Monday, October 6, 2008

Communing with Gregory

Yesterday was the first time Gregory and Franklin took Communion, probably the first time they had even been present during Communion. We're Presbyterian, so it's hardly the big deal First Communion is for Catholics, but Gregory had some concerns, nevertheless.
During the children's sermon, the kids were told about Communion and shown the table at the front of the Sanctuary. When Gregory returned to his seat he was quiet for about thirty seconds, then asked, "Is it time for the bread yet?"
Joan-"No."
Gregory- "When?"
J- "Soon. Shh."
G- "When?"
J- "After the sermon."
G-"Is that soon?"
J- "Yes. Shh."

Another thirty to forty seconds of silence.

G- "I don't think they have enough bread."
J- "I'm sure it will be fine."
G- "There's only a little bread on the table."
J- "There's plenty more in the plates stacked on the end of the table."
G- "What if there's not enough?"
J- "There will be. Shh."

Thinking, thinking, thinking.

G- "What if they forget to bring some up to the balcony?"
J- "They won't."
G- "How do you know?"
J- "They never have before."
G- "But what if they do?"
J- "Shh."

Very brief silence.

G- "What if they don't have enough bread for the balcony?"
J- "They do. Hush"

Very, very brief silence.

G- "Is there enough juice?"
J- "I promise I will answer all questions after the service. For now, you'll have to wait and see."

Maybe two minutes of silence.

G, poking my arm- "Are you asleep?"
J- "No."
G-"You look like you're asleep."
J- "I'm trying to concentrate. I'd like to hear the sermon."
G- "Why are your eyes closed?"
J- "Later."

Sermon ends.

G- "Now?"
J- "After the hymn."
G- "You said after the sermon."
J- "Next, I promise. Shh."

Communion goes along without a hitch, and the service ends. Instead of leaving, I sit back down, look Greg in the eye, and ask, "Now, what would you like to ask?"
G, baffled- "Nothing, why? Can we go now?"

For the record, Franklin was spectacularly unimpressed with the experience, in the way that only a ten year old can be.

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