Wisdom, Fear, and Washing Your Hands

Dear Friends,

As news about the coronavirus continues to unfold, including a first case in Tennessee, I want you to know that church and school leadership are thinking through what our response needs to be. I hope that you have seen the pastoral letter from the bishops of the three dioceses in Tennessee. If not you can find it here.

I am thankful for their words, and I want to echo their sentiments.

I want to encourage you to please remain prayerful for those on the front lines of solving this virus, including our elected leaders, and for those who have contracted it. Prayer isn't, of course, something that makes God into a magic genie granting our wishes. But, prayer matters. It matters in our own hearts and lives, calming our fears and reminding us of God's active and living presence in our world. It also matters in the lives of the sick, the suffering, and those who care for them. So say your prayers!

I also want to encourage you to fight the impulse toward buying into the sensationalism around us. That is not to say that there aren't, or might not be, real concerns in front of us. There could be. But life in Christ calls us to a life driven not by fear, but by love. And sensationalism runs in the exact opposite direction. So take the news seriously as it unfolds, believe what the scientists say and follow their advice—but living from a place of fear will serve no one. 

Finally, I want to reiterate and amplify some of the practical advice from the bishops' letter:

1) If you are sick—stay home! This is one of the best ways we can care for those who are especially susceptible to various illnesses in our community. 

2) At communion, I am asking everyone please to refrain from intincting (the practice of dipping your wafer in the wine). Studies have shown that it is incredibly unsanitary, introducing all kinds of additional bacteria into the chalice. If you would like to receive wine, please drink from the chalice. If you would prefer not to drink from the chalice, simply receive just the bread. The church has always taught that receiving the bread alone is receiving the fullness of Christ—you don't get more Jesus from the wine, and no one will judge your decision.  

3) We have lots of occasions for sharing food (fellowship, soup supers, etc.), and this is a wonderful part of our life together. Please be sure to wash your hands before enjoying those occasions or serving the food! We will also keep hand sanitizer available at those communal meals. Please use it! I'd also ask parents to please pay a little extra attention to children getting food. 

4) At the Peace and following the service, be mindful of others. It might be appropriate to exchange fist bumps, elbow bumps, or a respectful bow rather than a handshake or a hug. I don't think that we need a hard, fast rule at this juncture—just be mindful of your own condition and the needs of those around you.

I will keep you posted on ongoing conversations. For now, walk in love not fear. Say your prayers. And wash your hands!

God bless,

Fr. Quinn+