In September 2020, Advocates gathered safely at the Advocate pond to craft small clay cups from a single 25 pound block of clay. We used this cups for our Liturgy of Longing that Advent. One Maundy Thursday, 2021, we used our Advocate cups again, this time for our Maundy Thursday Agape Meal on Zoom.
Now, as COVID restrictions begin to loosen habit for those who are vaccinated and outdoors, we will use our Advocate cups (with the Bishop’s permission) as a way for us to receive the wine of the Eucharist, “the cup of salvation.”
Here’s the plan:
- The congregation gathers outdoors in a large circle or double arc.
- Each person/household has their own cup, placed reverently on a small clean cloth provided by the Advocate, on the ground and readily accessible.
- Rounds of bread, (and a gluten-free alternative), a flagon of wine, and a single chalice or cup are on the altar.
- A flagon of water is on the nearby credence table.
- The Presider, masked when required and having washed/sanitized hands according to Diocesan protocol, pours some wine from the flagon into the chalice/cup on the altar and pours a bit of water into both the chalice and the flagon.
- The Presider consecrates the bread and wine and breaks the bread.
- The Presider, masked when required, walks the arc, dropping a piece of the bread in each person’s hands. If there is contact, the presider re-sanitizes.
- After distributing the bread, the Presider invites those who would like to receive wine to pick up their cups and reverently hold them in the cup of their hands.
- The Presider, or another priest or deacon, masked as required, walks the arc, pouring a small amount of wine from the flagon into each cup, saying, “The blood of Christ. the Cup of Salvation (or, … keep you in everlasting life)”
- After serving others, the presider drinks from the chalice or cup on the altar.
- After all who wish to receive have received, The Presider/Deacon/Server walks the arc with the flagon of water, pouring water into each cup.
- The people perform the ablutions, circling the water in the cup and either consuming the water or pouring it reverently on the ground.
- Each household is responsible for taking their cup home and bringing it back with them when they return for worship.
- The clergy will maintain a supply of extra cups for visitors and/or households that forget to bring their cup from home.