Renton Lutheran Church closed in 2006 after over 50 years of ministry in downtown Renton. Part of their legacy is Luther’s Table. Their vision was “to share the gospel, the story of God’s Grace toward all people in Jesus Christ, with everyone whose lives touch ours. Our intent is to go out from here into our downtown community, serving where needed.” Luther’s Table continues that vision.

Martin Luther developed the pastime of inviting his students to his home after class to discuss theology and share a pint of his wife Katy’s home-brewed ale. At Luther’s Table, we are going to continue that tradition of fostering faith and developing theological depth through conversation and fellowship in downtown Renton. We even have clergy from the area who have volunteered to bartend, believe it or not. Everyone who works here from the host to the custodian will be trained to serve generously, and to care for the people they serve.

Luther’s Table is centered around core values. We also understand and hope that these core values will grow and change as our community grows and changes.

Welcome is about creating a safe place where people can discover that they are honored for the simple fact that they are a human being. Welcome opens the doors as wide as possible (that’s why we have garage doors!) believing that the stranger brings with them the presence of God. Welcome is not without boundaries – a healthy community is willing to hold its participants accountable for behavior that values and respects the whole community.

Story is something we all carry within us – the good, the bad, and the ugly of our journey. Our story shapes who we are. In order to be fully welcomed, it must be possible for a person to have their story known and valued. Shared story makes it possible for people to develop affinity and break down isolation and loneliness.

Authenticity comes to live in a climate where a person is encouraged and allowed to be all of who they are. Freedom comes when a person’s energy isn’t devoted to gaining their own acceptance, but learning to accept themselves and their neighbors.

Moderation is a central value for Luther’s Table. Serving alcohol is the motivation for lifting up the practice of moderation. We are living in an increasingly polarized world where life is lived primarily at the extremes. There is almost no middle ground where people can stand together. Finding middle ground promotes a greater sense of balance for a person’s entire life. By modeling moderation, Luther’s Table can promote well-being in all aspects of life together.

Humility is about knowing one’s rightful place in the community. It requires the ability to empty one’s self of one’s ego in order to make room for others, and for new ways of seeing and understanding the world. Humble people speak the truth without claiming a monopoly on it. Humble people are not easily offended and in turn are slow to offend others.

Humor means we do not take ourselves too seriously. It is a constant reminder that, “It’s not about me.” Humor makes room for playfulness, and is a delightful reminder to others that life in all circumstances can be joyful. Humor calls attention to truth, especially when it is painful, in a way that makes it possible to receive the truth.