Dear friends,
As Anglicans, we have a deep attachment to the sacraments. It has been a source of great sadness that so many in our parish community have not been able to receive the Eucharist since the COVID pandemic began. It has not been possible for all of us to gather in the church, and it was and is impractical (and not advisable for public health reasons) to bring the sacrament to everyone individually at his or her home. But after conferring with parishioners with liturgical and medical expertise, I am pleased to have another option to offer.
On the four Sundays of Advent 2020 (November 29th, and December 6th, 13th, and 20th), the Eucharist will be available in front of the church portico from 10:00 a.m. (or the end of the 9:00 service) until 11:00 a.m. The formalities will be simple – we will read the confession, I will offer absolution, and we will read the Lord’s Prayer (from a card to be provided), and then the Host will be offered as we do presently in church – in small plastic cups. Masks and hand sanitizer will be in use. The normal assumption will be that those coming to receive the Eucharist will have attended the 9:00 a.m. service virtually, but there won’t be a quiz about the sermon!
More advertising of this offering will be coming to you in all the usual ways. I look forward to seeing many more of you in person!
Peace and be well
Howie+
The Reverend Dr. Howell C. Sasser, Jr., Rector