This Sunday, November 7th, is All Saints Sunday. It is a day in which we remember those who have died this past year. The way we do this is by giving you an opportunity to light a candle in their memory after you receive communion.

Obviously, due to the pandemic and our need to keep the services shorter to limit the amount of time that we spend indoors, we have been receiving communion in our seats using disposable communion cups. I know this is not ideal. Many people have expressed their desire to receive communion up front, near the alter, from either me or a communion assistant. I would prefer that also. While the effectiveness of communion is not dependent on way it is practiced, there is something sacred about receiving it personally from someone at the altar. I have appreciated the understanding that people have expressed during this time as we continue to implement practices that keep us all healthy and allow as many people as possible to feel as safe as possible. As I write this all to you, I am reminded that, concerning local ELCA churches, we are far more advanced in our worship practices during COVID than many others. As an example, Nativity Lutheran in North Conway has returned to only online services this fall.

This Sunday, we will make a one-week exception we and alter what we have been doing for two reasons. First, if we are going to allow people to come forward to light a candle in memory of a loved one, we ought to allow you all to come forward for communion. Secondly, there will be three of our young ones who will be receiving their “First Communion.” Some parents have asked if I would do first communion class before I go. We will be doing that this week and then this Sunday will be their first official communion. I would like to give them the experience of receiving it up front.

I know this will raise the question of “When can we return to our ‘normal’ communion practices?” I wish I knew the answer to that. The pandemic is still going on around us and it is necessary to implement practices that reduce the risk of spreading it when we gather together. One of the main ways to reduce the risk is to limit time spent indoors in large groups (along with wearing masks).

I look forward to this coming Sunday. It should be a sacred and special day.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tim