Worship practices during the Corona virus outbreak
As we are in close contact during our worship and in community, it is especially important that we practice and promote personal hygiene. We also recommend the following congregational practices:
Clergy and lay leaders stay home when ill.
During the Peace and in all other interactions, refrain from shaking hands or hugging. Elbow bumps, friendly waves, and peace signs are all acceptable substitutes.
Eucharistic ministers use an alcohol-based rub before the distribution of the sacrament, whether in the context of the liturgy or in visiting someone at home or in the hospital.
No intinction (the dipping of the bread into the wine). Because the potential for hand-to-hand germ contact is increased through intinction, the bishop is prohibiting the practice of intinction until further notice. Some dioceses have discontinued the use of the common cup for now. Our diocese will continue this practice for those who choose to sip from the cup using only silver chalices and careful wiping of the chalice.
Persons who receive the host at communion and who do not wish to receive the wine may cross their arms after consuming the host and allow the chalice administrator to say the words of administration. This allows for a reverent engagement with the blood of Christ. The church believes that all of the grace of the sacrament of the Eucharist is conferred wholly in each element - both consecrated bread and wine. To receive only the host is not to have a "half blessing" or to receive "half communion." Instead, receiving in one kind is to fully partake in the Eucharistic feast.
Coffee Hour – We will discontinue coffee hour for the remainder of Lent. It’s appropriate, and helps slow the spread of germs from food that is handled by many people. (If you need to serve food, please ban self-service buffets and have all food served in individual containers, or by food servers wearing gloves. Do not allow other people to handle the serving pieces. )
Sanitizing dispensers are readily available upon entry to the church, and parishioners are encouraged parishioners to use these to cleanse their hands before and during the service.
Special attention is paid to the care of vulnerable populations, the elderly, children, the infirm and others at special risks.
While we do not want to create any undue alarm, these protective steps limit the risks of contagion through our services should any of our parishioners have been exposed to the virus. Caring for each other and our communities requires that we exercise more than ordinary caution.
Episcopal Relief and Development reminds us that during any medical emergency our role as churches, dioceses and compassionate Christians is to:
Combat fear with knowledge in order to encourage preparedness and decrease stigma
Maintain operational continuity and continue worship life in the case of potential quarantine and disruption
Show God’s compassion and care to those in our communities who are affected.