Communion at Christmas.
Dear friends and members of St. Matt's,
Even though our life doesn't look like it normally would, there are so many blessings for us to share. Christmas always comes to us to shine a light, to remind us that with God there is always hope. As we wait for the reminder of that hope, to hear the story again that promises us Jesus is coming, I'm really excited to share something special with you.
One of the great sadnesses of these last eight months is that we haven't been able to have communion together safely. And while it remains true that we can't do that together in person, I want to make sure that we're able to have communion together for Christmas. So, I have a plan.
On Christmas Eve, join us online at 5pm for our main service. This will include the celebration of the Eucharist, spectacular music, and all the things that makes our worship at St. Matt's special. And you can join in on our website or Facebook page as you've become accustomed. Then at 10:00pm, join us in a Zoom room where we'll have a quieter, simpler service. We'll light a candle. And we'll share communion together.
How does that work, you ask? This week, on the Third Sunday of Advent, I'm going to consecrate a lot of bread and wine. I'll pack it in small kits that you will pick up at church and take home. As Episcopalians, this is our most sacred gift. So keep it in a safe place, light a candle near it, leave the light on for Jesus. For a few days, Jesus will be tangibly, physically in your home. And then we'll receive together on Christmas Eve, late in the evening, as we remember and give thanks for the miracle of Christmas. And it will be perfectly safe.
All you need to do to participate is sign up here before 12/16. Tell me how many people in your household will receive and if anyone needs a gluten free wafer. You'll be able to pick up the kit outside the church, in the circle near the doors to St. Matt's beginning on 12/20. Then come into the Zoom room, and share in the gift of communion at Christmas. Because the Eucharist is so special in our tradition, there will be a few things you need to do afterwards to clean up, but there will be step-by-step instructions in your kit. Don't worry, it's not complicated, but it is very important - and you'll learn a little bit about the respect and the reverence that our Altar Guild show to the elements when we're together in person.
I can't wait to share this holy feast with you. And to celebrate the gift of the Incarnation.
Faithfully,
--Marissa +
Tags: Worship / St. Matt's - Virtually / Welcome from the Rector