H1N1 changing the church... again

This happened in the late Winter when H1N1 first really was a new scare, but it is worth noting the return of significant changes to the ways that churches allow their members to interact. Priests and pastors are asking people not to shake hands, to stay home if they are sick, and banning celebrations of the Eucharist/Communion with shared goblets.

http://valley.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/swine_flu_has_the_church_changing_its_ways/

These are pretty much common-sense ways to fight the spread of a virulent disease, but here is hoping church leaders and members are wise enough to realize the limits of these measures. People who are not attending church sometimes go into the "out of sight, out of mind" part of our collective consciousness, and we may easily lose out on the chance to help someone out in need. Likewise, needless touching may be avoidable, but we should keep in mind that sometimes we NEED a loving contact and a hug can make all the difference for someone who is suffering... even if it raises the chances of flu transmission.