Just Too Cute

(excuse the poor picture....I had to add fill light since the flash would not activate against a suuny window)
______________________

Every so often the younger children get the urge to organize their own little church service. I'd like to think this stems from aspirations of a spiritual nature, but in reality, it probably has more to do with a feelings of power :-)

However, it is always a privilege to be invited to their "doin's" and this morning was no exception.

Preacher: Nolan-6
Script writer and chorus book production manager: Carolyn-10 (who, by hand, wrote out 5 song books, with 7 songs in each)
Attendees: the aforementioned, Ethan-8, Trevor-3 and a half, and Ma-forty-something

Notice the nicely decorated podium....a baby blanket, microphone constructed of Duplo blocks, and flower arrangement. You see Ethan standing there, but he was an impromptu extra preacher. Please ignore any clothes lying about. The little boys consider all room edges to be alternative disposal units for dirty clothes.

Nolan started things out by reading from Carolyn's script...

"Good morning, everyone." ("good morning")
"Please turn in your song books to...." (whereupon we sang a song, after which two requests were taken)

Then he opened up the white Bible story book and read the sermon from the first page...

"In the beginning, the earth was Egypt." *unaccountable choking sounds, quickly suppressed*

After that came prayer, for which Nolan volunteered three of us. Come to think of it, there were only three people there capable of uttering prayers...

We kept intercessions fairly short, though, I did notice the worship director glancing out the curtain when a combine went by :) (some habits die hard...he looking at farm machines, and me keeping an eye on kids during prayers)

The overall atmosphere was quite authentic. Oh sure, it wasn't a cathedral, but the bright sun filtering through the water marks on the Walmart sheet/curtains had an effect nearly synonomous with stain-glass windows. Especially if you squint and use your imagination.

The length of service was kept short, due to lack of material and a rather obnoxious odor wafting about the room. Judging by the familiar smell, I would say a young lad was in possession of a diaper long past its expiration date. Luckily, he sat by me. (we mothers can put up with a lot, especially when one considers that we are unpaid and have virtually no chance of obtaining nasal disability insurance)

Upon reaching the conclusion, a surprising announcement was made by Nolan...."And now, we will have two more sermons."

Ethan quickly assumed the role of leadership, due to his natural abilities: maleness, and love of self-initiated talk. He only "preached" one sermon, but amazingly enough, no one complained. It was while he was still in the vicinity of the pulpit that the above picture was taken. I guess some people just hate to leave positions of power...

Still heady with the wine of "come to meetin' " success, talk of supplemental services was soon batted about like unending home runs on the childish field of dreams. (okay, that's a little thick...) Plans are being made for "prayer meeting," "special music," and "family camp," complete with a tent. (the latter bearing remarkable resemblance to a blanket from someone's bed)

It would appear the future holds no lack of opportunity for spiritual imput.

Tweet