[March 14 Update: In light of increased concern, we are suspending services.]
Dear Restoration,
Like many of you, I have been watching the news coverage on the spread of Covid-19 and am heartbroken to see the effects of this virus claim lives and stir up panic. I’ve spent the last couple of weeks discussing with others and thinking through our response to the probability of the virus coming to Minnesota; and this afternoon, Minnesota has confirmed its first case.
Even as we anticipate more cases of the coronavirus in Minnesota, I encourage you to remember that you are the redeemed People of God. "Those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty," (Psalm 91). Therefore Beloved, we can prepare without panicking. Let us be steadfast in prayer for our civil leaders, our healthcare workers, our neighbors, and especially those who are suffering. He has planted you exactly where you are in order to remind the world that God will not leave us, and in fact, we are invited to draw closer to him in these challenging times.
This is a virus, the spread of which can be reduced by following normal, healthy procedures as outlined by the CDC: wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face, cough into your sleeve or tissue, and stay at home if you’re not feeling well. If you do stay home, please avail yourself of our posted sermons, practice Daily Prayer, and let our Prayer Team know so we can be praying.
We will be making some temporary changes at Restoration. These are an act of solidarity with suffering congregations, an expression of loving our neighbor, and a way to gather responsibly.
Children’s Ministry Hand Sanitizer. We will offer hand sanitizer in all classes and ask that adult volunteers and children make good use of them.
Passing of the Peace. Refrain from hugging and shaking hands. Instead, accompany your verbal expression of Peace by putting your hand over your heart or using some other gesture that minimizes direct contact with others.
Communion in One Kind. Holy Communion will be served with just the bread.
Communion Servers will be asked to wash their hands before the service and, as always, will use hand sanitizer before distribution.
We will reassess this for Holy Week services.
See below* for further theological considerations.
No Food at Welcome Table. Parents, please give your kids a heads up beforehand so they can emotionally prepare. Perhaps even pack a snack of your own for after church.
Limit physical touch, such as the laying on of hands in prayer, blessing children at communion, and shaking hands during fellowship.
[Updated: March 13, 2020:
No Coffee at Welcome Table. I know. Crazy.
Offering Collected at Back of Sanctuary. Rather than passing baskets through the aisles, the Offering Baskets will be at the back table next to the bulletin basket.
Greeters Open/Close Doors for All. While I hope we’re always doing this, Greeters will be extra diligent in opening the doors for others.]
Brothers and sisters, these aren’t easy changes to make. We are sacramental people who celebrate that matter matters, and restricting the most precious aspects of our life together is difficult. Please reach out to me if you have questions about any of this.
Although we cannot predict the future, it is my hope that these temporary, preventative measures will keep our congregation and the community at large in a position of health. May we stand in solidarity with affected areas and be drawn closer to our Almighty God during this season.
—Fr. Rick
* Communion in One Kind
This may evoke theological questions for some, and so I want to reiterate that this is purely for hygienic reasons.
Eucharistic liturgy requires that both bread and wine are consecrated and consumed, therefore, our Canon Theologian has instructed that the Celebrant needs to consume both elements, however the rest of the congregation will be communed in bread only. We are assured that we receive the Lord's body and blood entirely in either element.
Our Bishop is permitting this temporary practice under present circumstances. Our Cathedral church in Wheaton is implementing this as well as other sacramental churches across the globe. It bares repeating: the full benefits of the full presence of Christ in Holy Communion are experienced through faith even if just one of the elements is consumed.
