offered.

Most families will not be able to use all the material because there are sure to be days when it will not be practical to eat together. Also, because of the wide possible interpretation possible of the word 'family', some of the material is best for a family with young children; some 'days' are more suitable for teenagers. Whoever is going to lead the table time needs to select the appropriate material.

At the beginning or the end of the family meal an adult or young person can lead the table time, which comprises: an introduction, the table tale and, table talk, which is intended to be a stimulus to conversation about the story, leading into relevant prayer.

It is an excellent way to balance talking to one another and talking to God.

One of the most important marks of the Christian is joy. If we are going to make an effort this Lent, let's do it cheerfully.

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ISBN: 9781844171675
Catalogue code: N/A
Publisher: KEVIN MAYHEW - published 15/11/2003
Format: Paperback