Service...

Being United Methodists, on the first Sunday of each month we receive Communion during morning worship. As an act of service, after morning worship the Youth of our congregation take elements from the Altar and share this Communion with our shut in members (those who are unable to attend due to age or illness). This few hours spent once a month has a profound effect on everyone involved.

1. We go as a group and eat lunch together prior to visiting...breaking bread together a
second time! It is a time of fellowship and fun, just being ourselves but getting to know
each other on a personal level.
2. In the act of service, the Youth take turns reading a beautiful liturgy, serving the elements
and praying for the individuals being served. Teenagers are ministering to adults with
reverence and love and the adults accept the blessing with joy.
3. Over the course of time relationships are built not only within the Youth group but also
with those we visit. The young people are exposed to the faith of the elder members one
on one and growth occurs.
4. Of course, from time to time we loose one of our shut ins and feel the pain of the loss.
But loss is a part of life and what better way to learn to understand and accept it than
through experience surrounded by people who love you?

I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to spend time with all involved. It is a personal blessing to participate in Communion with young and old alike. It never fails to lift my spirits to see the young eager to visit and serve, to take time out of their weekend to do God's work. To also witness the joy, love and appreciation of the shut in members allows me to see the image of acceptance not commonly displayed in today's world. Thank you, Lord!