Getting Tipsy at Communion

Before I got married, one of the things I envisioned about my marriage was to serve with my husband in ministry.  I am beginning to lose count of the ways that God has answered that prayer.  Andrew and I embarked on yet another ministry opportunity together a few weeks ago - serving as worship leaders in our church.  For many of you, I know that title brings visions of Andrew and I standing at the front of the church singing and leading praise choruses for the church - and that would probably move it from a ministry to a miracle.  In our church, worship leaders help lead prayers, read Scripture and assist the priests with serving communion. 

I was doing pretty well my first day on the job - remembering when to stand, kneel, turn, bow - until we got to communion.  That's when it all fell apart.  Again, for those of you who know me, yep, that means crying.  My task was simply to offer the communion cup (yes, we all drink from the same cup) and say, "The Blood of Christ, the Cup of Salvation."  I thought my biggest hurdle would be not pouring wine down someone's front.  Boy, was I wrong.  It quickly became not freaking people out as I came up to them with shaking cup blubbering like a baby. 

You may be asking yourself, what about this weird religious exercise could possibly bring someone to such a state of tears.  Well, first off. . . Hi, my name is Kathryn and the Hallmark crown makes me burst into tears.  But beyond that, and much more importantly, is something my priest said once, "The Eucharist is the Body of Christ coming together to take the Body of Christ."  I love that imagery and carry it with me every Sunday as I go down to the rail with the other members of my church; as we all come to Jesus.  But then to be on the other side of the rail, serving the Body of Christ - looking into the faces of those who have prayed for me and with me, laughed with me, supported me through ups and downs and served me Sunday after Sunday.  It was so beautiful, I just couldn't contain it and I rejoice in those tears for a church body that I love dearly. 

And to cap it all off, after the last person has been served, I joined hands with my husband, my partner in ministry, before the altar and bowed in reverence to Lord who allows me to serve in such a sacred manner. 

*For the record, I may have forgotten the words the first time, but I did not spill wine on anyone.

Oh, yeah, did I mention the color robes we wear too?

The Gay Marriage Debate: What's the big deal?

I have seen a lot of posts on both sides of the gay marriage issue in the last two days.  I don't have an answer or a decisive opinion on one side of the fence or the other.  I mainly have questions, impressions and some confused feelings on the matter, so here is one believer just trying to work it out.

In some ways, I don't understand why the government's definition of marriage is a big deal.  I highly doubt that if the government were to pass a new law saying that marriage is acceptable between man, woman, bean sprout or alien, that I will turn to my husband and say, "Well, honey, I think I need to reconsider this whole thing." 

What I mean is that the government decided in 1973, before I was even born, that abortion is a legal practice.  However, that government decision did not stop my parents, Sunday School teachers, the church and other believers in my life from teaching about God's view of the sanctity of life. 

If the government declared tomorrow that going to church was illegal, would we all just throw our hands up to God and say, "Well, it's been real.  Catch ya on the flip side."?  Again, I highly doubt it.  I have a feeling the texts and tweets would be flying about "meeting at Joe's for a 'swimming party.' "
 
So, here is my big question:  Is all this debate and hullabaloo because we, as believers, are looking to the government to justify and verify our beliefs and values?  That seems rather backwards to me.

One thought that does come to mind that I want to keep at the heart of any discussion I have on this issue:  We are not just talking about a right/wrong, black/white issue.  We are talking about people and their lives.  I don't necessarily agree with how the gay community lives, but I don't want to forget that they are flesh and blood humans. 

Those are my random thoughts for now.