PRESIDING BISHOP CURRY: STATEMENT ON CORONAVIRUS

 

"In this time when we are all affected by the coronavirus,
whether directly or indirectly, whether physically, biologically, psychologically, spiritually,
and for many economically, it may be helpful to remember that we're in this together."


Click on the video to hear the statement in its entirety.

"Look out for your neighbors, look out for each other. Look out for yourselves.
Listen to those who have knowledge that can help to guide us medically and help to guide us socially. Do everything that we can to do this together,
to respond to each other's needs and to respond to our own needs."

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CORONAVIRUS SPARKS CHURCH-WIDE CHANGES

If you are serving this Sunday as an Acolyte, Chalicist, Altar Guild or Usher, you are asked to arrive 20 minutes (or earlier) before worship to receive any special instructions.

Our Bishop  issued guidelines last week for our common worship, and we will be adhering to these guidelines until we know the danger of passing on this virus to vulnerable members of our community has passed.  We urge you to read Bishop RIckel’s entire instruction, which you can do by clicking here.

Here’s what Christ Church will be doing to mitigate the possibility of transmitting the virus:

First, we will continue to hold worship and are not canceling any of our gatherings or planned events right now.  Our common life is important in this time. Here are some additional details about prevention measures we will take:

1. If you have any cold or flu symptoms, please stay home. This is the best way to make sure that you recuperate quickly and do not expose others to illness. 
2. Our shared Eucharist will be restricted to bread. While there is much scientific evidence to support claims that the shared cup is not an infection risk, our Bishop is asking us to suspend the common cup for the time being. The full benefit of the sacrament is available through the bread, and so that is how we will share it. We will still bless a small amount of wine, but it may only be consumed by only the presider. 
3. The clergy will be meticulous about hand washing and sanitizing before passing out the bread. They will also do our best to not touch our hands to yours when we give you the bread. 
4. We will ask you to refrain from touching other people at the Peace. This is a big ask for a lot of us, as we are used to shaking hands or hugging every single person during the Peace. but let's have fun with it. Try a solemn bow, a real smile, an air-high-five. Consider this part of our Lenten discipline, refraining from a joyful practice in order to experience it more fully at a later time. 
5. We will continue to have hand sanitizer available. If you have your own pocket version, bring it to use as well. As you may be aware, supplies are limited. We will also be extra vigilant about wiping down surfaces and sanitizing common areas.
6. We are also making changes to the way we serve refreshments during fellowship time. Coffee hour teams will serve us during coffee hour, and only serve prepackaged, commercially produced food for a time. They will wear gloves, and sanitize surfaces before and after use. The room may be slightly rearranged to accomodate service.
7. Our ushers will wear gloves to distribute the bulletins.

1. We need funds to purchase hams, fresh vegetables, pies, and cheese. (Please make checks to CHRIST EPISCOPAL for OUTREACH)
2. 5 lb bags of potatoes
3. 1 1b of butter
4. Canned Corn
5. Biscuits or Dinner Rolls (1 dozen)
6. Jello (large package)
7. Canned Fruit for Jello

Episcopal Relief & Development 2020 Lenten Meditations are available for pickup in the parish hall. This free booklet invites daily reflection on the spiritual, physical and emotional lives of children—and our role in nurturing their growth. Produced by Episcopal Relief & Development in partnership with authors of Grow Christians, a resource to teach and nurture the faith in children.

Christ Church's position has been posted on the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia's job listings, so we are making progress!