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Outdoor Service of the Sacrament

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EXPLANATION

Grace to you and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

As governmental restrictions begin to lift the opportunity to gather together in person is upon us. This does not mean, however, that the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19 has actually changed. Between now and when we decided to suspend services not much is different in terms of a vaccine or therapeutics that are curative. As we are all aware by now the disease spreads through respiratory droplets. The longer we are in contact with one another the greater our exposure could be. This is not to say we fear this disease. We know that should it take our breath, our life rests in the risen Christ. 

It is not out of fear that we put measures in place to mitigate risk but out of a genuine concern for the physical wellbeing of one another, something the Fifth Commandment obliges us to take into account. Luther reminds us of this in his Small Catechism: “You shall not murder. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.” 

We also have a good desire to be together and receive God’s gifts. Not all of us, however, are going to be able to return to in-person worship. This means we who are have to take into account those who are not going to be in our midst and do what we can to maintain unity with them in the ways we are able. To that end, when we return to worship we will begin by doing those things together in person that can only be done in person. To start we will be gathering bi-monthly starting this Sunday June 14th at 10am.  I will be sending out a phone message later this week to everyone. For this service will have corporate confession and absolution as well as the service of the sacrament. The service of the word, which is the readings and sermon, will remain online only for now. These are not “partial” services theologically speaking. They are the times and means through which God delivers his gifts. Delivery of certain gifts necessitates physical proximity, others do not. I am well aware that not all congregations are taking the same approach and that there are those within our own congregation who disagree the decision. I am not saying this is how it will be until a new normal arrives, but it is how we will start. 

Because of the risk of transmission we will be refraining from singing for the time being. Again, I recognize that there are those, both inside and outside of our congregation who disagree with this. I am aware of at least one study that suggests singing poses no greater risk than speaking, but that does not mean it poses no risk. Time with and exposure to one another need to be limited as much as possible. This is also a factor for the shortened service that will take place in person and the liturgy that will be used. If you have symptoms,  know that you’ve been exposed, or are part of the high risk categories please stay home. I cannot force you to, but I do encourage you to. 

Our gathering will be outside, not at the pavilion but in the field next to it. Upon arrival everyone will be asked to be physically distant from one another, at least six feet at all times. There will be no hugging, handshakes, or close contact. If you wish to bring chairs to sit in you may, or you can park and stay in your car in the area the service will be, again practicing physical distancing measures. You will also be given the number of communion elements you will need for you and those who are in your immediate family. There will be a basket for those who wish to bring their offering but for now we encourage people to donate using online means or by sending a donation to the church through the mail. I am also asking that even though it is outside everyone wear a mask as I will be doing. If you have a medically appropriate reason not to wear one, I understand. We hope to have extra masks on hand for those who do not have access to any. Wearing a mask is not necessarily about reducing your chances of contracting it but of reducing the opportunity for you to spread it should you be presymptomatic. Of course during the actual consumption of the elements you may remove your mask. A bulletin for the service will be emailed out the Friday before each service but is also available above. Please print it out at home or keep it on a device you will be able to use. Only a small number of bulletins will be available on Sunday morning. 

All of us are agreed that this isn’t ideal. It is, however, the reality for now. I recognize that some may criticize me for being overly cautious, and indeed, I hope in hindsight it is so. Even if it isn’t ideal, it is an opportunity to receive God’s gifts. Come as you are able to receive them. I will be sending out another email on Friday with the bulletin and an outline of our guidelines for gathering on Sunday. Feel free to contact me with questions, comments, or concerns.