Amity and Communion

Yesterday while I was at teaching parish, Ray, still at Seeing Eye in NJ, took new guide dog Amity to church for the first time. All went really well until...communion distribution.

Amity was seated beside Ray who was kneeling and waiting for the pastor to give him the bread. As soon as the pastor offered Ray the bread, Amity stretched, reaching her head forward like she wanted communion too. Ray, the pastor, and the Seeing Eye trainer lost it. They couldn't help but laugh. That was Amity's first church visit. She's already a good Lutheran dog. As one friend remarked, "Okay - so THAT dog needs to go to First Communion class!"

For Abby it's compline, for Amity it's communion. What can one do with dogs like that? If only all God's people were as interested in the means of grace as these dogs are!










Flickr pictures

Comments

As a dog owner I can only say wow. A true Lutheran Dog waiting to receive. As a pastor I can only say thanks for a great story about just how truly earth bound the bread and wine we meet Christ in are whether we admit it or not.
I book marked this story at Delicious http://delicious.com/unlikelyconversation and newsvine http://unlikelybanter.newsvine.com/
Ivy said…
Hi Pr. Unlikely,

Thanks for dropping by. Peace.
Pastor Eric said…
Not as cute as your story...but I see a lot of preschool age kids
(and younger) reaching for the bread as I hand it to their parents. Part of me just wants to give them some bread so they can feel included as well. Then I think of what the adults around this curios youngster would say.

Thanks for the story.
Law+Gospel said…
A great story, and blessings for you this Sunday.
Ivy said…
Pr. Eric, it is hard to know when the younger ones should be included. They are so cute though. Thanks for stopping by.
Ivy said…
Law and Gospel, thanks so much for your encouragement. I appreciate your input from Tuesday's lunch too. Blessings.
Unknown said…
In our tradition we include children at Communion, so I've had the pleasure and privilege many times of giving the bread to little ones, including my own children. But I love this image of your precious dog.
Ivy said…
Thanks for stopping in Songbird. Blessings.

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