Important Info Re: COVID 19
Dear Wheatland,
By now you have received multiple emails and notifications regarding COVID-19. These have resulted in changes to your daily routines of work and school. This letter is Wheatland’s contribution to that growing list. The following changes may be less of a burden but they are no less important.
First, if you have had a fever or cough please don’t come to our worship service. You should be symptom-free for 24 hours (preferably 48) before attending. It pains me to encourage people not to attend worship, but in this circumstance, it is wise.
Second, please be cautious when greeting one another. A wave, a bow, a big smile and a verbal greeting are all equally valid as an embrace, handshake, or holy kiss. Some of us may welcome this change but for others of us it may take some getting used to.
Third, out of an abundance of caution, and because we love and care for all people who call Wheatland home, we are making two significant changes to how we receive the Lord’s Supper. These changes are not permanent but will last for as long as necessary.
Wheatland will receive the Lord’s Supper in One Kind. This means that we will receive only the bread and not the cup. The cup will still be present and part of our prayer and preparation. But as a congregation, we will consume only the bread. While not ideal, “in One Kind” has been an acceptable way for the church to receive communion through the centuries.
You will be handed your communion bread by the server. When you go forward to receive communion, hold your hands out and the server will give it to you. This change is intended to prevent the transmission of the virus by fewer hands reaching into the bread plate. In addition, the servers will wash their hands and use hand sanitizer just prior to serving.
Our caution is not born out of fear but out of concern for all members of our church and our neighbors. Staying away from a worship service when sick, receiving communion differently, and taking extra steps to make sure that we do not transmit a virus are all acts of love. While most of us are not at great risk of suffering from this illness, there are those that we love very much who are. Our actions are for them more than for us, whether they are members of our congregation, members of Sunnyside, or other people with whom we may come in contact.
Worshiping Christ is at the center of our lives and worshiping together is essential. At times like this, we must make accommodations to help one another participate. If you are sick and have to stay away please let us know so we can pray for you. (And maybe leave some chicken-soup on your porch?)
The Collect for the 3rd Sunday of Lent seems even more appropriate at this time. This prayer addresses not only our need for physical health but for spiritual and emotional health as well. Christians are more prayerful than fearful. We stand as witnesses to God’s good presence even in the face of great difficulty.
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
There is no need to panic and every reason to pray.
Your brother in Christ,
Paul
https://mailchi.mp/82941aacbbe4/important-message-to-the-wheatland-mission-re-covid-19