Community Updates (10/12/23)
Dear all,
I want to spend a moment today talking about intinction - what we have done in the past to receive Communion by dipping the bread into the chalice.
Back in June, the Bishop wrote to all of the clergy about this, but because you did not have a priest, the message did not get to you. Part of what she wrote was this:
"While still working out our knowledge and issues around the COVID pandemic, the subject of intinction has come up at various times as a way to work around the Common Cup in the administration of Eucharist. While theologically intinction is problematic, and there is no good basis for intinction in our tradition, it did become common practice during the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s as an alternative to the Common Cup during the fears of that time. Despite scientific evidence put forth about the safety of the Common Cup, community fears about germs and a stigma attached to those with AIDS led to this practice. Some of our parishioners have never experienced the administration of communion in-person without intinction."
I think her last sentence is most important to our congregation - some people have never received communion without intinction.
"For now", we are going to continue our practice of either drinking from the common cup OR taking the bread only. For those who were in church on Sunday, I offered another option for those who do not wish to take the common cup, which is to touch the base of the chalice while the Eucharistic Minister offers the words "the blood of Christ, the cup of salvation."
Bishop Lucinda has offered a way for us to intinct, and it involves having two communion stations, one for the common cup and one for intincting. I am not sure we have the personnel to accomplish this at the moment, but please know that it is being discussed.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly if this is of concern to you. We have become so flexible and resilient during the Pandemic and I ask for your continued good will as we work back into our new normal.
Please join me today in continuing prayer for peace in Palestine and Israel.
love, Stacey
(The Rev. Stacey Grossman)
Join us for the Pastoral Care Committee meeting THIS FRIDAY, October 13, at 10:00 am. We will be meeting with Rev. Stacey in the Narthex at church. Plan on having lunch at the Country Inn after the meeting.
Betty Consorte, Chairperson
Marianne Schmidt, Scribe
Update on our Future Rector Search:
The Vestry is actively working with candidates in October. More news to follow!
Opportunities to Serve with AAi
Packing of health hygiene kits
Sunday Oct. 22 from 2-5 pm,
Hi all. Here is the link to our hygiene project that I mentioned in church Sunday. Please sign up to help as you’re able, and let me know. People don’t need to complete the advanced training to volunteer. AAi just asks that people complete the free, introductory training to better understand Jewish and Muslim neighbors. This helps Christians avoid learning sensitivities “the hard way.” People can register for this training directly at https://aaiu.eventbrite.com. We can car pool from the church if you like.
And thanks!
- Pat
Here is the link to register for the event:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hygiene-kit-assembly-registration-681269263707
Here is a direct link to our weekly “An Episcopal Sermon” podcast.
Each weekly podcast episode is a live recording of the Gospel reading followed by the sermon based on that reading from our Sunday services. A new episode is posted on our website every Monday (in case you missed it on Sunday). This podcast provides thought provoking messages that can be listened to anywhere at any time.
Enjoy!
Link for this week:
https://www.churchinalmaden.org/news/oct8-2023-an-episcopal-sermon
Prayer Vine
Kathleen Eagan is the director of the Prayer Vine. If you have any prayer requests that we can be praying for, please contact her at kathleeneagan34@gmail.com. Also if you are interested in becoming a part of the volunteers who are the Prayer Warriors, please let Kathleen know.