Small Group Communion

Thanks to Rene Mehlberg of Trinity Lutheran, Laporte, MN for sharing this Great Idea!

While in-person worship remains on hold, offer small group in-person communion:

Offer only as frequently as your schedule allows: don’t add something egregious to your calendar! But, this may be a way to see folks you otherwise may not have time or wherewithal to see and offer them the comfort and promises of this Meal.

Rene offers about a ten minute service including Confession and Forgiveness, scripture reading (a Psalm, something from the closest Sunday, or what’s appointed for the day), and Communion. The Leader Version clarifies when masks can be removed and replaced.

She places the outline of the service in plastic sleeves (you could also laminate), which can be wiped down after every use. She also “sets the table(s)”, using disposable/compostable containers, so that elements are ready for participants without person-to-person distribution. Communicants are asked to dispose of the containers as they depart.

The maximum number of attendees should not exceed 10 people, as per CDC and MN State Health guidelines.

Set the calendar. Invite folks to sign up for a time, sharing how many will be in their group. Ensure that all safety protocols will be followed by all participants (masking, distance, etc.).

Rene shares this at the end of her newsletter invitations to small group communion: “Know that it is also faithful to continue to fast from communion until we are able to gather. The decision is up to you.” This is a gracious way to let folks know that receiving or not receiving Holy Communion is a personal decision and each of us is free to follow whatever feels most safe and faithful to us.