I wonder whether like me you have sometimes turned the news on to hear that the government have done a u-turn yet again. You think to yourself what are they playing at? Have they no idea what they’re doing. Well maybe you sometimes sit in your chair at church and scratch your head and think, what are they doing?
I’m referring to the recent decision we made to change how we administer Holy Communion, with bread in the centre and wine at either side. Well, it worked so well when we had the confirmations, and Bishop Nick and Ian were serving the bread, but not so when we tried it a few Sundays ago. So we are saying a great big sorry and are doing a u-turn. What do they say… if it isn’t broken don’t fix it, so it’s as we were.
Of course we aren’t allowed to go back to the individual cups, that was just a concession during covid. Once again we are going to be queuing up the centre aisle in two rows, being guided by the church wardens. Of course, if you feel uncomfortable with the common cup, you continue to take the bread only, but keep your hands by your side once you have received the bread, so you are not offered wine. The bread constitutes communion in full.
You would also be very welcome to come to the rail for a blessing if you don’t wish to take communion. As the vicar passes, please keep your hands by your side. Don’t feel you have to kneel, as some of us find it better to stand. We would, however, love to try one little change. To avoid those of us taking wine being disturbed as they receive, we would like each rail to return to their seats at the same time. Lastly, one of the things we asked for last month, quietness as everyone receives, we are asking to be continued each week. It is good to respect each other’s time with God in this way.
I think we are going through a time when we need to remember and be demonstrating the Fruits of the Spirit --> Galatians 5: 22-23. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self control.
We aren’t going to get everything right, but we are doing our best. Let’s stick together and support one another and show God’s love to one another.