Brief Services of Confession and Communion
Communion During Worship
Beginning the weekend of August 8-9, communion will be offered during our in-person worship services at both campuses. Communion will be offered in a “touchless” manner: Wafers will be placed in a “standing up” position in slotted trays so that each communicant takes their own wafer. Individual communion cups will be spaced out in trays so that each communicant takes their own individual cup. Lord, may Your body and Your blood be for my soul the highest good.
Private Communion
In addition to the weekly Brief Services held at the Mission campuses, the pastors are also available to bring communion to your home (usually outside on a porch or patio) or outside at either the Mission or Shawnee campus. Contact them directly to set up a time.
Biblical Consideration
Any worship service at Trinity must be done in accordance with God’s Word. Worship in the midst of these challenging times requires a few additional considerations. Specifically, the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Commandments must be considered as we undertake any worship activity:
- Third Commandment: Does this activity honor God and facilitate genuine worship?
- Fourth Commandment: Does this activity show proper respect for and obedience to those placed in positions of authority over us, such as the governor, public health officials, the Johnson County Board of Commissioners?
- Fifth Commandment: Is this activity undertaken with a sincere desire to help our neighbor in every bodily need and to look out for our neighbor, loving our neighbor as ourselves? Are we showing proper concern for the health and welfare of others?
In these times, any worship activity must seek to balance the implications of these three commandments. We have designed a Brief Service of Confession and Communion (“Brief Service”) that considers these three commandments in a balanced way.
If you would like to commune but still feel that the risk level is too high for your medical situation, contact one of the pastors for other options.
Signup and Preparation
We have improved our signup system! You can now sign up your whole family at the same time. Those desiring to participate must sign up in advance. Please sign up every person who will be attending, INCLUDING CHILDREN WHO MAY NOT BE COMMUNING. This will help us to maintain our 10-person capacity. If you like, you may verify your reservation by visiting Trinity’s calendar in the “Events” tab above.
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Services will begin on the hour and will last less than 15 minutes.
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Please spend some time examining yourself spiritually before coming. Parents can assist their children who are communing with this.
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Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.
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Please exercise good hand washing hygiene before entering.
Participation
Please maintain social distancing (six feet) at all times, including in the parking lot. Chairs will be set up six feet apart.
Please touch as few surfaces as possible.
As stated above, the Brief Service will last about 15 minutes and consist of invocation, confession and absolution, a brief spiritual thought, and Communion.
The Communion elements will be offered two ways: 1) traditional bread and wine prepared under stringent sanitary guidelines; 2) factory sealed individual bread and wine.
After receiving Communion, please leave immediately. Parking lot conversations are fine as long as social distancing is maintained.
For Your Protection
As mentioned above, all communion elements will be prepared under stringent sanitary guidelines, or you may use the factory sealed individual elements.
All surfaces will be wiped down between Brief Services.
Exterior doors will be propped open so that there is no multiple touching of door handles.
A Final Word
While all of these guidelines are very important, please don’t let them overshadow the wonderful spiritual blessing that God gives us through the gift of Holy Communion.
“Lord, may Your body and Your blood, be for my soul the highest good.”
