This was a “love feast,” a meal in conjunction with the Lord’s Supper, held to express the brotherly bond of love (agape) among Christians.
The New Testament mentions such feasts in 1 Corinthians 11 and Jude 12. This early form of “church supper” was expected to have a dignified feel to it, and Paul criticized the Corinthians for their crudeness at the meals.
As time passed and the church became more institutionalized, the meals were discontinued, though many churches continue to enjoy the warm fellowship of a church supper.