Real People ... Their Stories

Jane Comer

He was on a mission; most little boys are. The communion bread needed to be delivered to the big table in the front of the church. The song began; someone handed him the bread, and before his dad or Miss Emily Ann could catch him he made a bee line for the table. The loaf wobbled and teetered on the plate as he raced down the aisle, but before it fell, he passed it off to Pastor Terry and plopped down on the top step ready for Miss Emily Ann and the children's sermon. On my very first Sunday at First Presbyterian in Austin, I was amused to the point of laughing aloud at the children during the "Great Entry." Whether they carried the loaf, the pitcher, a chalice or a paper napkin they approached the table with joy, abandon, and intensity, sometimes skipping, sometimes walking somberly, and, yes, sometimes even running. Every member of the congregation sang and did hand motions with the children as they ended their special time of the service. Surely a church that honors children is a place for me, I thought. Sundays when this part of the service comes, I remember that we are all to become like little children to enter the Kingdom of God. I try to embrace that joy, abandon and intensity of those little worshippers about all the "trials" of adult life.

My Christian journey began when I was a little child, for I was baptized as a baby in the First Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, Texas. My parents and grandparents were members there. My mom sat my brother and me on the second pew each Sunday so "we could pay attention", and to this day I find myself moving toward the front of the church "so I can pay attention."

Graduating from Austin College, I moved to Waco as a newly married, first year teacher. My husband and I settled into a Baptist Church of the moderate variety while living in Waco. As a Baptist, I had to be immersed, but at least the minister called it that out of respect for my feeling that I'd already been baptized. Thus began a thirty year sojourn with the Southern Baptists. My faith continued to grow through study and mission trips. My children grew up in that denomination. After retiring from thirty years teaching and moving to Austin, I came to First Presbyterian looking for a church for my elderly aunt, and found a place for myself after just one "Great Entry."

At First Presbyterian I've found ways to serve, opportunities to learn, and people to grow with. While working with the youth, I got to load and ride on the Mobile Loaves and Fishes truck. I have volunteered to serve meals to those in the Interfaith Hospitality Network. Setting up the communion elements for the early service and meeting with the Adult Ministries Team allow me to serve in a behind the scenes way. I continue to learn while attending this church. I have walked the labyrinth and learned the history of labyrinths. I have studied women in the Bible at my evening circle meetings. During Sunday School classes, I've spoken and heard others discuss their Christian beliefs. In a small group, I've studied the book of Luke. I attend the early worship service. There I rejoice during music lead by a wonderful group of adults and teens who share their gifts each Sunday. Sermons from Pastor Terry stretch me and cause me to ponder new ways to follow Jesus. And always there are wonderful Christians around me who quietly live out their Christian call through leading a Circle, teaching a class, going on a mission trip to Guatemala or Russia, praying for others, taking communion to those who cannot come to church and a myriad of other ways.

Jesus asks us to become as little children. He also asks us to serve, to follow His example. Here at First Presbyterian I find many, many ways to serve in my church community and in the larger Austin community. I was a stranger in this community not too many months ago. I was welcomed and offered opportunities to serve and grow in my Christian journey. I have even had the joy of watching my own granddaughter Kaitlin walk with somber intent to deliver her napkin to the big table at the front of the church.

Jane Comer

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Page last modified on 07/20/05