Good morning Children of God!May I say that I very much miss seeing all of you and enjoying your fellowship. Please know that in our time apart it is always a privilege however to see you in my prayers.
Wednesday’s message follows and is attached.
Wednesday’s Message
May 27, 2020
Last week Pat Sherman sent a letter to the congregation outlining the most recent thoughts of the Church Council concerning a plan for the eventual reopening of the St. Paul building for worship. The date for our return to our sanctuary is still unknown. In this message I would like to prepare you for some of the changes which you are likely to experience in the actual worship service once we return. As you will see, our way of worshiping will be significantly impacted by concerns for keeping one another as safe as possible in the pre-vaccine age of the coronavirus. The changes that are likely to take place have been recommended by numerous sources including the Southern Ohio Synod and ELCA.
The first thing to note is that there are no guarantees that a person will not become infected at a St. Paul worship service. There is always risk when we are out and about. Therefore, if a person chooses not to attend worship services because of health concerns, that is perfectly fine. That decision can be made free from judgment as far as I am concerned.
Right now, I am thinking that the worship service might look like this:
Before entering the sanctuary you will receive the Today’s Readings bulletin insert along with a paper that has words to two hymns and the Apostle’s Creed. You will also be given a pre-packaged communion wafer and juice container. Through the course of the service the hymns will be played by Mary on the organ or keyboard but they will not be sung. The reason for this is because of the abundant virus particles that are expelled by a singer even when masked. We are going to have to learn to sing silently in our minds. I have noticed that some of you have already perfected this manner of singing!
In your modified bulletin there will be no congregational speaking parts. This is recommended in order to minimize the release of virus aerosol which takes place while speaking even with a mask on. (Even normal breathing produces statistically significant levels of viral particles.) As you can see, we will be giving the word liturgy (work of the people) a whole new meaning. Where in the past, the work included singing and speaking, for a while the work will be all mental. In the past, there was a lot of sit down – stand up action. For now, the congregation will be sitting for most of the service. Services formerly lasted 60-70 minutes. We have been encouraged to limit them to 45 minutes. The reason for this is to decrease the time that people are exposed to the aerosol produced by the group in an enclosed setting.
I will enter the sanctuary from the “old sacristy” wearing my mask and will walk into the chancel in front of the altar to greet you and make some announcements. Whenever I am speaking to the congregation I will not be masked. I will always maintain at least 18 feet of separation from the closest person as recommended by scientists and the Synod. Most of my speaking will be done from in front of and behind the altar.
After the Prelude there will be a time for Confession. This will include plenty of quiet time for personal reflection and examination. We will not use the kneelers, but instead, remain seated. Then the Opening Hymn will be played without singing or humming. There may be occasions where recorded music will be used so that we can hear voices singing a hymn.
The Prayer of the Day will be spoken by the Pastor only, then the Lessons will be read. The Lector will be positioned 18 feet from the nearest person so that they can be unmasked while reading. In the past, the choir or soloists have offered a song before the lessons. We have been advised that singers should be socially distanced and masked when singing. Therefore, it will not be practical for the choir to rehearse or sing in worship during this interim period. Even soloists are told to be masked and stand at least 18 feet away from the closest person.
The Gospel will be read and a short sermon will be preached. (At least I will try.) We will then meditate while listening to the Hymn of the Day and quietly reflecting on the Apostle’s Creed. The Prayers of the Church will be said but without congregational responses.
We will still share the Lord’s peace silently with one another and from a distance. You can wave, flash a peace sign, or bow. We will then prepare for the Holy Communion with music from Mary and the organ. Offering plates will not be passed. They are located at the doors of the sanctuary.
The Holy Communion liturgy will be abbreviated and you will already have received pre-packaged elements of bread and juice before entering the sanctuary. Instructions will be given on how to open the wafer wrapper and the juice cover. We are trying this method in order to make the preparation and distribution of Holy Communion as safe as possible. Before eating and drinking, the Lord’s Prayer will be meditated upon silently while Mary plays a musical version.
Holy Communion will be followed by a Benediction and Dismissal. Mary will play a postlude as worshipers leave the sanctuary. I will depart in the same way that I entered. Unfortunately, I will not be greeting you at the door as you leave. One reason is because of the distance that needs to be maintained and another is the need to keep people moving in an orderly manner. Weather permitting, I intend to be available outside of the church for masked conversations that maintain the 6 feet distance rule.
The goal is for conversation and visiting to take place outside of the building, as much as possible. We are blessed with both sidewalks and green space to help us achieve our goal.
As you can see from this plan and the one outlined by Pat Sherman, your safety is paramount as we prepare for face to face worship in our building. The approach being taken by me and the Council is to err on the side of safety. With most of our worshipers being defined as “vulnerable” we are of the mind that we should not assume any unreasonable and unnecessary risk. This standard is subjective but I believe we have a Council that we can trust. And each of you will have the last word on whether or not you attend. Again, that decision will be made free of judgment. Those who do not attend will be able to watch the service later in the week after our tech-team provides a link to view the service on-line.
Our hearts yearn to worship the Lord, our God, and we are learning that there are many ways for us to accomplish this. The times in which we live are demanding that we learn to worship at home, connected to one another and the Lord in spirit. One day, we will learn to worship together physically and meditatively, still connected in spirit and in love.
Peace and blessings,
Pastor Bill