So I’m perched on the front pew at Lake Harbor United Methodist Church in Muskegon.
I’d already known it was going to be a wonderful morning… what could be better than:
- Being together with my ‘tribe’.
- Walking into the sanctuary under a huge sign that read ‘WELCOMING ALL’ (and in the United Methodist Church, that really does mean welcoming all… NO MATTER WHAT.)
- Being able to read my new books to lots of wonderful children there.
- Witnessing the consecration of their brand new Grace Space (a welcoming area set aside in the sanctuary where young children can play.)
- Listening to the witness of four-year old Lillian, as she loudly tells the congregation that her least favorite part of Sunday school is when she has to leave.
But the best part was yet to come…
It’s time for communion. As I perch on that front pew, I see a family come forward, not to receive communion, but to offer it. It’s a whole family… of five. There’s Mom and Dad, and three little (and I mean little ones.)
So, naturally, I grab my phone. I have to take pictures of this… it’s a new thing for me (and I don’t know it at the time, but it’s a new thing for them too.)
And as the people come forward… some in wheelchairs, some slowly pushing walkers, some skipping, some running, to receive their bread and wine, I’m watching this family…
Preston is just six. His job is to hold the loaf as his mom breaks it into the pieces and offers it to those who come. His eyes are on each person who receives the bread.
Tatum is just three. Her job is to carefully hold the big cup, along with her dad, and to lift it up so that folks can dip their bread inside. Her eyes are on each person who receives the wine.
And then there’s Keelan. Keelan is a mere two years old. And he doesn’t really have a job. But he stays there, still, the whole time. And as each person comes forward, his eyes are lifted up, towards them. And he looks. And he listens. And for every person who comes, the message is the same:
This is the body of Christ, broken for you… this is the blood of Christ, shed for you….
And I know, then, as I watch this little two-year old, his eyes wide in wonder, that I’m witnessing a truly sacred moment, a sacred space, a sacred ceremony, that Keelan, and Tatum, and Preston are engaged in.
And nobody knows, no one can ever know, what God is doing in their young minds and hearts as they stand and offer Jesus to others, as they stand and hear those ancient, mysterious words spoken over and over and over.
But I do know this… God was at work in those young hearts on Sunday, God is at work in those young minds. And perhaps one day Preston, and Tatum, and Keelan, perhaps they’ll be standing at the altar with their own children and offering communion to others.
Almost twenty years ago, the young father in that photograph used to be in our youth group at the first church we pastored here in the United States. And now here he is, kneeling at the altar with his family, offering Jesus, and grace, and hope to all who will come.
Because that’s how God works… quietly and mysteriously, in invisible ways, through the seeds we sow, through time and years and generations; at work in hearts and minds in ways we may never see or fully understand.
But God is at work in the world.
Thanks be to God!
Thank you for following and serving the Lord as a family by coming here to the U.S. all those years ago. I know that Brad and Laura have several of your books and they are treasured keepsakes in their library. Both you and your books are a blessing from the Lord.
I’m also grateful for Brad and Laura’s commitment to raising up their children in the way of the Lord. Thank you for being part of Brad & Erin’s foundation in Him. May God continue to use you mightily to accomplish His Kingdom purposes!
It’s lovely to hear from you Shelly. I hope you are well. Your family are wonderful and I loved seeing them serve communion together. God bless!
Jesus said to let the little children come unto each. What a beautiful communion, being served by a beautiful young family. Blessings to everyone.
Thank you so much Joyce. Blessings to you too.
Thank you for joining us Sunday. We enjoyed your wonderful story during children’s time. It is truly a blessing to be part of a congregation that celebrates children is such an important way! Blessings to you!
Thank you Rose. The blessing was truly mine.
Holy Communion, the most precious gift of his body & blood, our spiritual food, the gift that helps our faith grow, and the love of Jesus shine through us. Yes it was a beautiful day as his love shined through this young family, sharing his gift, his love!! May they continue to walk with God as a family, and grow in his love! (Way to go mom and dad for teaching your children what is truly important! Keep up the good work!) God bless your family!
Glenys, thanks for sharing this story—the picture is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Thank you Toni. This was the one perfect one out of about 30 I took! It was a wonderful morning.
That made me cry Glenys-beautiful! Glory to God!
Thank you Val… it was so moving.
We are proud of our grandchildren & our great grand children. Thaks for being there. Great picture!!!
I know they have all your books. Your very special to them
God Bless you and David
Hi Ruth and Newell, ..it’s lovely to hear from you! You have a wonderful family… no wonder you’re so proud!
What a beautiful way for a family to serve in their church! Thank you Glenys for sharing this. And to Brad, you have a beautiful family. You and your wife are raising your children up in the Lord!
I know, Peggy, I know!
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