" So it's a serious thing, to think of bringing a child to make noise on purpose, and even to let them move around freely during the service, as we not only permit, but encourage. I've had them sneak up to stand at my knee as I play and sing, to snuggle in and watch up close. The adults who brought them almost died of this, but they can't bring themselves to argue with the priest's wife when I tell them their kids are fine. One week, a 3-year-old came all the way up to the portable table Hardi uses as the Saturday altar. She stood beside him holding hands with him as he consecrated, and then jumped down the step as he came forward with the consecrated elements to communicate the people. She stood perfectly still, enrapt, at his side watching what was hapopoening, saying "Wow" as she jumped down and "wow" at several of the communions being received.

This is how we treat kids."

Thank you for this image, along with the whole lovely thread.

maeve