August 5, 2020
Beloved friends,
Cases of Covid-19 in our local area have been increasing above the rate of one case per day for fourteen days. We know that the number of cases we have on record is an under representation. Not everyone who is infected sees a doctor for COVID-19. Up to 80% of cases may be mild or moderate. Many people never develop symptoms. If someone gets infected and recovers on their own, then public health may never find out about the case. But these people may still be infectious.
For these reasons I will limit in-person worship attendance to ten for services over the next three Sundays, August 9, 16, 23. I invite you to participate in Sunday 8 am and 10:30 am services through ZOOM. Zoom allows direct face to face communication and remote participation. We will record the Zoom sessions and post them on the the Grace Church Facebook page.
Weekday Morning Prayer will continue at 8:30 am Monday through Friday. Up to ten people are welcome to participate at Morning Prayer. Others may participate either through ZOOM or through Facebook Live.
When the rate of case numbers in Lexington and Rockbridge County decrease below one per day over a fourteen day period we will regather according to our current policy. The earliest date for regathering is August 30. I will make the decision to regather August 30 as late as Wednesday, August 26.
Nevertheless, we will continue home communion. If you would like to receive communion at home once a month please let us know at the office. Distribution of home communion will continue to be available once per month even after regathering if you so desire. In most cases we will try to distribute communion on Sunday following one of the two regular Sunday morning services using bread consecrated at the Table. Social distancing and personal hygiene practices have to be observed during home communions. Home communions include passing the peace, the Lord’s prayer, reception of the Bread, and a prayer of thanksgiving. In some cases the gospel of the day may be shared and discussed.
Gathering for worship is the foundation of our faith. There has never been a post-resurrection time when the disciples did not gather in person in the name of Jesus for the breaking of bread, prayer, study, fellowship, and sharing what they had according to the needs of others. And at the same time there have been many times and circumstances when these practices had to be modified, adapted, and even suspended for the sake of the safety and well-being of others. In those times God continued to be faithful, present, and powerful among and within the church. These days are no exception. God is working in each of us, in our homes, in our neighborhoods, through these challenging times. Don’t be afraid or lose heart. God is providing a way for you to walk Christ’s love through daily opportunities. Look for them and take them. Live in companionship with God and in confidence that all things really are working for good by God’s mercy and grace.
With gratitude,
Tuck Bowerfind
