More than goofy. . . sacrilegious. . .

Catching up on some reading, I saw the August edition of The Living Lutheran (I question the title) had a story on Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in San Francisco.  Apparently, this congregation sends single serving consecrated communion packets to worshipers who request them.  They are using this to include those who watch the livestreamed services at home.  They found that many of those watching were also injured by faith communities and therefore unwilling to attend local congregations.  They were LGBTQ (big surprise in San Francisco) or more progressive than the preaching at local congregations.  Hmmmmm..... that should say something.

They chose to use grape juice in solidarity with those trying to remain sober and because some of them could not drink wine with the medications they drink (and probably because the single serving packets are readily available from nearly every Baptist or evangelical supplier).  They mail them as far as Hawaii, Washington, and South Dakota.  Jesus by Mail packets come with a helpful reminder to dispose of the remains and packaging faithfully by gifting them to the earth (whatever that is supposed to mean).

So what do you think?  Simply goofy. . . or worse.  I vote for worse.  Whether they sit at home and put their packets to the screen during the consecration or get it by mail, this is NOT what our Lord intended and is, in fact, a sacrilege to the Body and Blood of Christ.  It it not helpful ministry to the homebound to leave them home alone with Jesus by Mail packets.  It is not faithful ministry nor is it faithful stewardship of the mystery. 

Sadly, too many Lutherans will think this is a good idea.  Even worse, no Lutheran in leadership in the ELCA or in most Lutheran bodies has the gumption to stand up and say enough already!  One more sign the ELCA is in decline.  For it you have Jesus by Mail, why do you need a congregation at all?  Maybe just a mailing list and an endless supply of hermetically sealed Jesus packets and some money for postage and you are all set. . . indeed!

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