Thanks so much for reading this month‘s news from The Initiative, a community committed to “walking in deeper friendship with Jesus and his followers, so that the love of Christ might exceed all divisions.” We do this primarily through prayer, sharing of our lives, and proactive work for greater unity.

This month’s update includes the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, more Zoom prayer & conversation, details on our national gathering in June, and something called “JC2033”

     A few weeks ago in a worship service, I had the chance to sing this Matt Maher song and it’s stayed in my head and heart since then. In particular, I’ve been holding the last phrase of the chorus, “love has a bigger table.” I’ve held it on Monday nights at Assumption, where we’ve had to add more tables to make room for all the students from across Christian traditions who’ve been showing up, eager to connect with God and one another in Scripture. I’ve held it volunteering at the St. John’s food program in my neighborhood, where unhoused and other vulnerable people get to sit down at a table for perhaps their only warm meal of the day.
     And I’ve held it in prayer and in work for The Initiative, as we long to get more of Jesus’ followers to sit at tables (actual or virtual) with one another. Not with all of our differences and disagreements resolved, but extending love and forgiveness, growing friendships, and being a witness to Jesus (who is Love Incarnate) greater than all of our division.
     So what might be the “bigger tables” for you? In your community, your church, between churches, in your family or your vocation? I hope you’ll hold that question with God over the next few weeks. 

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – only two months away!

     One of the most beautiful “bigger tables” that we experience is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. It’s being held this year from January 18-25, 2026. Members and friends of The Initiative will be planning and participating in prayer gatherings during that week all across the country. And this year’s prayer liturgy is a special one put together by Apostolic, Catholic and Evangelical Christians from Armenia (hence the picture of Mt. Ararat and the rainbow in the 2026 promotional poster)
     The preparation texts, liturgy, 8-day prayer guide and other resources are available at the websites of the Greymoor Ecumenical Institute and the Vatican’s Dicastry for Promoting Christian Unity.
     Would you like to know more about, get involved in planning, or learn how to participate in this year’s Week of Prayer? Our last monthly Zoom conversation of the year will be all about the history, the importance and the involvement of The Initiative in this amazing week. Join us on Wednesday, December 3rd from 8:00 until 9:30pm Eastern time, using this Zoom link.

Monthly Zoom Prayer Info

  In addition to the monthly Zoom conversations like the one above, we also continue to gather on the first Wednesday of every month to pray together. We follow various forms of prayer to help us pray together. No previous experience with any particular style of prayer is needed to join us. Just come and pray (either silently or out loud!)

     The November prayer time is this week: Wednesday, November 19th from 8:00 until 9:00pm Eastern time, using this link to join. 
    
     And the final prayer time of 2025 will be on Wednesday, December 17th at 8:00pm Eastern time, (same Zoom link). We’ll do a special Advent Vespers prayer, and then have some time afterward to linger and grow our friendships.

The Initiative National Gathering – Registration opens soon

      It’s hard to believe that The Initiative’s 2026 annual gathering is only 7 months from now. We’re extending the gathering one more day this year, starting late Monday afternoon June 15th and ending with lunch on Thursday the 18th. We’ll be keeping many of the elements that make the gathering special – literal tables that deepen our friendships and small group discernment – as well as adding some new experiences like an ecumenical church pilgrimage. The extra time also means extra expense, but we’re committed to subsidizing that for folks in various ways. An “early bird” discount will be available once registration opens until the beginning of March. And we’ll have scholarships available to help offset housing and travel costs. 
     Please give some thought and prayer to joining us this year!

Resource of the Month: JC2033

     On Sunday, April 17th 2033, his followers around the globe will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus for the 2000th time. That will be a table of incredible size! Since 2010 a diverse group of Christians from across various denominations have been praying and planning for this significant celebration. Those prayers and plans have begun to coalesce into something of a movement called JC2033. We’re now beginning to pray and prepare for various ways that The Initiative can be a part of this movement. This month, I invite you to explore the website and sign up for their news and updates as well.

GIving Tuesday

     Finally, this is the time of year when many ministry organizations and non-profits use the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to invite folks to practice generosity as a part of their Thanksgiving celebration.
     We’ve had small Giving Tuesday campaigns the past two years, and once again we’re inviting folks to consider a small donation that will help “set bigger tables” as we look to grow The Initiative in new ways. Keep an eye on our social media and website for more information. And if you’d like to invest something in honor of Giving Tuesday, click on the image below. 

Many thanks to everyone who reads, prays, and interacts with these little updates. I’d love to be able to gather you all around one big table and share a good meal and conversation (that would be an epic Thanksgiving!). But know as you read this that God has made a place for you in my heart.
And whatever place(s) you find yourself during this table-centered holiday, may you experience the love of God in Christ in the midst of them!

Yours in Christ’s Love,
Scott Brill
Executive Director