Eucharistic Ministry

Last night was a late evening at Trinity. It was a special service, to celebrate the completion of the full EFM curriculum by four parishioners. This is a significant event: that's a four-year commitment to some serious Christian education.

So Eugene hosted a party in the rectory for the graduates and their families, as well as some other folks who had been part of the classes on previous occasions. It was good food (potluck hors d'oevres), and great music (a mix put together by one of the grads-- I need a copy of that CD) and fun conversation. Being Anglican, of course, the graduation portion of the program was in the context of Eucharist-- in this case, an informal celebration, with all of us gathered around Eugene at the table in his living room.

I found myself standing next to a little (4 1/2-year-old) girl, the daughter of one of the grads. She had spent the earlier part of the evening like children that age often will, wandering and chattering and in constant motion. But when we began the service, her mom called her over to stand by us, and whispered that it was time for church. In a moment, the child had become still. She whispered a question or two, but was in general wholly focused on the action at the table.

When the time came to distribute communion, we passed the bread and cup around the circle, from one to another. I communicated my new little friend, who received with wide, dark eyes and a delighted smile. Then I handed her the elements-- first the bread, then the wine-- and she shared them with her mom, complete with the customary phrases; as earnestly as any trained Eucharistic minister, and with more joy than many.

We were warm indeed, on that frosty night.