The pandemic is over, isn’t it?
Although legal restrictions have been removed, this does not mean that the threat from COVID or other diseases is over. We will still need to take some precautions to keep each other safe.
The PCCs have a duty to keep people safe. It is their job to make the decisions about what health precautions are appropriate in this church. But we all have a part to play in making our churches safe for everyone.
Firstly, and most importantly:
Worshippers should NOT come to church if they have any Covid symptoms.
In fact, you should not attend if you have symptoms of other diseases, especially a cough or unexplained respiratory problem.
A negative Covid test is not enough – if you have symptoms, stay away!
Face coverings are no longer a legal requirement, but they remain a helpful way of preventing the spread of any airborne disease, not just COVID.
Masks don’t prevent you from catching a disease—they are to prevent you from passing bugs to anyone else. Wearing a mask can be a visible sign that you care for others and don’t want them to get ill.
We’re no longer prohibited from touching others, so what about sharing The Peace?
We are permitted to share the Peace with a friendly sign such as a handshake or a wave, but be aware that others may not feel comfortable with physical contact. If you offer your hand and it is not taken, do not feel offended – the other person just isn’t ready for that yet. And if you do shake hands, make sure it’s with clean, preferably sanitized, hands.
In fact, some people never were happy to shake hands at The Peace and were secretly delighted when the pandemic put a stop to the practice.
It’s OK to share the Peace as we did five years ago, and it’s equally acceptable not to want to. So, don’t feel offended if someone else acts in a way you don’t expect at this point in the service.
What about the Chalice?
We are also able to offer a shared chalice. This is the preferred way of receiving Communion in an Anglican church because Jesus’ command when he offered a shared cup to the disciples was to “drink this all of you: this is my blood of the New Covenant: Do this in remembrance of me.”
This practice is safe because the chemical action of alcohol with the silver of the chalice has powerful antiseptic properties.
However, not everyone feels comfortable sharing from one vessel yet. In such circumstances, it is perfectly acceptable to only receive Communion in the form of the bread – it is still a FULL Communion. In all cases, the wafer of bread will be delivered by means of tongs so that there is no chance of any virus on the minister’s hand being transmitted.
- NOTE: The practice of intinction (dipping the wafer into the wine) is not forbidden, but it is not encouraged. Drinking from the chalice is far safer from a microbial point of view than risking your fingers coming into contact with the liquid. If intinction is desired, the minister should use tongs to dip the wafer in the wine and place it in the communicant’s hands.
Additional note on the giving of Communion:
When delivering the bread to communicants, the wafer must be placed in the hand, not on the tongue. The risk of transferring microorganisms from a mouth to the minister’s hands is unacceptably high.
It is NOT permitted in any circumstances for the minister to place the wafer directly into the communicant’s mouth.
Can we serve refreshments?
Refreshments after some services are available. These will be served in the South Transept of All Saints every week and at the back of the other churches on an occasional basis. But please be sensitive to distancing, especially where people are nervous about being close to others.
What if I’m still worried?
For those not comfortable with these measures, the Vicar is allowed to bring Communion into people’s homes, as well. If you are not comfortable in church or would like the Rector to visit for any other reason, don’t hesitate to get in touch with him on (01462) 549028.
Even if you can’t come to church, the church can come to you.
The precautions are about protecting each other, and it is to fulfil that most fundamental of Gospel commands:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength…
Love your neighbour as yourself.
There is no commandment greater than these.”
To limit the spread of any virus and to protect the vulnerable amongst us, please do everything in your power to keep others safe.
Stay safe, and uphold one another in prayer.
Every blessing,
Fr Chris Lowdon
