In less than two weeks we begin the holy season of Lent. It is a time of self-reflection, of noticing our mortality, of slowing down to speed up towards God and neighbor; Lent is a time to question old patterns and find a way forward in faith, hope, and love. The truth is we have all been living Lent for many months now. The pandemic has been a time of Lent, as we all continue to hunger for the promises of Easter and new life.
It is in times like these that the rituals of our faith and the practices of community as church help make a way for us. With the support of the wardens, staff, and altar guild, we have created a plan to break our fast from Communion on Ash Wednesday, which is February 17th.
On Sunday, February 14th, Tuesday the 16th, and Ash Wednesday, the 17th, we will be distributing individual packaged consecrated bread and wine, as well as blessed ashes at the church. See below for specific pick-up times.
Each household will receive consecrated bread and wine, ashes, and a service bulletin for Ash Wednesday in preparation for our live streamed service on February 17th. Parishioners are invited to drive-by the church by entering the semi-circle driveway off Central Street. We ask that you enter the semi-circle from the direction of Bacon St. and exit towards Church Street. This will help avoid traffic backing up on Church Street itself.
Packages can be picked-up at at the Central Street door at these times:
Sunday, 14 February from 12:00pm- 3:00pm
Tuesday, 16 February from 7:00-8:00pm
Wednesday, 17 February from 7:00am-9:00am
On Ash Wednesday, the service will be available on Youtube so you can worship at a time that is convenient to you. The service bulletin is also available here.
We will be exercising care in the preparation and packaging of our consecrated elements and blessed ashes as we continue to follow diocesan guidelines in caring for one another during this time.
I am very pleased and looking forward to sharing in the sacrament of Communion, this deeply central ritual of our life together—even if it is in a manner that is different than our typical practices as a community. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to be in touch with me.
We will have more to share with you as we get closer to Ash Wednesday and begin this holy season of Lent together. Until then, God bless you and keep you this and every day.
God’s peace is yours,
Nick
