What is today

Some people call today Holy Thursday, some say Maundy Thursday, some say Pass over, some say last supper, some say agape meal, some say first day of spring, and to some it is just Thursday, March 20. Well for us here in the Russell household it has been a day of preparation. We have been preparing for tonight's service at the church. Pearl was supposed to be in pre-school today but it was canceled so she to has been helping. At first I thought oh no, but to be honest with you it has been a blessing in disguise. Pearl has been a great little helper and I can not wait to experience tonight's service with her. So as our day of preparations is starting to wind down it will turn into a night of remembrance and learning. We will learn what some of the things were that took place so many years ago the night Jesus was betrayed, and remember in closing with communion what Jesus did for us on the cross tomorrow.
A short story about our preparations
We actually started our preparations last night by setting up the tables and chairs in the shape of a cross. Pearl was there and helped us, but we never really explained to her why we were moving the tables and we never mentioned to her the fact that they were in the shape of a cross. So today she has been for the most part busy playing while I've been getting the food ready. So when my mom stopped by for a surprise visit while we were just getting ready for lunch, and was happily surprised that Pearl meet her at the door. Grandma thought she was in school. I was not expecting Pearl to say much about tonight. However during the midst of eating lunch and talking about tonight and what I had done and still had to do my Mom asked if there was anything she could do to help. I said she could help me fill cups with grape juice if she wanted to over at the church. So that is when it happened Pearl perked up at asked with much excitment if Grandma wanted to go and see the cross at the church. So we did, we went to the church and Pearl very proudly showed the cross to her Grandma.

Pearl's Communion

Sunday, September 9 was communion at Bridgewater. Pearl knew as soon as we got to church that it was communion Sunday because of the difference at the altar. She immediately went up front and wanted to take communion. I talked to her and told her that it was not time yet and that she had to wait until after the sermon and than she could take communion with everyone else. Well of course as usual we did not make it that far in the service before we had to leave due to Pearl being a two almost three year-old. So after church Corben brought the elements to the house to use latter in the week for shut-in's and we ran out to lunch with Aunt Dottie and Aunt Linda.
So on Monday I was preparing dinner and Pearl came into the kitchen saw the communion bread and wanted communion. So we cleared off the table and sat down. Corben read some scripture with the elements on the table before us. Pearl sat there legs swinging and listening to Corben read. She never made a noise and I could tell was listening intently. She would look at the elements and than at her Dad. After Corben was done reading scripture he gave Pearl and I communion.
Wow. What a moment. I do not think I will ever forget that night.