Saint Boniface Episcopal Church, Lindenhurst, NY

Our members of the Emily Malbone Morgan Chapter of the Daughters Of the King pose for the 2020 Province Assembly.

This month, Saint Boniface Church has been conducting our Sunday morning Holy Eucharist outside on the church grounds. The weather has cooperated nicely, Thanks be to God! Of course, we have been, and continue to follow all recommended and mandated precautions as they relate to the Covid-19 virus, maintaining social distancing, and wearing protective face masks. A decision should be made around the first Sunday of November, our last scheduled outdoor service, how we worship... together going forward. Until then, our services will remain available live via the Zoom platform for those members who prefer to worship at home. We wish everyone well, and ask our congregation to remain prayerful in consideration of one another, and the greater world community.

WORSHIP SERVICES UPDATE: The Episcopal Diocese of Long Island issues regulations and method for the Distribution of Holy Communion. (please notice the accompanying video) Bishop Provenzano writes in a letter to Clergy and Church Vestry that we now have permission to celebrate the Holy Eucharist with the distribution of Holy Communion in one kind (bread only) in all of our parishes. ... He further comments... "At this time the distribution of wine in any form is still prohibited. As a part of the Eucharistic action the celebrant should consecrate enough wine for themselves to consume on behalf of the gathered community. Distribution of the wine or grape juice through individual and/or prepackaged cups is not permitted in this diocese. Prepackaged and individual communion cups promise us something that our Lord does not: they promise safety, they promise convenience, and they promise a relationship with God that is separate and independent from our relationships with our neighbors. None of these things does our Lord promise at his Last Supper and our pursuit of them may in fact interfere with true communion with God." "I acknowledge that for many of our clergy it may be uncomfortable being the only one receiving the cup and perhaps may be tempted to forgo the consumption of the wine for themselves as well. While I can understand this temptation, please know that our sacramental theology holds that the celebrant must consume in both kinds even when the laity cannot." "Please note that my permission for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist does not mandate that parishes worship in this manner and the final decision whether to reinstate regular distribution of communion rests with the clergy-in-charge of each worshipping community. Services of the Daily Office, both virtually and in-person, remain options for regular worship for those congregations not yet ready to resume services of Holy Eucharist." The Bishop adds... "In the meantime, I encourage you to please remember that the best way to keep the virus from spreading is the use of masks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing; all of which should be practiced in our parishes." In accord with the regulations outlined by our bishop, Saint Boniface Church has resumed our Sunday morning Celebration of the Holy Eucharist outside on our church grounds through November 1st. We then will evaluate if we move indoors. For those parishioners who would prefer to continue following our service from home, we will continue to stream our service through the Zoom video conferencing app. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Saint Boniface Church Office at 631-957-2666.

An Easter Collect: God of life, listen to the prayers of your Easter people, gathered to celebrate the death and resurrection of your Son. Bring light and peace to all who are in need. We ask this in the name of the Risen One, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

God's gentle presence continues to show in the steady growth of the flowers and plants around us. The pussy willows at the altar have sprouted roots and tender leaves! While we pray for the health and safety of our family and friends, our nation, and all nations and people of the world, we are offered the wonders of nature, the rebirth of spring through God's work, offering us promise and hope. Please be safe, and well.... Pictures: (Daffodil and Crocus on the church grounds, Pussy Willow on Altar)