Dear Pastors, Deacons and SAMs of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin,
As you all know, the COVID-19 is a critical health concern for everyone. The question that many are asking has to do with safe practices for worship. Here are a couple of suggestions:
1.
Use individual cups or pouring chalice for communion. Intinction is less sanitary because so many hands are entering the cup to dip the wafer or bread.
2.
Make sure communion assistants both wash their hands and use hand sanitizer.
3.
If there are confirmed cases in your immediate area, consider:
·
cancelling confirmation or other large group gatherings
·
hold meetings with ZOOM or other Video conferencing platform,
·
consider live streaming worship and encourage folks to stay home, connect on their computers and worship on line.
4.
Do whatever you need to do to keep your community and especially the elderly safe. Social distancing is a key to slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Please join me in prayer,
Oh Lord God, we lift up our care and concern for those around the world that have been stricken by the corona virus. We pray for those who are sick and those who are mourning those who have died from this disease. Lord God, we ask for a quick end to this epidemic and healing for all who are ill. Give extra strength to those who are caring for the sick and community leaders who make decisions to contain the disease. We ask for wisdom for the scientists to discover a cure and create a vaccine to protect others from this disease. Give us peace to trust in you to be our help in this time of great need. In Jesus’ name, AMEN
Bishop Laurie Skow-Anderson
