First Sundays: faith, food, friendship…and growth
Mark Clavier describes a new project in Swansea and Brecon Diocese that has received finance from the Church Growth Fund
Church isn’t just about what happens between the processional and the final hymn. It’s about something deeper—being part of Christ’s Body, woven together in faith, love, and friendship. That’s the heart of First Sundays: Faith, Food, and Fellowship at St Mary’s, Brecon, a gathering that’s transforming our church family in ways we never expected.
When we started, we hoped to create a space where people could explore faith, share a meal, and grow in friendship. What we’ve discovered is something profound: the more we come to understand our faith, the more we’re drawn together as God’s people. It’s no coincidence that as we’ve deepened our relationship with Christ, our Sunday attendance has grown from 15 to over 60. Faith isn’t an abstract idea—it’s lived out in community, and First Sundays has helped us rediscover that.
At the centre of our gatherings is Word & Sacrament: Living God’s Story of Salvation, a curriculum I designed to root us in God’s great story of redemption. Through coming to understand Scripture and the sacraments better, we’re learning not just about God, but how he’s shaping us, calling us to be his people in the world. And we do it all around the tables, breaking bread together, just as Christ did with his disciples. These times of reflection and discussion have allowed people to ask questions, share their insights, and find encouragement in their walk of faith.
There’s something about sharing a meal that changes things. Conversations flow more freely, barriers fall away, and suddenly we see each other not as strangers but as fellow pilgrims on the same journey. It’s in these moments that faith becomes real—not just something we profess on a Sunday morning, but something we live, breathe, and share. People who once only nodded in passing now linger in conversation, and new friendships have formed across generations, strengthening our sense of belonging.
As First Sundays continues to grow, we’re reminded that the Church isn’t built on bricks and mortar, but on relationships—on the bonds we form as we seek Christ together. If you’re looking for a way to deepen both your congregation’s faith and your friendships, why not try it yourself? I’d be very happy to explore with you how it might work in your own church.
For more details, visit: www.stmarysbrecon.org.uk/first-sundays