Preparing for COVID19 - A Note from Rev. Terri
A Note from the Rector, Updated 3/10/2020
Dear Friends,
Initial spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID19, to states along the coasts and near Montana make it prudent to prepare in advance for when it arrives in our communities. Bishop Marty Stebbins addressed this during her visit on March 1st and has given recommendations to the entire diocese in the most recent Diocese of Montana Newsletter (to read, click here). I want you to know how we are preparing at Holy Spirit so that you will understand why changes or adjustments are being made and so that when the virus does arrive, we will already being doing all we can to reduce exposure to anyone visiting here.
The most important thing for all of us to do is wash our hands thoroughly and frequently and use hand sanitizer especially before and after touching our face.
Do everything you can to avoid touching your face. This requires attentiveness because we touch our faces more than we know. Have a tissue ready should you need to sneeze or cough, or at least into the crook of your arm as opposed to your hand. Use hand sanitizer immediately after which can be found in the pews.
“If you have a fever and any respiratory signs – STAY HOME. This includes choir masters, your bishop, and altar guild chairs: you know who you are” - Bp. Marty. Do call the office to let the clergy know of your illness and so they can prepare accordingly if a visit is requested.
I have been in discussions with the Vestry wardens, staff members and worship leaders as to best practices for our worship services. We will begin these practices starting this Sunday, March 8th, and continue them for the foreseeable future.
Please place your offering in the offering plate at the center aisle as you come into the church. We will not be passing the offertory plates down the pews. An usher will bring the offering forward for blessing at the appropriate time.
Eucharist:
- All participants around the altar will use hand sanitizer liberally before handling Eucharistic vessels, and if they should happen to touch their face or use a tissue. They will also re-sanitize hands frequently.
- Distribution of the elements will be from “standing stations” at the foot of the steps on the main floor, or for the Choir at the entry to the altar area.
- Parishioners are encouraged to use hand sanitizer in their pew before coming up to receive communion and when you return to the pew.
- Please note: “the common communion cup has never been implicated in a disease outbreak and has been laboratory tested with a variety of infectious agents provided the chalice is silver (plate is fine), wine is used (especially port, which has a higher alcohol content) and the chalice is wiped and rotated between receiving communicants.” – Bishop Marty
- While the above statement is true for known diseases, there is still considerable concern about sharing the common cup across the U.S. and the unknowns of this particular virus. After consultation with various leaders in the parish and discussions with my colleagues in the Lake Missoula Clericus, I have decided that starting Sunday, March 15th, we will be sharing only the bread at the distribution of Communion – no wine. Every day this practice is becoming more prevalent in dioceses and parishes across the U.S. and I see this as a temporary proactive step of care and support for the vulnerable in our midst and in the wider community. It is a sign of our love for one another. I will speak more about this in worship services.
- The sacrament does not need to be received in both kinds to be sufficient. The bread will be offered into your hand only, not from the distributor’s hand to your mouth directly.
Paper bulletins will not be reused until threat of the virus is gone. Please recycle your bulletin in the blue bin by the front doors to the church.
Passing of the Peace will be done without handshaking or hugs.
“If you have respiratory signs (without fever), have a weak immune system, or have another health issue that makes you more at risk for severe disease, please use a face mask to help reduce your risk. Be kind and do not pry if someone chooses to wear a mask. Wearing a mask as a precaution is a common practice in Japan and other countries. Do not reuse masks!
I ask your understanding as we do what we can to care for one another and reduce the potential spread of this new disease whenever it arrives. Being mindful about such things as not touching our faces and washing our hands frequently (or using hand sanitizer) will be part of our spiritual practice this Lenten season, and as long as is necessary.
Please note: We will cancel services if the Public Health authorities request it.
Faithfully in Christ,
Rev. Terri+
“Please remember to pray for those who are ill; for those who are terrified of this outbreak; for those who are working so hard to stop it and those who are in the midst of caring for those who are ill.”
– Bishop Marty