| Dear Siblings in Christ,
As many of you already know, our world is facing a potential health crisis with COVID-19 (the coronavirus). I’m praying daily for the health of our world as we face this challenge and I recognize there is anxiety about the virus’ impact on our lives here in our state as well as in the Episcopal Church in Colorado.
So far, there have been no cases of COVID-19 reported in Colorado and for that, I am thankful. Nonetheless, we must be alert and prepared, should we be impacted. Our Disaster Preparedness Team, led by the Rev. Canon Carl Andrews, has been working with Episcopal Relief and Development monitoring COVID-19 carefully and curating resources for our use. These resources will be shared through our diocesan communication channels: on our website, through email, and via social media. We will continue to create, curate, and share resources as they become available and as we learn more.
Just as we encourage prudent and wise behavior around any flu season, I encourage you to use best practices to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your colleagues healthy. Those practices include: covering your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze, staying away from work, school, or church activities if you are feeling unwell, and MOST IMPORTANTLY washing your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water.
In our congregational life, during the passing of the peace, please feel free to refrain from touch; you may share the Peace of the Lord with eye contact, a warm smile, a bow of your head, a wave, or an elbow bump.
During the Holy Eucharist, know that the Church has been advised by medical experts that the odds of transmitting disease by sharing the chalice are extremely low. Intinction (dipping the bread into the cup), however, poses a greater potential risk, especially when multiple hands are dipping into the common cup. I’d encourage our churches to discontinue this practice during this season or modify it to “one hand” (that being the cleaned hand of the eucharistic minister). Of course, communion “in one kind” constitutes full and sufficient communion, and so those whose health needs require them to be extra cautious may elect to simply receive the bread.
I’m grateful for the expertise of our medical professionals and those who are diligently working to prepare for the possible spread of this virus in our communities here in Colorado. I encourage everyone to continue to be loving and practice healthy habits. I invite you to work together within your community of faith to reduce the risk of spreading the flu, colds, and other potential viruses. I also ask your prayers for our siblings across the world affected by COVID-19.
Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve the sick across the world, that they may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care. Sanctify those you have called to the study and practice of the arts of healing and the prevention of disease and pain, that they may be strengthened by your life-giving Spirit. Make these words more than words, and provide us peace and comfort; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Faithfully,
Bishop Kym Lucas | |
