Open to All

by  Dorothy Shelly

Wheat and grapes,
     bread and wine,
  Paten and chalice,
      vessels of life and labor.
 

A loaf, a fresh loaf still warm, baked by Jan,
   friend and nurse who brings to life her special recipe
               only for the Eucharist.

A cup, a special cup, hand thrown and glazed by Tom,
   friend and colleague in ministry who personalized
      it with my initials and Ordination date.

Invitation and call
   to the supper.
Celebration
   of a past meal
       and the future heavenly banquet.

             One in body
                 and one in the church.

Visible breaking of the bread
   and audible pouring of the wine
        Holding the sacred elements high,
        so all those gathered could see God’s gifts. 

The blessing.
   All things are now ready.

And then, then it happened ...
    suddenly the somber smiles turned to laughter.
       Chattering prevailed as fingers pointed to the makeshift alter ...
           an over-bed table draped with a white starched draw sheet.
Buckwheat, the beloved black cat residing with the Alzheimer folks,
      has now found peace and solace
         lying upon the Communion table.

                Sighs of relief from the congregation,
                   as his outstretched body gracefully embraced the symbols.
                         While the chaplain reminded her congregation:
                                     “This table is open to ALL.”

Dorothy Shelly is an ordained minister with the UCC and doing ministry with the elderly in a faith based long-term care facility in Richlandtown PA.