Epiphany 2
I wasn’t serving this Sunday so was able to listen and digest without worrying about whether all was running to plan. At least the panics and omissions were limited to the sermon and that, thankfully, is never my responsibility.
In addition to serving, I also administer the chalice at Communion: this means that I offer the chalice containing the consecrated wine to the those receiving the sacrament. It can be nerve-racking as different people prefer to receive in different ways.
1) Taking the chalice completely from my hands – more usual when we have the family service and people receive standing up.
2) Holding the bottom of the chalice. Most usual and this helps ensure that the wine goes down the person’s throat and not their front.
3) Not holding the chalice at all. I hate this and have nightmares of spilling wine down the organist’s white surplice.
4) Dipping the wafer. Very high church, but easy for me. I only dip my wafer if I have a cold so as not to pass on germs or if something nasty is going round.
Yesterday, I was asked to administer, and initially agreed. Then to my horror realised I had nothing to tie my hair back and, as it was a normal service celebrated at the high altar, this would be a problem. People kneel to receive, I would have to bend down, hair would end up in chalice. Much confusion all round as none of the men could fathom why this would be an issue. Hopefully, I managed to deal with this without causing too much offence.
The evening saw a beautiful and moving service of Epiphany music and prayers. It was very meditative and just what I needed to set me up for the week. The theme was that of Christ’s kingship. For those of you aware of theology, you will already know that this is a tradition of servant kingship right to the point of death. As servers, it is the service aspect of Christ’s ministry that we emulate. It is not for our own aggrandisement, but in service to Christ, which is why, for me, it is important to get it right.
