Weekly Rector's Note: Keeping Vigil this Lent

Dear Saints,

Last Sunday we shared a jubilant celebration of Transfiguration — our last “hurrah” before heading into Lent. Ash Wednesday brought an intentionally drastic shift, like Jesus being driven out into the wilderness right after his baptism. The services felt appropriately solemn for the present moment.

You’ll notice the change in tone continue this Sunday, especially as we chant the Great Litany at 10:15 or begin with the Penitential Rite at 8:00am. As our hearts grieve for the people of Ukraine, trans and LGBTQ+ kids and their families, and gun violence in Portland, coming together and asking for mercy in our services is perhaps one of the most powerful vigils we can hold. To keep vigil means to stay in a place and quietly wait or pray for a period of time, which is also descriptive of what we do in this season.

Additionally, as Lent invites us to slow down and be still, this Sunday I will be talking about the theology of slowing down and the unique, counter cultural invitation God makes to the church to live at a different pace.

We will also begin our discussion of Verna Dozier’s “Dream of God: A Call to Return” at 9:00am in the Parish Hall. You do not need to read anything in advance — just come!

Things to Know

As you know, the indoor mask mandate in Oregon is being lifted on March 12. In a clergy call, our bishop shared how this is going to affect our churches.

As the mask mandate is being lifted, wearing a mask in church will be optional beginning March 13. With that said, there are people who will still need or want to wear a mask. Some people work with large groups of people or travel a lot. Some live or work with immunocompromised people or are themselves. We will all need to discern what is right for each of us given our circumstances. I am going to continue wearing my mask, at least initially, unless I am well distanced or eating/drinking or outside to see how things go with cases as we take this next step. I support whatever you decide.

The other instruction from our bishop is that because it is now safe to return to the common cup we are to no longer use the individual Communion cups. She talked about preserving the symbolism of the Common Cup, in which “we who are many are one, because we share one bread, one cup.” She has also said we are no longer to “intinct” or dip bread into the chalice, unless the chalice bearer dips it for the communicant, which is a way to prevent germs. Studies have shown that drinking from a common cup is not a significant source of spreading germs, given the alcohol content of fortified wine. If you prefer not to drink from the Common Cup, receiving Communion “in one kind” (bread or wine) is just as valid. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss more, please let me know. These changes to Communion and mask wearing will begin March 13 and will not affect things this Sunday.

I am praying for you Saints. May Christ be our center and the place we can always find refuge.

In peace,

Andria+