In our online Sunday School classes over the past month, we have explored several stories from the early Christian church—the stories of Pentecost, Lydia, and Paul and Silas in prison. As I was reflecting on these stories, something struck me! In our current pandemic, we cannot do business as usual. The health crisis has forced us to think in new and different ways about spreading the Gospel. I must admit, there are times the task seems daunting; but I would rather think of it as an opportunity. An opportunity to break out of the molds of how we have always done things and explore even more ways that we can “be the church!” 

In the story of Lydia, there was not a church building. Paul taught by the river. When Paul and Silas were in jail, they didn’t teach in a church; they taught the jailer right there in the crumbling walls of the jail cell. In both cases, what followed was teaching in the home. Sharing the Good news with the family, extended family, and I am sure friends.

This is the opportunity that our Virtual Vacation Bible School affords us! We can invite friends and family to hear the stories of Jesus! Perhaps a neighborhood socially distanced gathering of children and maybe even adults. In both stories of Paul’s teaching referenced above, there is also an element of hospitality! This type of event might even be hosted by older youth! (Just think how that will look on your college resume!)

We understand that parents are exhausted. It has been a tough, unprecedented spring. However, we hope that this opportunity gives you a breath of God’s Spirit to explore sharing the Good News of Jesus in new and different ways. Remember, “Jesus Leads the Way!” Let’s be surprised where He leads us!
D rive-In Communion this Sunday!
Sunday, June 28, 2020 at 11:00 am

Many people have stated an interest in receiving the sacrament of Holy Communion during these times. We think we have a way to adhere to social distancing while providing the Holy Sacrament.

On Sunday, June 28, following our 9:30 in-home Worship video, you may gather some communion elements (see below) and drive to church. You will be directed on where to park (every other space). Pastor will be on the side porch. You can get out of your car with your elements, and Pastor will say the words of institution, just like at worship. We will pray the Lord’s Prayer and receive Holy Communion. Then we will dismiss.

We will make every effort to maintain social distancing. If you want to stay in your car, that is fine, just hold up the elements at the time of institution. If there are more cars than places, we will have another service.

Everyone is welcome to participate.
 
Elements: The elements are bread and wine, but there is a great deal of flexibility in what is acceptable. My over-reaching rule of thumb is that the bread should be simple and not delicious or stale to be distracting from the reverence of Holy Communion. It can be any kind of bread or cracker or wafer. The wine should be wine or grape juice, although the requirements are very flexible. Also, Holy Communion does not need to be shared with two elements. So, if you only want to have bread that is fine. Under the circumstance, limiting to one element might be a good suggestion.

After communion, the leftovers are to be disposed of reverently. I would suggest keeping the portions small to minimize the leftovers. If there is some bread and drink leftover, try to consume it all. If there is leftover bread, it can be used in a meal. It should not be disposed of in a trash can. Leftover wine can be poured to the ground if it is not going to be consumed. If consuming the wine, please drink responsibly! 
At Holy Trinity, our hearts are open to prayer for all those personally impacted by the coronavirus. Some of us have family or friends that are ill with the virus or are stricken with it.  We want to have a special memorial for them as we hold them in prayer. So we will designate the back prayer wall in the church for people to be added and prays offered. You can include their name or just "your friend." We will take pictures of the wall and sent it out regularly. Also we will have a brief prayer vigil once a week for the people on the wall. If you want to add anyone, just send a request to the church office .
Peace be with you.
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