Christmas Eve...."Preacher, you're on fire!"

“Preacher, You’re on Fire!”

Christmas Eve services at the Dundee church were full of meaning and well attended.  Music was, of course, an important part, as was Holy Communion. Because of the crowds, it was usually served using the intinction method as I held the loaf of bread in one hand and the chalice in the other. This method is used frequently in many churches who have time constraints with a large crowd.  Communicants tear off a small piece of the bread and dip it carefully into the chalice, eat it, and continue walking back to their seats.  Those who wish may kneel for private prayer before they return to their pew.

Since it was Christmas Eve, there were candles located throughout the sanctuary, in the windows, on the piano, on the organ, on the altar table, and right nearby stood the beautiful Advent Wreath of large candles.  As the congregation filed quietly toward me and participated in the communion, I was standing near the Advent Wreath.  Just as a woman’s voice yelled from the choir, “Preacher, you’re on FIRE!” Nikki Tosh, a college student home for the holidays, rushed from her place in line and started smothering the fire.  It was quickly put out, much to my relief, and the service went on.  Somehow, the spirit among the worshippers had now taken on a lighter mood!

On the way out of the service, one man remarked that that was the first time he had ever seen a Methodist preacher on fire! 

Repair of the sleeve of the robe was $75.00, but nothing compared to what could have been the result if someone had not thought quickly and stopped the fire.  In spite of what might have been, we’ve had lots of good laughs because it brought such a surprise to that service.  Added to that was the fact that the Dundee’s fire department chief, was a member of the church and was in the service!  He never let me forget the occasion.  Should we call it “the defining moment?”