The Lord's Supper in the Nursery

Yesterday at FBC Harrisburg was a pretty special day.  We wrapped up a 9-month study of Ephesians by simply reading the letter together from beginning to end and then responding to God's Word in worship.  It was so good to be reminded of things God has taught us in the last 9 months and to experience Him opening our eyes to brand new things.  We also celebrated the Lord's Supper together to emphasize both the vertical and horizontal reconciliation that is ours through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.  It's a day I wont soon forget!

My evening discipleship group was reminiscing about the morning when one of the members informed us that she was in childcare and had no clue what we were talking about.  We spent some time recalling the events of the morning and then one member said, "I am glad you were in childcare taking care of the little ones.  That is important.  But I hate that you missed out on the morning."  She quickly replied with, "Well, we had a pretty special blessing of our own."

She went on to describe the scene when the deacons brought the bread and the cup into her room full of 2 and 3 year olds.  She said they immediately got quiet and quite curious.  They asked several questions that afforded her and her helper the opportunity to explain the Supper to these children.  She said it was remarkable (maybe she used the word miraculous) that they were so quiet and interested.  Once they finished teaching them, one of the children asked if he could have some.  My friend politely explained that it was "not his turn yet."  She also explained that she was praying that one day all of those little boys and girls would trust in Jesus and follow Him.  She told them that she hopes she will be there when it happens and that she looks forward to one day sharing the bread and cup with them.

We always try to make sure that the workers who are in other parts of the building when we take the Lord's Supper have a chance to participate.  We have a couple of deacons who always take them the elements.  The focus has always been on those workers.  It had never been on my radar that there were dozens of curious little ones watching this all take place.  What a teaching moment!

Make no mistake: It is on our radar now and we will pray that the seeds planted in those moments will grow and produce much fruit- by God's grace.