#if:table

[ifdayton]

Friends

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11-12 NIV

Every June we get together to celebrate the team of volunteers that helps put on the If:Dayton gathering in the winter. It is hands down one of my favorite dinners. I love being able to highlight the way that I see Jesus in sthem. I love to acknowledge their hard work and then build them up with truth that speaks to their gifting and beautiful love for others.

I encourage you this week to send that card, send that email, leave a voice mail, send a text, or meet up in person. Tell each other how you are the seeing the Lord at work in their life. Tell them what you love about them and how their love for the Lord spurs you in to do good as well.

We just concluded the “Not Alone” a study on friendship with @ifgathering and it was so encouraging. It challenged us to speak truth to each other but also to care well for each other! You can find it on their app or on ifequip.com One of the final topics was how friendship gives us a forestaste of eternal community- how wonderful is that?!

[a-la-maquina]

The images and stori

The images and stories from IF:Table gatherings across the country last month were beautiful. Deep conversations and authentic connections resulted in Jesus-centered community. While we continue to celebrate that gift,...

from Rebekah Freed http://ift.tt/2iW68tX via Leesburg Water Softening Equipment Supplier

[trashybetty]

The images and stori

The images and stories from IF:Table gatherings across the country last month were beautiful. Deep conversations and authentic connections resulted in Jesus-centered community. While we continue to celebrate that gift,...

from Rebekah Freed http://ift.tt/2iW68tX via water system Las Vegas

[chyrll]

Repost from @ifgathering Thanks to our October IF:Table host, @anniefdowns, this month we’re talking about bravery. Kick off your conversations around the table by checking out her blog post, favorite Fall recipe, and conversation cards. You can find it all at >> http://bit.ly/IFTableOct17 #iftable

[chattyjeliza]

The images and stori

The images and stories from IF:Table gatherings across the country last month were beautiful. Deep conversations and authentic connections resulted in Jesus-centered community. While we continue to celebrate that gift,...

from Rebekah Freed http://ift.tt/2iW68tX via Crestview Insurance

[king-of-jaffahampton]

The images and stori

The images and stories from IF:Table gatherings across the country last month were beautiful. Deep conversations and authentic connections resulted in Jesus-centered community. While we continue to celebrate that gift,...

from Rebekah Freed http://ift.tt/2iW68tX via Leesburg Water Softening Equipment Supplier

[caitlinbradie]

The images and stori

The images and stories from IF:Table gatherings across the country last month were beautiful. Deep conversations and authentic connections resulted in Jesus-centered community. While we continue to celebrate that gift,...

from Rebekah Freed http://ift.tt/2iW68tX via whole house water softener Orlando

[ifdayton]

Tuesday Thoughts: Women of the Table

This the 7th installment of our current series, Women of the Table. In this series we are introducing you to the women that grace if:table every month and their stories of beauty and redemption.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. —Acts 2:42

This week we are so excited to introduce you to Miss Karen. She is a native Daytonian. She’s outgoing and her love for people has been a blessing to us when we have the privilege to be with her around the table. She is a prayer warrior that loves to see women become their authentic self.

She is thrifty and likes to go junken, as her family calls it when she hunts for treasure at Goodwill, flea markets, and garage sales. Her creativity is evident in how she can create beautiful cakes from seemingly nothing into masterpieces.

After her daughter went off to college, she enrolled in a cake decorating class and loved it. She began decorating cakes and making candy as a hobby but now she has a business called, Klassi Konfections. You may have tasted her yummy caramel dipped pretzels at one of our tables or at our gathering this year. She enjoys sharing her love for making candy and decorating cakes through teaching others and helping them better their skills.

Hear from her own words how the Lord met her desires for deep community when she gathered around an IF:Table and attended IF:Dayton, a local IF:Gathering this year.  

“ I met Daisy at our workplace and began to join them around the table after meeting her. My favorite part about If:table and the IF:gathering is the strength that I get from fellowshipping with the women.” 

What a wonderful Lord we serve He gives us the example of creating authentic community around the table.

“And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.” Mark‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

In the midst of Covid-19 we have had to change each month our approach for meeting together around the table. We are so grateful for connecting via technology.

 At one of our zoom tables Miss Karen encouraged the young moms in the group. She spoke blessing over them and encouraged them to see that their work at home with their children doesn’t go unnoticed. Her words felt like a real life hug in a virtual world. When you experience a hug from Miss Karen you feel loved and seen.

 We are so thankful to get to be in community with Miss Karen and look forward to hearing her heart each time we meet. Will you join us? We would love to have you. We saved you a seat.

[ifdayton]

Tuesday Thoughts: Women of the Table

This the sixth installment of our current series, Women of the Table. In this series we are introducing you to the women that grace if:table every month and their stories of beauty and redemption.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. —Acts 2:42

This week we are so excited to introduce you to these two beautiful women. They are a mother daughter duo that exude the aroma of Jesus. Hear from their own words how the Lord met their desires for deep community when they gathered around an IF:Table and attended IF:Dayton, a local IF:Gathering this year. 

Annabell is a wife to Chris and a mother of 6 children ranging from 10 to 23 years old.  Her family is uniquely blended, gifted in hospitality, and they love to adventure together in South Dayton. 

Toni is a 22 year old coffee shop enthusiast, creative adventurer, devoted daughter, and loyal friend. She dreams of having her own coffee shop one day and continually spurs others her age to create intentional community. 

I am reminded every time we gather the church isn’t just a building and one community, without connection to other churches and communities. We find that Christ unites us all.   -Annabell

“I had my first-born daughter, Toni, at the very young age of 17.  God has been faithful in my life and has always provided and Toni was able to see answered prayers and my steadfast hunger for the Lord as we struggled during her childhood.  In so many ways we grew up together. As a teen she committed her life to the Lord, many times being my prayer warrior and sister in Christ. She joined me in prayer and pleaded to the Lord for my husband’s soul and a couple of years ago he gave his life to Jesus.  My husband and I are now in agreement that raising our children to seek God, and His Will for our lives is our mission. Toni and I attended if:table hungry for a connection with like minded women. Our church is great and provides women’s bible studies and opportunities to fellowship however there was a longing for a deeper connection.  We were hungry for more, more God. We were seeking a deeper relationship with women, support in our walk, and a safe place to share our obstacles, our failures, and receive encouragement.

The first time around the table I found women who immediately embraced me, just as I am. I felt accepted through the women’s acceptance- Christ’s love was on display.  Our immediate connection was through the Holy Spirit, and it was so refreshing. The questions asked around the table are intended to go past the surface and bring up deep discussions. I found that unabashedly and without shame I could share my intimate struggles. I am so appreciate the support provided and feel safe coming to the table ready to  share. I am reminded every time we gather the church isn’t just a building and one community, without connection to other churches and communities. We find that Christ unites us all. When we gather with women in the community we lift up our needs in prayer, encourage one another, and praise Him for what He is doing in our lives. I have been able to meet more women that also love the Lord and love being in community together. The experience is unique and beautiful every time meet.  I look forward to growing with these women, joining our voices in prayer and singing His Praises together.  I am grateful to share these experiences with my daughter and sister in Christ.

At the first if:table we attended we felt God’s presence immediately. Mom and I, naturally wanted to lean on each other, and our own strength but the group guided us to God’s love. We were showered with wisdom, prayer, and received with open arms.   -Toni

“I dedicated my life to Christ in my sophomore year of high school.  My mother encouraged me to find a youth group and surround myself with Christ centered friends. In that season of life I began to follow after Jesus passionately. I am grateful for  3 lifelong friends that guided me back to Christ. The women in my life have always encouraged me fostering my heart to desire connections with  women of faith. I long to become a prayer warrior for other women and guide young hearts to the Lord. My mother and I were invited to if:table by Daisy, we met her at church. The invitation was timely since struggles we were going through were overwhelming and we needed prayer intervention. The first if:table we attended we could feel God’s presence immediately. His love was poured out through the ladies around the table. Mom and I, naturally wanted to lean on each other, and our own strength but the group guided us to God’s love. We were showered with wisdom, prayer, and received with open arms.

The way these experiences have changed me pours out of me, I share them with every gal  I meet. I invite them to join me with enthusiasm because I want them to experience His word, His Unending Love, and the support I receive from the women gathered around the table.  IF:Gathering 2020 was a catalyst in my desire and hunger to reach out to women of younger ages.I look forward to inviting more friends  to next year’s gathering. I praise the Lord with thanksgiving for If:Dayton, knowing them has renewed my faith reminding me that all things are possible through Christ. 

[ifdayton]

Tuesday Thoughts: Women of the Table

This the fifth installment of our current series, Women of the Table. In this series we are introducing you to the women that grace if:table every month and their stories of beauty and redemption.

/All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. —Acts 2:42/

It is an honor to introduce you to Johanna. Her name means "God is gracious". She is a beautiful soul married to David and together they are raising three young men of God! She blesses her family through homeschooling, blesses her church with her gifts, and inspires the world with her words.

Hear from her own words how the Lord has used If:Dayton to bless her and build her up.

“How true the meaning of my name has been in my life. God in HIS abounding love and grace for me stooped down and lifted me out of the miry pit. He set me on the ROCK of HIS foundation! He came to set this captive free, friends!! Thank you, LORD!He has set me free from the penalty of sin and death but he also set me free from the strongholds that have held me back from being free in Jesus. To be the person HE has called me out to be. His WORD does not return void - ever! When we declare the promises of the LORD it makes a difference in our lives and our children's lives!

At the IF:Table monthly dinners, we gather around the table  and love each other. We listen, we speak God’s Word over each other, and we encourage each other through prayer!

 Oh, the prayers are so beautiful! Uplifting those who are downcast and discouraged. You are not alone - God is with you - and yes, the women at the table are with you -  won’t you come and see?.

The yearly IF:Gathering just passed and this is a local event prepared for us to meet with Jesus. Not only is it an amazingly beautiful weekend, but there is great coffee, lots of authentic conversations and if you allow it, the Lord speaks profound truths to YOU!

These are some fo the ones he has spoken to me over the years I’ve attended. 

 You matter to the Lord. 

 You matter to the KINGDOM! 

 You matter to this WORLD!

I pray you will keep your eye open for next year. IF:Dayton also offers an IF:Relive in the summer I know you will be blessed immensely by the multiple speakers, amazing worship as they set the stage for you to have an encounter with YOUR MAKER. He is in the businesses of setting us free  from anything that is holding us back from living the LIFE abundantly He desires for us!

 "For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations." “ *Psalm 100:5*  

Isn’t she wonderful? You will be so blessed by Johanna as soon as you meet her. She smiles with her whole being and she gives the best hugs. It is an honor to have her grace If:table with her genuineness and heart after the Lord. You can find her on instagram @johanna_devotedtomaker and on her blog devotedtomaker.com go follow her, I know her words will encourage your heart!

[ifdayton]

Women of the Table: Lynn

This is the 12th installment of our series, Women of the Table. In this series we are introducing you to the women that grace IF: Table every month and their stories of beauty and redemption.

This week we are introducing Lynn. Lynn has been apart of IF: Dayton from just about the beginning. She is a willing servant of God and is so faithful in the callings on her life. She is unafraid to be herself and share the wisdom she gained throughout her life.

Hi, I’m Lynn McCoy and I currently live in Xenia Twp. I am living for the day when I can retire with just my side business and enjoy even more time with my 5 grandchildren and helping others to become their best self.

I am currently a Skills Lab Facilitator at Main Elementary where I help students learn keyboarding, digital citizenship and other “skills.” You may also see me driving a school bus in the wee hours as subs are in demand these days and in the summer with the canoe bus pulling a trailer as well! Wednesday nights you can find me at Bethel Christian AG, Dayton, leading their Girls Club.

I’m multifaceted when it comes to interests and love outdoor adventure as well as time with family. I also compete alongside my husband in SASS Cowboy Action Shooting where I get to dress up in Old West attire and shoot old style, single action pistols, rifle, and shot gun. It is a lot of fun and also provides an opportunity to be a witness for God. For the past several years we have been hosting Cowboy Church on Sunday morning at the Annual Regional event.

I am also establishing a Health & Wellness business to help people “do life better” and would love to share more with anyone who is interested.

I have been attending If:Table since Daisy began it in our area. From the first time, I felt a welcome connection and enjoyed that women of all backgrounds could come together, feel God’s presence, and glean from each other’s experience. If I can be honest, sometimes the discussion questions are tough for me to answer, and because of my past it can be uncomfortable to go deep, but no one is ever forced to share, and I have become more confident hearing the struggles of others and learning I’m not the only one. Even though I attend rather sporadically (due to above schedule) I still feel the connection even with new faces every time I am there and always leave with a greater sense of God’s love and look forward to the next time.

#ifdayton #womenofthetable #iflocal #daytonwomenintheword #ifequippedintruth #tuesdaythoughts #womensupportingwomen

[ifdayton]

A Bright Light,Deanna

This is the 11th installment of our series, Women of the Table. In this series we are introducing you to the women that grace IF:Table and their stories of beauty and redemption.⁠

This post has been one of the hardest to write and also the most full of hope. We walk this earth daily facing the sureness of death, and yet we do not lose hope.

  So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

I remember meeting Deanna so full of life as we both learned modern dance. Her smile lit up the room and she made us feel more alive just by being in the room. Over the years I watch her grow and fight for her faith. As she clung to her Lord over the years we got to watch her embody his calling to follow him in full!

When she walked into an If:Gathering I couldn't help but squeal with delight! She was a reminder of a sweet time where our bodies were free to experience dance and music in a way that made life pure magic. Her smile now full of wisdom and life hadn't for a minute gotten smaller but instead more alive. 

When she joined us at the table she brought with her the sweet aroma of Christ. Always speaking truth and longing for truer community with those in her life. With each time around the table we were witnessing her blossoming into a beautiful woman after God’s heart. 

As she walked the valley of suffering we could see the cancer was causing her outer self to waste away but the light in her eyes was becoming more and more alive. Her sweet daughter a gift from above in who a little of Deanna’s heart will continue to grow here too. 

It is hard to say farewell to this tender soul. Her life has left a permanent mark in our hearts. She has gone before us to the Lord and we are walking in hope remembering her love for him. This reminder spurs us on to continue to follow Him wholeheartedly. 

See you soon dear sister, His shalom is made perfect in you now. 

[ifdayton]

Women of the Table: NicolaThis the 10th installment of our series, Women of the Table. In this series we are introducing you to the women that grace IF:Table every month and their stories of beauty and redemption.⁠

This week we are introducing you to Nicola. Nicola has been coming to the Table for about a year. She is a woman daring to dive deep into the calling that the Lord has laid on her life! We can't wait to see all the good things that He will do in and through Nicola as she starts her next chapter in Africa. 

If: Dayton has been a time of being refreshed in the word of God while eating a bite of food around a welcoming table of lovely ladies.When I first heard about this women's gathering I was looking for a Bible study in my local area. I was looking for a group of women that I could be real with about life, Jesus and just girl stuff in general.

These women have been such an encouragement to me. As a woman in ministry it can be difficult to find those who celebrate you. These ladies have supported me through and through, and I am so thankful that they have opened their hearts up to me.As I write this letter while in Zambia, Africa I am grateful to say that If: Table, without a doubt, had a part to play in me being here in Zambia and fulfilling the call of God on my life to spread the love of Jesus to the Lozi people.I am thankful that I chose to go to that one dinner a year ago that led to another and now to a lasting friendship with a group of ladies who have shown me so much kindness! God always knows what He's doing."We can make our plans,but the Lord determines our steps." Proverbs 16:9Until the whole world hears,Nicola

[ifdayton]

Women of the Table Christina

Women of the Table: Christina ⁠⁠This the 9th installment of our series, Women of the Table. In this series we are introducing you to the women that grace if:table every month and their stories of beauty and redemption.⁠This week we are introducing you to Christina. 

Christina has been attending IF:Tables and IF:Gathering for years. Her warm and infectious smile is only outshone by her bravery in sharing vulnerably. We have been encouraged and sharpened many times by the things she shares about what God is rooting into and teaching her. Here are some words from our friend Christina that are sure to encourage you!My name is Christina, I am a wife and mama and most importantly a follower of Christ. My family and I are active members at our local church, FCF Dayton. Exploring and learning alongside my family is definitely my idea of "the best day" and if you throw in a cup of coffee, cozy armchair and a good book I'm pretty much in heaven.

I can't really remember when I first went to an IF:Table, I know it was years ago though. I remember being in a very lonely season of life and the community I found around the table was so encouraging and uplifting. 

I loved the openness to go deeper and the invitation to really share what the Lord was doing in our lives.

 I attended on and off for a while and every time I went back I was just so encouraged by the consistency of transparency, even though I met many different women and no table was ever quite the same, each time I felt a genuine desire for connection and was given a clear view for how The Lord was actively working in His Church in my city. That lifted my heart as I got a glimpse of Christ's love for His bride as women shared their hearts and gave praise to Him at the table.

[ifdayton]

Thursday’s Truths

A place to breath in grace and exhale doubt, as we remember and remind each other that He is good. 🌱

This the 8th installment of our current series, Women of the Table. In this series we are introducing you to the women that grace if:table every month and their stories of beauty and redemption.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. —Acts 2:42

This week we are so excited to introduce you to Elizabeth. She is a gentle yet powerful daughter of the king. She honors him by practicing and developing the artistic skills the Lord has given her. She is brave and continues to remind herself of that truth as sometimes it may seem hard to grasp. Here are some words from our friend Elizabeth that are sure to encourage you! 

“A friend told me that once my story is little like Ruth from the Bible. Maybe she meant my character, my spirit, or something else. However, if she or anyone sees a little Ruth, then that's fine by me.

 Because is not the goal to reflect Christ anyway? Ruth does just that.

 Maybe one day, like Ruth, I'll marry and become a mother, for now, I wait for that gift if that is part of my story, learning in the meantime to be content in all circumstances. My overall goal is to be with God, to step into the fullness of how He created me to be, and help build His kingdom. It will be a true gift to use the gifting of creativity and art to help passionately build his kingdom here on earth. 

Finding myself around the table has given me an assuredness of the beauty of the Lord’s goodness. The first time I came to the table I saw a gift of beautiful, honest, real relationships, something not often seen or experienced in this age of isolated connectivity.  If:Table to me reflects a part of God's intentional design; a picture of how He longs for discipleship to be like iron sharpenign iron. The table is also a blessing, that I do not want  to take for granted. 

Coming to the table takes courage for sure, and I am still growing in courage. it takes vulnerability to come and open your heart to others but believe me it worth it.”

I pray that you will remember that we are saving you a seat and you are welcome here,

[ifdayton]

Tuesday Thoughts: Women of the Table

This the fourth installment of our current series, Women of the Table. In this series we are introducing you to the women that grace if:table every month and their stories of beauty and redemption.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. —Acts 2:42

I’d Like to present to you Amber Rodriguez, here’s a little glimpse of her full yet beautifully devoted life here in Dayton. If you have attended If:table  you probably enjoyed sitting around her table in her home. 

When you first meet Amber you are swept in by her southern accent and her beautiful hospitality. She was born and raised in the Deep South. Alabama lovingly lent her to the Midwest and she has been grafted deep into the heart of Dayton, enhancing it richly! Amber is passionate about the word of God and weekly leads a group of women in discussion that leads to life through the power of the Holy Spirit. She has deeply nurtured the relationships with her neighbors and its beautiful to see them come in in out of each others homes.  When she’s not at BSF, at book club, or spending time with her kiddos, you will find her in the kitchen making yummy Puerto Rican food and dancing with her husband!

She comes from a rich culture where gathering with friends and family around good good is a way of life. Read in her own words about how the principles of the table have enriched her life. 

"As far back as I can remember gathering around a table has been and continues to this day as a rich part of who I am.

 I remember gathering together with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and people I had always thought were related to me. Anyone and everyone was welcome! When I moved away from home finding this type of community and connection was a challenge. I quickly realized that what I had experienced much of my life in various forms was something extraordinary, and my soul missed it deeply!

 I had prayed a simple prayer, “Lord, please, provide a friend or friends who love Jesus more than anything.” The Lord answered this prayer in a few ways, and one of them has been through IF:Table in Dayton! 

He has provided a way to come around a table with yummy food and women-some of whom I already know and others I meet for the very first time! It is simple…enjoy a wonderful meal and experience togetherness as we talk about life. We pray together, we question together, we love together, and we listen together. It is a place where I can take a deep breath and listen to what the Holy Spirit is doing in the lives of other women, and I can open my own heart to share how the Holy Spirit is changing me. 

When life turns tragic, lonely, difficult, uncertain-I know have a bond of togetherness around a table with ladies who love Jesus. He answered this prayer in a way I never could have imagined.

 It is a way in which Jesus provides hope, strength, patience, and endurance through this journey of life.” This month join us for If:Table Feb. 18th at 6:30 pm. This month, you will get the treat of enjoying Amber’s hospitality in her own home.