Back to the Table
Rhonda Sweet
By Rhonda Sweet
Most people would think that because I am a self-taught chef who operates a catering business, the table is all about the food for me. That certainly is a part of it. My appreciation for gathering at table and love for food came from growing up in the home of my grandparents. I never envisioned that my upbringing in a ministry family, passion for sharing the Good News, and a career in entrepreneurship would have me embark on a journey in life that would eventually bring me full circle back to the table.
Like the Missional Wisdom Foundation, I am also celebrating a ten year anniversary this year. Ten years ago marks my resignation from my career as a regional manager of a corporate restaurant chain. After being in the hospitality industry for over thirty years, I felt a divine calling to leave the world I once knew to “pursue my passion and purpose in life.” At least that is what I wrote in my resignation letter in April of 2010 . That answer of yes set into motion a chain of events that I know led me to this season in my life.
In 2012, I was finally obedient to the call of God and I found myself in Dallas, Texas, where I was introduced to the Foundation. My first encounter with them happened when I was asked to cater a weekend retreat at Dr. Elaine Heath’s home for members of the Epworth Houses. I was there to feed them physically, but the Holy Spirit had already prepared a table for me to be fed spiritually. As I was preparing the meals that day, I silently participated in the contemplative practices that were going on in the other room. I felt at home, as if I had found my tribe. Nine months later I was asked, to come and design a commercial kitchen space, and co-manage a coworking space in the basement of a church?” Umm . . . Ok!
Five years later, I am still serving with Missional Wisdom, but now in the role as Community Conduit and Space manager for The Mix Coworking & Creative Spaces and The Mix Kitchen. The Mix is nestled in the heart of East Dallas in the basement of White Rock United Methodist Church. I love that my role gives me the opportunity to help steward, mentor, and dream with so many people who otherwise may never set foot in church. I have the opportunity to share this unique form of marketplace ministry not only to the community, but to folks from all over the world. When delegates from the World Affairs Council International Visitor Program visited, the refugee women chefs of Break Bread, Break Borders were ready with a fresh batch of mardool cookies. When the Neighborhood Association hosts their annual enrollment drive here, I have a pot of coffee and doughnuts ready. Everybody who comes by The Mix and The Mix Kitchen finds the gift of radical hospitality and the love of God that abides here.