It’s often been said, “You are never too old to learn.” This remark has been heard many times as we try to bring the older generation into the computer age. However at Bethany Lutheran Church of Hawthorne, Nevada we like a different twist “You are never too YOUNG to be involved.”

It all started on a normal Sunday morning. Grandma Holly came to church with her daughter Hillary and her 2 little granddaughters Asalea age 3 and Esme Age almost 2. As the collection plate came to them, they put their offering in and then they wanted to finish taking it up to the preacher. The usher kindly handed over the offering plate and both girls got a hold of it and finished its’ journey. This went on for several months and they were so proud as they had a part in the service.

Then one Sunday, being a small church, we were short on ushers so both Asalea and Esme were handed the offering plate to do the duty. They were as proud as they could be having a special part in the service. Of course, there was the slight moment when, as with all sibling rivalry, Asalea didn’t want to share with Esme, however, with a quick and sharp “Share” from grandma, all 4 of their hands went on the plate and they started down the aisle. Everyone was smiling and grandma and mom were so proud as they went to gather the offerings. There was just one little hiccup, they felt EVERYONE should put something in the plate, not just the envelope. As they came to one couple, the Mister put the envelope in the plate, then they went to the empty pew immediately in front and scooted their way around to the other side for the Misses to put her offering in. In a panic, she rummages through her purse to find some change to put in the plate. The whole time, Asalea is looking at her eyes, then back into the plate, back and forth as if to say “Hey you are forgetting something, aren’t you!” With her offering put in the plate, they are now satisfied and making their way to the front to hand off their precious cargo to the preacher with all 4 hands still on the plate.

This is now the regular routine at our little country church. And recently cousin Carter, age 3, has started to come to church with them and now it’s 6 little hands on the offering plate making the rounds and taking it up to give to the Lord.

We are proud of our little helpers. Asalea is now 4 and Esme will soon be 3. It’s takes a little longer to collect the offering, but that is no problem, the organist has a lot of music and plays till they make their way to the front. The congregation enjoys watching the offering get collected and handed off to a very smiling preacher.

It warms everyone’s heart to see them do their part. And everyone has learned to have some extra change ready, just in case. Nobody turns down those innocent little eyes as they hold the plate out for you to deposit your offering to the Lord. And so it is in our little country church. They are never too young to be involved.