At St. James’ we have developed a practice, at certain special services, of having children help set the table for the Eucharist. You may have seen occasions when groups of children have assisted the acolytes and clergy moving the bread, wine, chalice, and paten to the table. You may even have learned something more about the Eucharist as Rev. Lori talks about each item and its purpose or meaning. We then encourage the children to stay close to the altar to see what happens.
I’m reminded each time we do this how the Eucharist invites us all to draw near. I’m also reminded how wonderful it is to be part of a community who welcomes and encourages children and young people.
One of the first times we did this I confess I was slightly less relaxed. As a lay children’s minister, I wasn’t in control of what was happening but certainly felt some responsibility. I knew we would have twenty or more children up at the front of church, close to the altar, watching the priest bless the bread and wine. I know children can wobble and whisper, fidget and fuss, and as the service continued I saw a child with her ELBOWS ON THE ALTAR!
Now, having your elbows on the table is hardly a reverent pose – I was certainly never allowed to do it at the dinner table when I was growing up. We don’t lean on the altar, it is our Holy table and I was concerned someone might be offended.
Then I took a deep breath and realized the child was exactly where God wanted her to be – up close, completely absorbed in what was happening. Tired but leaning on her Father’s table; watching intently, and hearing and seeing the story of her faith. How wonderful if we could all at times see the familiar liturgy of our faith as fresh, new and absorbing. If we could all allow the altar to support us as we feel weary – sometimes in watching the responses of our children, we can all be reminded we are children of God.
Each time we have an event at St. James’ – when I set out to coordinate Summer Camp or make a request for resources for crafts or children’s outreach – I am grateful to be part of a community that values its children and young families and supports these programs. I am also heartened by the efforts of other event organizers to include our youngest members. We seek to be community that embraces children, allowing them to be at the center, right by the altar not just at the edge, illustrating a welcoming community of faith.
I hope during this coming school year we will all seek and find somewhere within our services and programs places where we can each come as a child into God’s presence, and experience as new familiar stories or liturgy, and rest with our elbows on His table.
~Jan Scrutton, Children’s Minister