Again this year the Walla Walla University Church welcomed incoming Walla Walla University students at The Longest Table on the first Sabbath of the school year, Oct. 5.
Church members set up 180 tables on Fourth Street, from College Avenue to Davis Avenue — 1,440 feet of tables. Each table, covered in white tablecloths, seated eight for Sabbath dinner.
Church members had preselected tables, some taking three or four, others taking only one, and had planned complete sit-down Sabbath dinners for their guests. Hosts decorated tables and provided food — some ethnic, some traditional, but all in abundance. Hosts planned for leftovers to send home with students after the meal.
Because the University Church exists to serve the students, members hope The Longest Table will bring students quickly into friendships in their new congregation.
Students, community and faculty joined together for an event that brought everyone closer together.
The university took over an entire city street to host this event.
