I hope adults reading this article will not be offended but I must confess children are some of my favorite parishioners. Take for example, Zack. Today Zack made my day and he doesn’t even know it. I’m told by his mom as they were coming in for worship Zack announced, as only a three year old can do, “This is MY church!” And so it is, Zack. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if more adults would be as adamant and stake such a claim?
Following worship, as lemonade-on-the-lawn was ending, I took delight hearing a couple of little girls beg their parents to let them stay so they could have more play time with their friends. Which makes me wonder if coffee hour and fellowship dinners and work days and potluck suppers might be better attended if we adults enjoyed the fellowship with our friends at church as much as these little girls.
Then there are some visitors we had this summer—two young nephews who had never been to an Episcopal Church. Their aunt schooled them well before worship and they knelt at the Altar for a blessing as she had instructed. On the way back to their seats, I’m told the older nephew whispered out loud to his aunt and asked if he had just been baptized. I love that! He knew something sacred had happened to him and just wasn’t sure what it was. What if we all had such an awareness of the holy at the Altar?
The way I see it children have a lot to teach us. Their enthusiasm and innocence make me smile. And it is amazing to watch their little spiritual selves unfold. They are paying attention. You can be sure of that. They watch what we adults are doing. You may even notice the little girl who often blesses me back with the sign of the cross as I offer the final blessing in worship. Children know when they are accepted and loved and I want them to always feel at home here.
The way I see it we have an obligation and a responsibility to ensure the future of St. James for our children. Our annual giving campaign in October will focus on “Generations of Generosity”. So if you have grown up at St. James be thinking about all those saints who gave their time, talent and money to ensure the future of this parish. And if you grew up in another church, take some time to remember those persons who made sure you had a church in which to worship as a child, youth, or young adult. We are all in this together and it is my hope that each one of us will stake a claim like Zack and pronounce…”This is MY church!”