Julia, I am calling upon the church leadership to review the checklist and to take appropriate action. We will be using individual cups for communion. The sharing of the peace will be a verbal blessing among worshippers. I will continue to use hand sanitizer prior to communion. At the end of service I will refrain from physical contact with worshippers as I greet them on their way out. We also will keep the congregation advised of measures we are taking. I believe that church leaders can be of greatest help by being a non anxious presence in this time of concern.
Dan Bodine Pastor, Community of Love Lutheran Church Oxford, PA
Here is an excerpt from our May newsletter informing our congregation about measures we are instituting: A hand sanitizing station is now located in the narthex and is available to all. Separate hand sanitizing will be kept in the chancel and will be used by worship leaders before physical contact with the congregation (such as in the Sharing of the Peace, Holy Baptisms, Holy Communion). We are asking members of the congregation to call the church office (215-256-8738) to notify us if you believe you have contracted a serious and contagious illness (even if it has not been diagnosed as Swine Flu). By having an idea how many of us are ill, this will help us make decisions about whether to limit or cancel events in which others could become infected. On Youth Sunday, May 3, our youth will introduce us to a non-touching way of sharing the peace. It is very simple and beautiful and can be used by anyone anytime. If, during the sharing of the peace you encounter someone who chooses not to touch others, that is just fine! Use the hand gesture instead. If you are ill, please refrain from shaking hands with others (including me) before and after service.
I like the idea of hand-sanatizer for the congregation and keeping track of those of our congregation that are ill. Both seem like very reasonable measures to take. The H1N1 flu appears to be quite mild but the vulnerable populations are among us and they are not always visible. Thanks.
Julia,
ReplyDeleteI am calling upon the church leadership to review the checklist and to take appropriate action. We will be using individual cups for communion. The sharing of the peace will be a verbal blessing among worshippers. I will continue to use hand sanitizer prior to communion.
At the end of service I will refrain from physical contact with worshippers as I greet them on their way out. We also will keep the congregation advised of measures we are taking.
I believe that church leaders can be of greatest help by being a non anxious presence in this time of concern.
Dan Bodine
Pastor, Community of Love Lutheran Church
Oxford, PA
Here is an excerpt from our May newsletter informing our congregation about measures we are instituting:
ReplyDeleteA hand sanitizing station is now located in the narthex and is available to all. Separate hand sanitizing will be kept in the chancel and will be used by worship leaders before physical contact with the congregation (such as in the Sharing of the Peace, Holy Baptisms, Holy Communion).
We are asking members of the congregation to call the church office (215-256-8738) to notify us if you believe you have contracted a serious and contagious illness (even if it has not been diagnosed as Swine Flu). By having an idea how many of us are ill, this will help us make decisions about whether to limit or cancel events in which others could become infected.
On Youth Sunday, May 3, our youth will introduce us to a non-touching way of sharing the peace. It is very simple and beautiful and can be used by anyone anytime. If, during the sharing of the peace you encounter someone who chooses not to touch others, that is just fine! Use the hand gesture instead.
If you are ill, please refrain from shaking hands with others (including me) before and after service.
Tom Kadel
Christ, Kulpsville
Two versions of sign language for "Peace" are posted at this link:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.handspeak.com/sign/p/indexPE.php?sort=peace
I like the idea of hand-sanatizer for the congregation and keeping track of those of our congregation that are ill. Both seem like very reasonable measures to take. The H1N1 flu appears to be quite mild but the vulnerable populations are among us and they are not always visible.
ReplyDeleteThanks.