August 19, 2020
Rev. William Bills
On Thursday evening, August 20, we will share in a service of Holy Communion in the church parking lot (1120 S. Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI). You do not need to be a member of UUMC, or any other church for that matter, to participate. In the United Methodist Church we practice open communion. This means that nobody is ever turned away from the Lord’s Table.
My hope originally was to have pre-packaged communion elements ordered and delivered to the church in time for this service. Covid 19 has even impacted the sacramental ministry of the church! There is currently a nationwide shortage of pre-packaged communion elements. In spite of the shortage we will go ahead with the service as planned. Gluten free bread will be prepared and placed into small plastic bags. The bags will contain both four or six pieces of bread and the same amount of disposable communion cups. These bags will be prepared by one individual who will use extreme care in preparing them.
When you arrive at the church please stop your car before finding a parking place so that we may give you a bag with the cups and bread. You will also receive a small bottle of juice and a worship bulletin. Please make sure that you get enough for the group that arrives in your car. Park your car toward the back of the west parking lot and then bring your chairs up closer to the building. Family groups or car groups should put their chairs in a parking spot marked with an orange cone. Don’t forget your mask.
The service begins at 7:30. We will sing two communion hymns. The lyrics will be printed on the bulletin insert. Parker Garman will share a musical offering. The Great Thanksgiving (communion prayer) will be offered with congregational responses printed in the bulletin. During the Great Thanksgiving please prepare your communion elements by pouring juice into your cups and distributing bread to the members of your group. We will all take communion together at the appropriate time during the worship service.
When the service is concluded please place any unused cups and bread back into the plastic bags and take them home with you. Please take your bulletins home with you as well. Your cooperation is appreciated as this will help us to observe the sacrament while also observing social distancing and safe practices.
Our next gathering will be on September third for a time of hymn singing, prayers and other special music. That gathering will begin at 7:00 rather than 7:30. Again, park your cars toward the back and bring your chairs closer to the building and gather your groups in the designated places.
At University United Methodist Church, we affirm that as disciples of Jesus Christ, we are an open and inclusive congregation and welcome all persons into full participation regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic situation, age, ability, education, background and whether single or partnered.