For Discussion



1. What foods evoke memories of your childhood, your family or your church? If you have special foods for holidays such as Easter or Christmas, what role do they play in your life? How strong are your connections between food and culture or food and religion?

2. How important is “ethical eating?” What motivates vegetarians to avoid meat? What other foods do people avoid because of the ethical implications? To what extent does the food you purchase affect worldwide justice?

3. How can food help to build community? Why is eating together important? What role do potlucks play in your congregation? What role does food play in times of celebration or times of grief? Can a wedding or funeral be complete without food?

4. Do you agree with Marlene Epp that, “food holds extra meaning as a material and spiritual ‘thing’ that ties us to our religious beliefs and our cultural identity”? As our Mennonite Church becomes more culturally diverse, what does that mean for the future? How will the next generation respond to the idea of “Mennonite food”?



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