This whole communion brouhaha reminded me of a funny story...

[Kallison]

When my DD was about 3, we were in church and I took her up to the railing for holy communion. She started pitching a royal fit that she wanted a "snack" too -- I mean really yelling - I want some, I want some......then all of a sudden she was quiet. She got her blessing and we sat down, I look over and there she is chomping away. I said how did you get that, and she pointed to the Pastor's wife who was next to her. I said Debbie, did you give her your bread? She shrugged and said - yep, so what is the big deal, she just had her first communion a little bit early, look how happy she is . DD is now 10, she will be getting her official first communion this fall.

 

[one_cat]

That is so funny. What a quick thinking woman the pw was, and she has her priorities right. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Serena]

 

[Dan Murphy]

That is too cool!!!!! I like that.

Hey, Shawn!!!!! Nice to see you.

 

[Figment22]

I have a funny one too:

Back when DS was in kindergarten, he had a friend whose mom was Catholic and whose dad was Jewish. They were exposing their children to both faiths. On Easter Sunday, we were sitting in church and at one point shortly before communion, DS's friend ran across the aisle (the family was sitting across from ours) and sat himself down next to DS. When people started going forward for communion, he watched for a few minutes, then jumped up and shot down the aisle toward the front. His mom quickly followed after him. When she caught up with him she said "What do you think you were doing?" DS's friend replied, "I wanted a little matzoh like everyone else was getting!"

I laughed so hard when his mom told me the story, I couldn't breathe! Just too cute.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

The inclusion of young children as full communing members of the congregation is quickly becoming the operative norm within the Evangelical Lutheran faith in North America. Our understanding of the sacramental theology is that this is a tremendous celebration in which God intended all of His children to participate. Pastors are no longer gatekeepers (save for those who have been officially excluded from the Sacrament by reason of excommunication for heretical positions). Instead we are hosts at a dinner party.

That said, young children are not forced to commune if their families have chosen to wait. I have communed children as young as 18 months (unintended -- was giving the wafer to his mother and he grabbed it from my hand and ate it -- 1st Communion came early for Justin). Some receive the wine -- some don't; however of those who do, most prefer to receive in the individual glasses. It's easier for their small hands to hold and the amount of wine they get is easier to control -- most of them only want a small sip anyways.