On this coming Sunday, Holy Trinity, June 7, I will be presiding over communion at my kitchen table. You are invited to join me either online or by phone.
The decision to preside over a ‘virtual’ table was one that did not come easy. Currently, the E.L.C.A. is divided over how to celebrate (or not) the sacrament during this pandemic.
Our social isolation and move to online ministries poses challenges to traditional understandings of what it means to assemble as the Body of Christ. Over the past month, I had many conversations about theses matters with pastoral colleagues including Bishop Lull.
Initially, I supported not offering communion until we could be back together again. This was for two reason. The first involved access. I know that not everybody can log on to our online resources. Celebrating without including these folks did not seem right. My second concern revolved around understanding virtual community. How could we assemble for worship in a way that was mutual and participatory?
As I struggled with these issues, it became clearer that our online reality wasn’t going away anytime soon. The emergency situation that continues to restrict our gathering together in one place is likely to linger for months to come. Due to health risks, some in our community might stay away even after it has been determined it is safe for some limited in-person gathering.
The Body of Christ at St. James is hurting in its physical isolation and would benefit greatly from the nurturing and strengthening of faith found in the celebration of the sacrament. That is the message that I heard from St. James folks during our Online Worship Listening Post.
According to the E.L.C.A. statement on the practice of ministry and sacraments, The Use of the Means of Grace; “At the table of our Lord Jesus Christ, God nourishes faith, forgives sin , and calls us to be witnesses to the Gospel.” As one who was called to serve the St. James community as an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament, I find myself compelled to resume the role of presiding at Table in the midst of this pandemic crises.
On pastoral grounds, caring for the spiritual needs of the community, I will preside over Eucharist this Sunday. For a fuller explanation of this decision (click here).
Sunday’s communion will use ZOOM technology because it addresses some of my initial concerns. Zoom allows those with computers and phones to come together in the same virtual space. It is not a “perfect” connection but it is one that can provide great meaning and comfort.
From my “pastoring” ZOOM experience of these past months, I have come to appreciate the genuine connection that occurs when people interact using this technology. There is nothing ‘viritual’ about it - it is real. ZOOM allows for greater interactive participation than our livestream worship between presider and the rest of the assembly. For directions on how to participate in Sunday’s ZOOM online/phone communion (click here).
Celebrating at home, is reminiscent of the early church which gathered in homes to sing, pray, and break bread. It is also the place where we have most been during these days of isolation. Before covid-19, as a pastor I regularly visited folks in their homes. Many times I would share the sacrament with them. I know that those encounters are powerful moments of faith that sustain weary souls.
On Sunday, June 7, there will be two worship opportunities. At 9:30 a.m., we will livestream from the sanctuary. This will be a Service of the Word with music. Presiding Bishop Eaton will preach. At noon, I will ZOOM from my home and share communion with those who log on at that time. Only the 9:30 a.m. worship will be available on YouTube for those who missed worship. Links for both worships can be found on the front page of the St. James website.
I pray that you will be able to worship at one or both of these times this Sunday.
In Christ’s Light,
Pastor Walt