She is five. Her parents moved into the community a few weeks before the school year began. Her name was Gretchen. The family had never been part of the church before two weeks ago. They were feeling they way around the liturgy as well as the local customs of the members. And Gretchen was the center of it all.
The Great Thanksgiving was over, the invitation given. The people made their way to at the ushers’ directions to the altar. There they knelt silently, most praying, as the parson moved down the altar with the youth communion assistant giving each the elements. “Take eat; this is my body .... Drink this in remembrance.”
Gretchen knelt with her parents as totally fascinated as they were unsure what to do. It was obvious this was their first communion. They followed the example of those kneeling near them. The parson pronounced a blessing on this group, and then they rose to return to their pew.
The ushers directed the next group toward the altar. They did not notice Gretchen slip out of the pew to which she’d just returned and take her place at the back of the new group moving to the altar. Again the parson and the youth assistant proceeded down the rail and the words were repeated as they did so.
As the parson reached Gretchen, she leaned forward and whispered, “Parson, is it okay if I have seconds?”
The parson leaned forward and whispered, “You certainly can.”
“Thanks,” she said as the bread was placed in her hands after which she took a big swallow.
After the service Mildred Carson cornered the parson. “I can’t believe what that child did. What got into her?”
“I don’t know,” the parson replied. “Maybe it was the Holy Spirit. Have you ever asked the Lord for seconds, Mildred?”
Life, and that in abundance. Amen
Posted by: Gord | November 30, 2009 at 08:09 AM
:)
Posted by: Rev Kim | November 30, 2009 at 02:45 PM
Parson, I am thankful for you and your blog. It has been a source of inspiration, humor and collegiality. Last July, as I was retiring and struggling with the General Board of Pensions over some my money which had been misplaced, I would read your blog before going forth to do battle with the General Board. Thank you for your humor, insights and obvious commitment to Christ and the Church. There is more to say but I have gone on too long, so I will say "Thank You." Keep the faith. Peace, Curtis
Posted by: CurtisGrissett | November 30, 2009 at 07:57 PM
bulls eye
Posted by: MMP | December 01, 2009 at 04:38 PM