| For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. – Romans 8:24-25 Dear Friends, Alleluia! Christ is risen! We approach the conclusion of the Easter season this Sunday as we celebrate Pentecost and we have much to celebrate! The arrival of the Holy Spirit this week is followed by Trinity Sunday in which we honor the Trinity – the three Persons of God: the Father, the son, and the Holy Spirit. This is a very significant time for Christians, and we recognize and celebrate the birth of the church! While the events we celebrate happened a couple thousand years ago, there is also much to celebrate in the here and now. With the recent announcement by Governor Northam on the elimination of restrictions on gathering in Virginia beginning May 28th, the Bishops of the Diocese of Virginia have also announced the lifting of limitations on worship in our Diocese. Click here to read Bishop Goff’s message to the Diocese. With the many plans and protocols that hard-working members of Epiphany have put in place to ensure the safety of everyone in our building, you may be asking how these announcements will affect us as we come and go in the building. I want to assure you that we still care about you and your safety – you are very important to the life of Epiphany! With that, you may notice changes, however they will be made gradually over time. Several weeks ago we were able to extend in-person worship to 50 attendees. We are very fortunate to have a sanctuary that is large with good air circulation, and because of that, beginning with Trinity Sunday, May 30, the capacity limits will be lifted for our worship services. However, please be aware that certain other protocols will still be in place. Reservations will still be required.The link to the SignUp Genius to make your reservations will be made available each week, for at least the near future. There will no longer be a waitlist and your reservation will guarantee a socially-distanced seat for you and your family. Entering and exiting protocols will still be followed. The wearing of masks is still encouraged for all, but not required for those who are fully vaccinated. In addition to the ability to relax some of the protocols that have been in place, I am very happy to announce that the return to physical communion will begin on Trinity Sunday, as well! Please be assured that protocols will be in place for receiving communion in a socially-distanced manner. Father Jeremy Means-Koss will be presiding for the service and he has this to say concerning the restoration of physical communion: Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (Jn 8:12). No matter what we believe individually, we can agree on two core tenets—first that we find deep wisdom and grace in the story and person of Jesus Christ, and second, that Epiphany deeply values itself as a united community. Holding these two truths in tandem is deeply important as we talk about moving forward. I am reminded by First Corinthians where Paul writes to the church in Corinth on good practice for the Lord’s Supper. He is of course talking about a different problem they faced but I believe the spirit of his argument is key. The Lord’s Supper is sacred. It is both an individual and communal act, inseparable from each other. Trinity Sunday will be the first time that some of us will be partaking in this Sacrament in perhaps over a year. The principle importance should be and is always on the spirituality of the matter. Are we doing it corporately—that is actually together—and is it striking a deep vibrating cord within each of you individually. Whether you believe the host is transformed into the body of Christ or it is merely a reminder to you of God’s sacrifice, what you experience should be special and spiritual. – Fr. Jeremy Means-Koss THIS SUNDAY, May 23rd, we will continue to partake in spiritual communion and ALL current protocols will be followed, including the wearing of masks and abiding by the 50-person capacity limit. To make a reservation for this Sunday’s Pentecost service, click here. Other changes will be coming as we make our move back to the normal. We cannot let our guard down completely, but we should feel the sense of coming out of this very long, dark tunnel and see the light is shining bright! As we open our doors wider, we will show the world that at Epiphany all are welcome to worship and love the Lord, because God loves you. No Exceptions. For questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me at srwarden@EpiphanyEC.org. Peace to all, Susan Buckner Senior Warden |
