Dear Friends in Christ,
It’s time to take some of the last steps back from the changes that COVID brought to our worship at Grace. We’re going to be doing a few things differently this coming Sunday.
1. Administration of the Chalice: At our bishop’s recommendation, we are moving to a different system. We’ll return to asking you simply to offer two hands and receive the bread in you palms. If you want to drink from the cup, you are welcome. Here’s the new part: if you would like the wafer intincted (dipped in the wine), hold the wafer up for the person administering the chalice, who will take it from you, dip it in the wine, and return it to you.
2. Communion at the Rail: Many of you have asked when we will be doing this, and I think this new season is the time to try it again and see how it works. There are some potential losses—the service many be noticeably longer, and some people who have difficulty climbing the stairs may be left out. But I know that coming to the rail is deeply important to many in this community, and I am glad we can resume this practice and see if it suits our present reality.
It was almost exactly two years ago this Sunday that we returned to worship in our nave. The time since then has been a period of adaptation, flexibility, and growth. I am grateful for all that we have learned from it—and grateful to be stepping forward into this new chapter.
Yours in Christ,
Anne+