Half an hour earlier than usual, seated far apart in long rows in the middle of the church, hands disinfected, masks on faces: Trinity Sunday at the Dominicans was very different from usual.  The main thing though was that for the first time since 15 March St. Alban’s was able to congregate again to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. 43 people, adults and children, attended the service which was shorter than usual, and accompanied by George Temeso on the  drums. Instead of forming a circle around the altar to receive Holy Communion, we filed up one side aisle to receive a wafer from Mark at the altar steps, and returned to our seats down the other aisle.  In his sermon Mark referred to the memorial to Sir Robert Shirley in the church of the Holy Trinity in Stanton Harold, Leicestershire, which he founded in the aftermath of the English Civil War.  He had “done the best things in the worst times, and hoped them in the most calamitous.” That could be our guideline, Mark said.

Back together again at the Dominicans.

At 5 pm on Zoom there was a service of Evensong for all those who  were unable or unwilling to come to church for the morning service, led by John Murray.  In future other members of the ministry team will also lead this service every Sunday.

Tuesday Prayers continue on Zoom on Tuesdays (!) from 18.30h to 19.30h.

Suite à la promulgation de l’article 1er du décret du 16 mars 2020 concernant la lutte contre la propagation du virus Covid-19, la paroisse anglicane de St Alban a suspendu tout rassemblement publique jusqu’à nouvel ordre.

Following the promulgation of article 1 of the decree of 16 March 2020 concerning the fight against the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the Anglican parish of St Alban has suspended all public gatherings until further notice.

Thank you for your understanding.                   Merci de votre compréhension.

Dear friends,

As the coronavirus epidemic continues to develop, it will inevitably have an impact on the life of our Chaplaincy. Exceptional circumstances have resulted in government taking exceptional measures in view of limiting the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic. In his televised address, the President of the Republic has asked all people over the age of 70 and those who suffer from chronic diseases, respiratory disorders or disabilities to remain at home for as long as possible.

In addition, the Prefecture of Bas-Rhin has now banned all gatherings of more than 50 people. Of course, gatherings for prayer and worship are places of potential exposure to the virus, even if they do not exceed 50 people.

Last week St Alban’s established certain practices which are aimed at making our gatherings as safe as possible. These included (a) the careful washing of hands of those who serve in welcoming and the administration of Communion, (b) the suspension of Communion from a common Chalice and (c) the avoidance of physical contact, notably during the passing of the Peace.

We have also weighed the recommendations of our Bishops as well as guidance issued by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Strasbourg. As a result, I, in consultation with our Churchwardens, intend to enact the following measures in addition to those mentioned above:

1. Restriction of the number of attendees to 50 for all events
   This is a legal requirement with which we must comply.
2. Shorter services with music, brief reflection and simplified liturgy

These will last for no more than 45 minutes.

3. Further restrictions of physical contact

Offering baskets will not be passed hand to hand. Priestly blessings will be given without physical contact.

4. Suspension of Coffee Hour and other after-church activities
   Discussion groups and classes which are typically held at the Rivier apartment will be discontinued until further notice, including Frankly Speaking sessions, Sunday School, discussion groups and Children’s Class.

We regret very much the need to take such stringent measures; however, the situation is serious enough to warrant these actions. Please continue to support and pray for one another during this time, especially for those who are more vulnerable to the virus. With God’s help and sound practices, we will get through this period.  Thank you for your understanding

Mark+      The Revd Dr Mark Barwick       13/03/2020     

À mesure que l’épidémie de coronavirus continue de se développer, elle aura inévitablement un impact sur la vie de notre aumônerie. Des circonstances exceptionnelles ont conduit le gouvernement à prendre des mesures exceptionnelles en vue de limiter la propagation de l’épidémie de Covid-19. Dans son allocution télévisée, le Président de la République a demandé à toutes les personnes de plus de 70 ans et à celles qui souffrent de maladies chroniques, de troubles respiratoires ou de handicaps de rester chez elles le plus longtemps possible.

Par ailleurs, la préfecture du Bas-Rhin a désormais interdit tout rassemblement de plus de 50 personnes. Bien sûr, les rassemblements pour la prière et le culte sont des lieux d’exposition potentielle au virus, même s’ils ne dépassent pas 50 personnes.

La semaine dernière, St Alban a établi certaines pratiques qui visent à rendre nos rassemblements aussi sûrs que possible. Ceux-ci comprenaient (a) le lavage soigneux des mains de ceux qui servent à l’accueil et à l’administration de la Communion, (b) la suspension de la Communion d’un calice commun et (c) l’évitement des contacts physiques, notamment lors de l’échange de la Paix.

Nous avons également pesé les recommandations de nos Evêques ainsi que celles émises par l’Archidiocèse catholique romain de Strasbourg. En conséquence, j’ai, en consultation avec nos Churchwardens, l’intention de promulguer les mesures suivantes en plus de celles mentionnées ci-dessus:

1. Limitation du nombre de participants à 50 pour tous les événements

  Il s’agit d’une exigence légale à laquelle nous devons nous conformer.

2. Services plus courts avec musique, brève réflexion et liturgie simplifiée

  Celles-ci ne dureront pas plus de 45 minutes.

3. Autres restrictions de contact physique

 Les paniers de quête ne seront pas transmis de main en main. Les bénédictions             sacerdotales seront données sans contact physique.

4. Suspension de l’heure du café et autres activités après le culte

 Les groupes de discussion et les cours qui ont généralement lieu à l’appartement Rivier seront interrompus jusqu’à nouvel ordre, y compris les sessions Frankly Speaking, l’école du dimanche, les groupes de discussion et les cours pour enfants.

Nous regrettons beaucoup la nécessité de prendre des mesures aussi strictes; cependant, la situation est suffisamment grave pour justifier ces actions. Continuons à nous encourager les uns les autres à prier les uns pour les autres pendant cette période, en particulier pour ceux qui sont plus vulnérables au virus. Avec l’aide de Dieu et de saines pratiques, nous traverserons ces jours difficiles. Merci de votre compréhension.

Concern over the spread of the Coronavirus is growing. We at St Alban’s want to be proactive in reducing the risk of transmission within the Chaplaincy and to those in the wider community. The disease appears to present a particular risk to the elderly and to people with certain pre-existing health conditions.

At present, we will continue to hold our regular Sunday service at 10.30 am. At the same time, we will adopt some common sense practices aimed at keeping our gatherings as safe as possible.

1. Welcomers, Altar Servers and Ministers of Communion

All those ministering Communion will wash their hands or use an alcohol based gel before preparing the table for Holy Communion. Gel, soap and paper towels will be available in the Sacristy. The same will apply for Welcomers.

2. Suspension of Communion from a common Chalice

Until further notice, only bread will be served in Holy Communion. Do note that it is Anglican teaching that to receive the sacrament in one kind only– that is, the bread only –  is to receive the sacrament in its entirety.

3. The passing of the Peace and other physical contact

Let us also be respectful of one another who may not wish to have close contact with others at this time. This includes shaking hands, hugging and the exchange of peace during the service. A simple bow or gesture of greeting will suffice.

We need not be unduly alarmed; however, we should be smart about reducing the propagation of the disease as much as possible. It is a good practice for all of us to wash thoroughly our hands before leaving home to come to church. This simple practice could help cut significantly the risk of infection.

With God’s help and sound practices, we will meet this unusual challenge to the best of our ability. Let us pray for one another – especially for those who may be especially vulnerable to the virus – and for governments and public health officials who are working hard to respond to this global threat.