Yesterday both Los Angeles County and Pasadena declared a public health emergency, and today Bishop John Taylor has issued a directive to all diocesan congregations in response to the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).
We agree with all concerned that this is a time for preparedness not panic. With that in mind, here is how we as All Saints Church will be abiding by the recommendations of health experts.
In the words of the Bishop’s directive:
According to the experts we have consulted, in the event of an outbreak of the disease in our diocese, we cannot promise people that that the stubborn COVID-19 virus, if deposited on the lip of the chalice, will not be passed to another communicant. For this reason, in the Diocese of Olympia, which has been hard hit already, health officials have already asked churches to stop offering the common cup.
I believe it would be prudent for us to follow suit. By my authority as your diocesan bishop, I hereby inform all our lay and ordained leaders that communion wine may not be offered in our churches, either for sipping or by intinction, until we can be confident that the danger of mass COVID-19 infections has abated.
Eucharist is our family meal … and just like when you have someone over for dinner, they still share in the meal if they only eat one thing that is served. The same is true for Eucharist. There is nothing “less” about it by only receiving the bread.
In addition, at the peace and other times of greeting, we support the LA County Department of Health’s recommendation to refrain from hugs and handshakes, asking, of course, for each to respect other’s preferences in this area (i.e. — as always, don’t touch someone without consent). Alternatives include bowing, fist or elbow bumps, and holding your hands to your heart in loving acknowledgment. Be creative and have fun with this. We need joy now more than ever!
At the healing rail, with consent, touch will be hand(s) on shoulder(s) only, and hand sanitizer will be used after each healing prayer.
We will also continue the following practices, which have long been in place:
*Our Buildings and Grounds staff will continue to provide thorough environmental cleaning and will keep restrooms stocked with antibacterial soap.
*All staff and volunteers serving during worship will wash their hands prior to serving and will sanitize their hands prior to serving communion or going to the healing rail.
*All toys and surfaces in the Creative Worship Space (“The Rug”) are sanitized with bleach before each service. Hand sanitizer is available in the Space.
Please remember to wash your hands regularly and stay home if you are not feeling well or experiencing symptoms of illness. The 11:15 Sunday service and rector’s forum can always be streamed at https://allsaints-pas.org/live-stream/. And, of course, if you are not feeling well, we hope you will let us know so we can provide care and prayers for each other as a community.
Click on the picture on the right for some basic facts and resources on coronavirus, and you can visit the Department of Public Health at publichealth.lacounty.gov for resources in multiple languages.
We hope this has helped to alleviate any immediate concerns you may have related to attending worship at All Saints Church. Rest assured that we are staying informed and will be following recommendations of the CDC and local health officials as they pertain to large group gatherings.
Please continue to pray for all those effected by this and other diseases, for health care professionals who risk exposure to care for the most vulnerable, and also for those who find themselves targeted in xenophobic attacks in its wake.
