Faith and Preparation in Fearful Times
Hi Church!
This week has seen coronavirus news, alongside a horrible tornado in Nashville and the ongoing presidential campaign, take up a lot of attention. I’m sure that many of you have been following along.
As Christians we hold fast to our confession that Jesus is Lord in seasons like this. Throughout the apostle Paul’s writings in the New Testament there is a repeated emphasis upon the Lordship of Jesus. Part of the reason Paul is repetitive with this point is that it can be so difficult to see as true. In the midst of discouraging circumstances we can easily question that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is sovereign and in control. Yet it is precisely at these moments that the reality that Jesus, who is gentle and lowly of heart, who commands the wind and waves, who suffered and died for us, is now reigning and ruling, guiding all things to God’s good end, is such a tremendous and necessary comfort. In sickness and health, in life and death, Jesus is Lord and He holds us fast.
Faith does not, however, lead us away from thoughtful preparation. Like you, the staff at COTC has been monitoring what various public health sources have been saying. With their recommendations in mind, as well as the best practices and suggestions from our diocese and other churches, we wanted to make note of a couple of things for us as a community:
Wash your hands often. Washing your hands with warm water and soap, for a least 20 seconds, makes a profound difference in stopping the spread of germs. We will again have hand sanitizer available in the service to help out. Along with avoiding touching your face (really difficult for me!) keep one’s hands clean can make a considerable difference in diminishing the spread of germs.
If you’ve had a fever in the 24 hours prior to worship be encouraged to stay home from worship. Contact us and we’ll plan to bring you communion at home. For this one Sunday, listen to worship music and the sermon online, we’ll see you next week!
A couple of things of note for corporate worship, during the “Passing of the Peace” you’re encouraged to give a fist bump, elbow tap, or simply chat. With the "Lord’s Prayer" we’ll refrain from holding hands these next few weeks, this will be a good Lenten practice of communal self-denial!
With regard to communion, studies show that intinction (the dipping of the bread in the wine) is the least sanitary option, as people’s fingers get in the wine, try as they might to avoid it. Our suggestion is that you take a break from intinction and try sipping for the time being. Our regular practice, between each person, is that the server wipes the inner and outer rim of the chalice with an alcohol swab as a means of killing germs. Also, if you are concerned about drinking from the chalice you can simply defer. The church has long taught that communion “in one kind”, with bread or wine alone, is an appropriate way to celebrate the Eucharist.
Lastly, please pray. Pray for those who are sick, those who serve them and who are working to put an end to the spread of the virus, pray for the peace of God to be known and for His glory to be revealed in and through His church even in moments of crisis and suffering. God is good, Jesus is Lord, and the Spirit is with us.
As things continue to develop we'll continue to be in communication, if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out.
In Christ,
Peter+
Ps. Join us for Coffee and Catechism before the service, we’ll be discussing chapter 2 of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. Come after worship to our Soup Lunch at the Parish House (1618 Ashberry Dr.).