Inviting Children and Youth Around the Altar at the Eucharist
For decades, at our 9:30 a.m. Sunday service, we have invited children and and youth to come up around the altar for the Eucharistic prayer. The COVID pandemic put a stop to this practice. Some of you may have forgotten, and others may have never experienced this practice. The reasons we invite children and youth to come forward around the altar are multiple:
• So that young people can SEE what happens at the altar. (The “forest” of adults around them in the pews prevent them from getting a good view.)
• So that young people can BE INVOLVED in what’s happening during the Eucharist. (They help us hold the vessels up to invite the congregation forward.)
• So that young people understand that they are INVITED, WELCOMED, and VALUED as full members of our church community. (Jesus told his disciples to welcome the children.)
• So that we are all reminded of the JOY, GRACE, and LOVE offered by Jesus.
A key focus of the 9:30 a.m. service is involvement and teaching for our youngest members. We learn by watching. We learn by participating. The Eucharist is the high point of our Sunday services, a rich theological and ritual act that is the core of who we are as Episcopalians. Along with helping us at the altar, the middle and high-school age youth are helping mentor the younger kids, serving as examples of good behavior and respect, as well as connecting points for our youngest ones. Of course, parents, grandparents, godparents, guardians, etc. are welcome to accompany our littlest ones around the altar. Together, may we all experience the wonder and joy remembered and reenacted in thanksgiving (Eucharist) for the gift of love shown in Jesus’ sacrifice.
I can’t wait to look out and see all these young faces gathered around the table reminding us of God’s love for us all, God’s beloved children.
In Christ,
Ryan+
