And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 18:3
I’m the pastor’s wife on the front row…picking up our four-year-old son from the floor and repositioning him over my lap, and a second later, gently touching our seven-year-old on the shoulder to whisper, “Gabriel, did you hear Daddy? ‘We expect to meet Jesus at this table’…this is the most special part of worship, let’s stand for Jesus.”
I didn’t always sit on the front row. And I don’t every Sunday. There were a couple of years I would take a seat near the back. I would tell myself it was to be sure our boys were not a distraction in worship. However, if I’m honest, it was also to shelter myself from possible critique. But, you know what? Not once have I received a disingenuous comment regarding our boys’ less-than-rigid church manners. Village Church Rolesville is a congregation of great grace and extravagant welcome to the wiggles and noises children bring. I cannot be more grateful because I don’t want to hide my children; I want to give them that front-row seat to the power of communion with Christ. As I cue and redirect our sons during worship, I pray that they never feel it coming from a place of “you need to behave because people are watching,” but rather “God is incredible and worthy of your attention and praise!”
After worship, all three of our seemingly famished boys flock back up toward Jesus’ table for more communion. In fact, several of the children in our church do. I ask them to wait as I take the remaining bread and juice toward the back, where they feed each other then take the leftovers outside to the woods. They giggle as they exclaim, “We are feeding the birds and the squirrels!” Nothing about this ritual is solemn or quiet. But how could we miss it as sacred? Their eagerness, their joy, the way they share, and the way they cooperate to make sure the elements are eaten or returned to the earth is beautiful.
Village Church Rolesville was a new faith community that began worshipping in January of 2018. Its mission is to “Live like family, Love like Jesus.” It is a place where people love and guide each other’s children, and go so far as to embrace and learn from the innocence and enthusiasm they bring. All generations at Village Church Rolesville are practicing graceful hospitality toward children! And as a momma whose biggest prayer is for her sons to know and stay in love with God, I am so thankful.
Father God, give us eyes to see what makes you smile. May all our churches embrace your youngest disciples. May the children come to know you and stay in love with you every day of their lives. Amen.
Lauren Williams is a member of the Village Church in Rolesville, NC.
Our theme for this year’s Lenten reflections is Graceful Hospitality. 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the Ten Dollar Club, now known as the New Room Society. We give thanks for our Conference’s ongoing commitment to co-creating new places for new people to gather in communion with Jesus Christ and extending graceful hospitality to all of God’s children.