A New Day

I know it has been awhile since I posted and I am disappointed in myself for that. The usual culprit (aka school, work, clients) are still consuming most of my days and nights. However, this past week I had the opportunity for a first in my life and the lives of many with me. The Highland elders read a statement two Sunday's ago about women's role in the church, their conclusions after 10 years of study, and how that was going to be fleshed out in the Highland community. It was very well written. You can read it on Mike Cope's blog. Therefore, this past Sunday was the first time for women to serve the Lord's Supper. I told Mike that I wanted to serve my church in this manner. I have been longing for years to be acknowledged and used within the body. Therefore, I wanted to support the elders in this decision. We arrived a few minutes early in order to express interest and I was assigned a row. I was so excited...this is more than just managing trays from my perspective. It is communing with the body, connecting with people through a smile, pat on the arm, or just eye contact. However, this was more difficult than I thought for several different reasons.

As I was about to pass the offering tray a woman who was sitting in the farthest corner of the church, looked up at me and asked, "Will there be men serving this morning?"

I answered, "I believe so, maam."

She replied, "I only accept communion from men."

Therefore, when we went to pass the bread and the juice I switched places with another man. As I passed the trays people kept their eyes down and frowns on their faces. At first I wondered if it was because I was serving them or if this is what men experience every week. After asking around, this is what men experience every week. To me this is such a shame...communion is just that ... time to COMMUNE together. When Jesus was on earth, it was festive meal and continued to be well after his death. However, we have created it to be so individualistic and solemn. It just seems so contrary to the intentions that God created it for.

Needless to say, this was a special blessing. I am excited to serve my church family in this capacity. I hope that through my service and the service of other women we can embrace as family as we commune together in many respects.