I just found out that our old Church back in Michigan has laid out a list of restrictions on personal contact during worship. They are not the first to do it, but this is just another ridiculous example of the paranoia that I've seen happening around the country in reaction to the grossly overrated Swine Flu "epidemic".
So for now, there will be no handshakes, no hugs, and no kisses (well, they were rare anyway!) during the offering of the Peace. Also, there will no drinking from the communion chalice; intinction only please.
The whole idea is really absurd.
How many of the parishioners are going to head out right after Church on Sunday to their favorite restaurant, grocery store or shopping mall and expose themselves to every bit, if not more germs than they'd ever see at Church? Maybe a shopping cart handle instead of a handshake. Maybe a $5.00 bill received as change at brunch. How about the door handle at Starbucks?
The Vicar at our Church here in Chicagoland preached on this subject last spring in response to some of the very same "precautions" being taken at some other parishes in our diocese. She was totally against such an overreaction. Her view was a wider one too, concerning how few real dangerous bugs Americans come into contact with in comparison to those less fortunate living in truly horrendous conditions throughout the world. Her excellent sermon that day also pointed out that there are things like risk and trust, that God asks us to do every day with our brothers and sisters. Something to think about; WWJD?
I would like to witness the Peace at the old place, if it can even deserve to be called that under these circumstances. And if some very brave soul or just a lunatic with a death wish hugs the old friend sharing his pew, what's going to happen? Will he be "ushered" out by Ushers wearing latex gloves? What next: face masks on the choir?
Better just stay at home and watch Robert Schuller.
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