Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Dear Friends,
Today we received a letter from our bishop the Right Reverend Robert Wright regarding liturgical modifications as a precaution against corona virus. Much of it we are already doing. There are a few additional directives that we will add. Starting this Sunday, we will administer Communion in one kind only (wafers), and we will suspend sending out Eucharistic Visitors for the time being. The Bishop has also directed that we refrain from hugging and shaking hands at the Peace, and refrain from holding hands while saying the Lord’s Prayer.
Please know that we will continue to offer pastoral care and relationship to any who desire such support. This is a fluid situation and we are striving to remain nimble, playful, and care for one another through our health precaution acts of love. We love this community of faith that is St. Luke’s and value each and every time we gather as a community. As a St. Luke's parishioner recently commented to me, “…one of the biggest risk factors for developing the illness is anxiety. One of the best cures for anxiety is the social support of our church community…the peace and communion maintain the web of social connections and the ritual practice that is at the core of our spiritual life.”
Please know that we fully support each and every one of you to, as the Bishop said, “in (your) own minds and hearts, decide how much or how little (you) will participate.”
Be well! Know you are loved beyond all boundary or imagination,
