So yesterday afternoon Raquel and I went to a baptism celebration. My friend and his family were baptising their young daughter. The service was held at a local Footscray cafe, and it was quite a beautiful day. The service was unique, and creative. There was even a bit about teaching her what laws to break, which I really liked.
The thing that really impacted me however was the crowd. There were probably thirty or so adults, maybe a few more, and lots of kids. Twenty maybe? and the adults sat along the sides and towards the back, and the children sat in the center. They were given some musical instruments to take part in a couple of songs, one specifically for them. Of course they played the instruments throughout the entire service. And there was much laughing, and playing and even a few wrestling matches, which I followed with great interest. The thing is it was a bit distracting, very loud actually. Often didn't understand what was being said. And I loved it. It was like a birthday party for a beloved family member. There was a song, and a few speeches, some nibbles and coffee. I enjoyed some of the things that were shared, but the point was being with friends, actually being a part of a milestone. And then it hit me.
When we look at church as something we go to, with the purpose of getting inspired, taught, corrected or so on, then we must send the kids off so we can do the adult stuff. But shouldn't I be inspired, taught, corrected and challenged in my own life? In my own devotions? And if I live in community with my brothers and sisters, shouldn't there be plenty of time to pray? be inspired? confess my sins? eat together? and practice charity? In the process of daily life and hospitality shouldn't I have already shared my faith? given the peace of the Lord? Maybe had a word of wisdom or knowledge to share or be shared with? So if this is all true, then what should our gatherings be? How about a family reunion? With kids, and speeches, and songs and food, and a general feeling of joy at being together?
When did the gathering of the saints become ritual instead of a party?
Unfortunately, a long time ago. But I am doing it again.
rev
About Me
- john jensen
- Rasberry is my favorite Jello flavor. My wife is a blue belt. My daughters make me feel old.I have had fifty kidney stones, but still drink too much coffee. I like art museums, red wine, dancing and quiche. I can bench press 275 lbs, except when I am on the OG then I bench press twice as much. CROWNTOWNPUNKS I like Thai food better than Thai boxing. I don't love the smell of Napalm in the morning. I think Chuck Palahniuk is a poor mans David Foster Wallace. Bukowski makes me want to be a writer. Rothko makes me want to be a painter. Jesus makes me want to be a better man. I really like peanut butter on a hot English Muffin. Soccer is stupid. Cricket is better than baseball. Wrestling is the toughest olympic sport, but sometimes it looks pretty gay, not that there is anything wrong with that. Beating up pacifists is like shooting fish in a barrel. The Tick was a great cartoon. my brother Keith is funny. I am scared of horses.
4 comments:
Great question Rev (and wishing I coulda been there *sob*)
I was part of a conversation recently with some people who were planning their wedding...they'd decided not to invite kids because they'd be "disruptive". I immediately thought of how my husband and I had started laughing in the middle of our own wedding ceremony because of the kids (Marcus's!) chatting and climbing up the tree immediately behind us.
We've forgotten that Jesus loved kids, and loved a good party. No wonder people find church so boring.
hmmmmm. sorry about that! never boring though! marx
P'raps my post wasn't as clear as I meant it to be - we loved it!!!
Love this post! Well said. We have been meeting as church in our home for quite a few years now and I am often asked what we do with kids. I usually simply reply with a question of my own, "what do you do with kids on Thanksgiving day?" The reality is people don't even think about what to do with kids when family comes over. It is an irrelevant question.
People can be so afraid of kids dirsupting like they are chasing off the Holy Spirit or something. Somehow I don't think Jesus gets too freaked out by kids coming into the meeting.
As a matter of fact Jesus said that kids have an angel assigned to them so the way I see it the more kids the more angels which has got to be a good thing.
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