to think that if you are late to church....

[moominmarvellous]

....you should accept that you have to stand at the back?!

I've just had to leave in the middle of a church service because a lady decided to cram herself and her grandson onto a bench where there was clearly no space.

I'm 9 months pg and had to have my 7 year old niece on my lap and my 3 year old had to sit on the floor at my feet as a result (crying because she wanted to be on my lap). They were sitting quite nicely and then it just became a fucking nightmare.

Grrrrrrrr I am not feeling very holy right now!!!

You've slightly put your own spin on it NorthernLurker, adding a bit of drama and unnecessary sarcasm, but yes I did choose to leave after communion as I was uncomfortable due to the lack of space, but more importantly so were the children. It's not that easy keeping them relatively interested in the service and at 3 unfortunately DD is too young for the childrens liturgy at our church.

Next time I'll make sure I put the children on the inside of me so we can all sit back down after hymns and readings with me as a non-budging barrier! :)

YANBU. I am like you give in to everyone. I nearly fell off the end of the pew once after moving up for someone. I forgot how little room I had after a hymn. Brightened up the service for my neighbours.

Another time I was late and was trying to sneak in when the priest shouted loudly; there's a seat free here down the front

YANBU.

I suspect she thought no one would mind if she squeezed in and was probably totally oblivious to the inconvenience to you. Next time as others have said be a bit more assertive and whisper "no room", or ask her to have her child sit on the floor instead, as your daughter wants to sit by you or something?

I'm intrigued about a childrens liturgy now. I go to quite a modern C of E church and the childrens work is great. DS shouts whilst waiting to be registered, as he's desperate to get into creche before I go into church, as he loves the toys and helpers. Once I've dropped both kids off I go into church and enjoy the peace My idea of hell trying to keep 2 toddlers quiet and happy in quiet pew filled church My last church was like that, you could hear a penny drop and everyone would turn round at any commotion at all and look at you.

Hope when you move, the next church has more room and better childrens groups for you

Bleh; forgive her. That's what Jebus would do.

Yeah,forgive her......but next time HEADBUT HER.....

OOOHHH should that have been two 'T's in headbut?

moomin - no creche at your church either?

blimey - that was one of my main criteria when looking for a church - do they have things for all of my children during the main sunday service. At the time I wasn't the organist - but still wanted to go somewhere that I could leave my children doing age appropriate activites while I sat in the service.

And you consider playing with your organ in a house of god is appropriate behaviour for a grown woman, do you? You... you... you make me sick.

you think that's bad - I nearly gave birth at the organ with DS2

(well ok not quite - but my waters had started leaking and I went on and played for the service anyhow ) - not a contraction in sight

I've also flashed my norks at the congregation............well DS3 decided to lift my top up when he was about 2 months old and I was feeding him while playing

Ha ha! You should have launched into the Hallelujah Chorus; or perhaps Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory...