Photo: Rev. Norm EsdonChildren returned to the sanctuary on Sunday so they could participate in communion. At least some of them did. The "three/fours" and the Kinderkids don't get around very quickly so they stay in their classes. It seem exclusive on the inclusive day called World-Wide Communion to leave out these little ones and their teachers. We have talked about it before, but I can only be in one place at a time.
Solution! Rev. Cathy, our new staff person, left after we consecrated the elements, taking a chalice and paten with her. All the youngest children and their teachers, as well as the folk in the nursery received communion. Cathy commented that the children were very open and reverent. Even though some would argue that they are too young to "get it" they got it.
In all the aspects of congregational life we hoped for with Cathy's arrival, I don't recall this being on the list. I'm glad she raised it and it came to fruition.
Sunday wast the first time my children had participated in communion by dipping the bread in a chalice. The next evening while having our second Thanksgiving dinner(leftovers), my son got himself some juice and broke his bread into pieces, and dipped every piece. I don't know if he "gets it" but he felt important being included and now that he has been a part of it I know he is beginning to understand it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for including the children.
Isn't this interesting that your guy repeated the experience with his own communion. Other parents have told me that their kids have done similar things. Of course children learn by doing and by repetition, so it is important that they learn their Christian faith this way. Thanks!
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