Receiving Communion in “flu season”

As we seek to respond to health concerns among our members this flu season, you may wish to refrain from shaking hands during the Peace and Coffee Hour.  A bow of the head or a pat on a shoulder acknowledges your care and concern for those around you. We also invite you, if you are concerned about the spread of the flu, to refrain from sharing the common cup, or to refrain from intincting (dipping the bread in the chalice), which is no more hygienic. In our tradition, we cross our arms over the chest after receiving the consecrated bread if we do not want to partake of the chalice. The chalice bearer will still say the words of administration (the Blood of Christ, the Cup of Salvation).  The faithful receive the fullness of Christ in either the bread or the wine, and the host alone conveys the fullness of God’s grace!