The vestry recently had a discussion of how we can cut out some of the dead time in the 10:30 service. By ‘dead’, they didn’t mean those moments of fruitful, quiet contemplation, often accompanied by musicians. No; ‘dead time’ is when we watch people walking around as we wait for the next item of worship to occur.

We are doing much better in this. Have you noticed that our readers and intercessors are now in place ready to start their reading as soon as the previous item has finished? Thus we no longer sit and watch the readers walking up the aisle to the lectern.

The vestry has helpfully and correctly identified how some dead time can be shaved off the 10:30 service during the administration of communion, without it feeling hurried or unspiritual.

The keys are:

1. to have no gaps between people at the altar rail and
2. for the people in the first rows to be at the rail as soon as the clergy and LEMs are ready to administer the elements.

If we do these two things, then we’ll be more honoring of the time that folks have given up to come to church and worship.

So here’s what we’ll be do, beginning now:

1. Ushers will invite the first row of parishioners to go to the rail as the gates are being closed, so that people are already at the kneelers when the clergy and LEMs are ready to serve.
2. Ushers will actively invite people in each row to follow-on when it is their turn. This will keep things moving.
3. Please fill a gap at the altar rail if you see one. Don’t wait for a gap to appear on your aide on the aisle – cross to the other side if there is a gap there. There is enough space for us to do this without unseemly collisions!

Thanks for adapting to this new custom. I know that it will take some getting used to. However, an important aspect of loving each other – especially new members – is to honor the time we give up in order to be here. That means starting on time (when the candles allow us to!) and being worshipfully businesslike in our worship.