Focusing on the Present: In-Home Communion at Saint Stephen's

In July of this year, Saint Stephen’s parishioners began delivering consecrated bread and wine to households, as we cannot gather in-person as a corporate body to share Eucharist right now. In this ministry that is primarily coordinated and implemented by the laity of our parish, nearly 50 home visits have been made in the last two months. More than 20 parishioners have been trained as Eucharistic Visitors to administer the Body and Blood of Christ in peoples’ homes. Some recipients live alone, and others are in households with young children. Some gather in the Memorial Garden at Saint Stephen’s to share Eucharist after Sunday’s streamed worship service. Others sit on back porches. This ministry is for all people, as we are all somewhat limited in the places we go and the ways we can gather.

I am so happy to offer you a glimpse into the life-giving and engaging stories of connection and joy that have emerged from the two months of sharing in-home communion. One Eucharistic Visitor had this to say about her experience of sharing bread and wine with a household last month:

“I was not expecting to get so emotional, but it was just so lovely and special.” 

A recipient of in-home communion shared her reaction to this sacramental ministry:

“Her visit was such a blessing to me. We shared a meaningful conversation about today’s sermon, faith, fears, freedom and hope. Then we shared the Body and Blood of Christ. It was so meaningful to me.”

Claudia and Chip Maxwell administering communion to one another, Summer 2020.

Chip and Claudia Maxwell have received Eucharistic Visitors several times since “safer at home” orders have been in place. Claudia had been involved in EfM years ago. More recently, she attended the CARES program across from Saint Stephen’s for social interaction as her memory declined. This gave Chip, as her caregiver, some respite during the day. Due to safety concerns, CARES is not convening at present. Chip has been involved with the Men’s Bible Study at Saint Stephen’s. Isolation has been hard for the Maxwell household, as it is in so many homes right now. The opportunity to get connected through in-home communion was appealing for Chip and Claudia. The Rev. C.J. Van Slyke served as the Eucharistic Visitor, delivering Eucharist to them, and captured lovely images of Chip and Claudia administering bread to one another. Chip shared these thoughts about what has been important in those visits:

“In-home communion brings a familiar experience to my wife, when she is not remembering many things right now. As her memory of people has changed, sharing Eucharist helps us focus on the present – in an experience we can share together.”

Deacon CJ with Claudia and Chip Maxwell in their home, Summer 2020.

Those who have participated in the in-home communion ministry, both as visitors and recipients, have been very moved by the gift of that shared space, prayer, and sacramental meal. Some people want to wait to experience Eucharist when Saint Stephen’s gathers in a larger, in-person way, and I truly look forward to those days ahead of us. Know that in this in-between time, receiving in-home communion can be a piece of deepening your faith and ties to our Christian community.

As you find yourself missing in-person aspects of church, or feeling a longing for connection with Jesus in a more embodied way, pray about how reconnecting through Eucharist might help fill that void that is more pronounced by the stressors and concerns surrounding us. Contact Kathryn Dorlon (kathryn@ssechurch.org) to get your household on the list to receive in-home communion. For concerns or questions about the process and precautions, contact The Rev. Katherine Harper (katherine@ssechurch.org).

You are in my prayers. I ask that you pray for me, and for all the clergy and staff at Saint Stephen’s. We will get through this time, with God’s help.

Faithfully,

Katherine+

Associate Rector for Pastoral Care and Liturgy