The Blessing of Gathering Together (Acts 2:46-47)

In Acts 2:46-47, we see a beautiful picture of what it means to gather together as believers in Christ: “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

The early church flourished through their daily gatherings, where they shared life, encouraged each other, and celebrated God’s work. Jesus taught that these moments of connection, whether at church, in homes, or over a meal, are powerful opportunities for building relationships and strengthening our faith. The Lord never intended for any of us to walk this journey alone.

I remember an experience I had over a year ago that reminded me of the power of gathering. I went with coworkers to a fireside meal where we made flatbread together, kneading in herbs and vegetables and cooking the dough over an open flame. As we shared our tasty creations, we laughed, told stories, and bonded over the simplicity of the moment. It wasn’t about the meal itself, but the connection that came through the shared experience. The joy of working together, of encouraging each other, and of simply being present in that moment was a powerful reminder of how we, as believers, are called to support one another.

Just like that night around the fire, we can create simple but meaningful moments of connection with those around us. Whether it’s gathering with family, your Sunday School class at church, or a coffee date with a friend, these are the moments where we build each other up. I encourage you to take the time to gather, share, and enjoy life together, just as Jesus modeled for us. And if you’d like, try the flatbread recipe that I was given that night and that I’ve included below! Bon Appetit!

Flatbread Recipe

Ingredients:

3 – Cups, All Purpose Flour
2 – Teaspoons Sea Salt
1 – Teaspoon Active Dried Yeast
1 – TABLESPOON Olive Oil
1 1/3 – Cup Warm Water

Garlic & Rosemary Olive Oil Mix:

2 – Garlic Cloves, finely chopped
1/3 – Cup, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 – Teaspoons Sea Salt
1 – Small Handful of Rosemary Herbs

Instructions:

To make the flatbread, combine the flour, salt, yeast, olive oil, and 1 1/3 cup warm water in an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. Mix on low-medium speed for about 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, work the dough for 10-15 minutes until it reaches the same consistency.

Once mixed, transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean tea towel, and let it prove in a warm place for 12 hours, or until it doubles in size. Afterward, punch the dough down with your fists to remove the air. Divide it into 4 equal-sized balls and flatten them slightly. Place the dough balls on lightly oiled baking tray(s), cover them again, and let them prove for another 30 minutes.

While the dough is proving, preheat your barbecue to medium-high heat. For the garlic and rosemary olive oil mix, simply combine all the ingredients and stir slightly to blend. Once the dough is ready, flatten each ball into 1-inch discs, brush with the olive oil mix, and place on the grill, oil side down first. Grill for 5 minutes until golden brown, then brush the other side and cook for another 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings or enjoy as is!

Pro tip: If you want to save dough for later, wrap the individual dough balls in clingfilm and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze them for future use. Just allow them to thaw for 2-3 hours at room temperature or overnight in the fridge before grilling.