A Cultural Feast

A colourful celebration of family, fun and fabulous food, from around the world.

What brings family together better than food? To be fair, food is a necessity in the ongoing scheme of things. It produces energy, helps the brain to function, keeps us healthy plus it tastes good - that's why we do it (eat) on a regular basis. (Unfortunately, millions of people around the world don't have healthy food or the option of eating "three squares a day." I find that heart breaking but it's an issue for another day/blog.) 

For about the last 4 or 5 years Northcross Church have celebrate the delights of foreign food on an annual basis. It started with the South African contingent of our congregation (there are many!) challenging each other to a best potjie competition. Needless to say, a South African won. However, he was the youngest participant, has been in NZ since he was a young boy, and he supports the All Blacks - what a star!

From that grew an annual event where people from all neck of the woods cook their specialities. Potjie, of various meats/spice types, boerewors, Asian food from different cultures and a variety of desserts.  This year, the 20 year old son of one of our staff members, spent 5 hours cooking pavlovas (large pavlovas), and I for one am very grateful they were cut in HUGE pieces. 

Tickets are sold up to a week out from the festival, helping to eliminate queues and missed opportunities to snag some pavlova. It's a great way to learn more about each other - our strengths, and weaknesses (for food, among other things), and allows people to be themselves within the environment. Though we all worship together each Sunday, this environment allows chit chat and laughter making connections easier.

Though our background, speech, history, accents and food likes are different, we are born of one Spirit. We seek to serve our Lord and each other. What is the point of a church if we don't learn from the Word of God how to care, share, build up and support each other? No man or woman is an island, which can be a desolate place without company especially if there's no food available. 

What brings family together better than food? Feeding off the Word of God, whatever our language, and nourishing each other with His ways, words and wonderful love.

Jo Warner