Getting to Know You: The Children

a column dedicated to the folks in the pews

Written by Dale Buchanan

This reporter’s charge was to speak for and about those who step from the pews and serve the church. There are so many of you doing exactly that. The involvement from the pews at Big Red is, in my experience, remarkable. The diversity of these pew persons never ceases to amaze me. I am blessed to have this opportunity to get to know you.

On Sunday, June 24th, my mind was on pew people to interview for future columns  when the familiar song, “Draw the Circle Wide,” began. I watched in wonder as children began to pop out of our pews. Every time these children emerge into the aisles and head as one toward the chancel steps, a delighted sense of joy and unrestrained happiness spreads like a fresh breeze through this sanctified place of worship.  

Children were coming out of the woodwork. Dads and moms were proudly walking with the tiny ones, little girls holding hands, boys barely restrained rushed in excitement to the front and a choice spot on the steps. And on the faces of the rest of us there were smiles of joy as we watched this scene unfold.

Spellbound, I stared around the room watching this every Sunday morning occurrence in the Big Red sanctuary. It dawned on this chronicler that these children truly step from the pews not just as the church’s responsibility but as partners and even examples for those like me who are sometimes more than a little jaded and cynical.  

Three little girls especially caught my attention. From somewhere behind my pew they came marching down the center aisle walking hand in hand—sisters, cousins, Sunday school buddies—I have no idea. They were radiant. One on each side, the two older girls framed the younger one in love and protection. There before my cynical old eyes, walking hand in hand was the perfect metaphor for family love.  

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.” And I believe not as a burden, but as a blessing.

Dale Buchanan is a member of FCCF with a passion for stories and writing. In between penning his own memoirs, he is helping us get to know our members, one pew at a time.

2 thoughts on “Getting to Know You: The Children

  1. Judy Oftedal says:

    I look forward to this article each week, today was no exception. Mr. Buchanan’s words, along with the honor of witnessing this exchange, strengthens my passion to share God’s love with everybody. Thank you Dale for putting a smile on my face each Thursday via the Grapeleaf…

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