Dear Church family,
The Healthy Church Team (HCT) continues our given task of monitoring and adjusting policies in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. We continue to closely monitor Covid metrics in the Henrico/Richmond area, public policy and guidance from public health officials. We know that all are weary and looking toward normalcy. We so very much want to be together. In view of declining Covid-19 numbers and case outcomes, we believe that we can now make changes to our church mitigation policies. These policies are effective for worship and all other activities at the church, including Trinity Preschool:
- Beginning Sunday, March 6 (and Tuesday, March 1 for the Preschool), we will change our mask policy. While the HCT recommends that individuals continue to follow CDC and Virginia Department of Health guidance for masking while indoors, masks will not be required.
- The exception for our worship services will be the Sanctuary balcony. The balcony will a space for those who prefer to be in proximity to other masked persons. In the balcony, masks correctly worn (covering both nose and mouth) are required. Please do not lower your mask to sing or speak. In addition, we request that those worshipping in the balcony continue to observe social distancing practices.
- Regular worship services (both 9 AM and 11 AM) will continue to be livestreamed.
- There will no longer be restrictions on food or drink.
- While we are removing the mask mandate, we would ask that all ministries, classes and small groups discuss whether they would prefer that the group wear masks when meeting indoors and consider the needs and requests of their members in reaching a consensus on this decision.
- Some activities may be moved outside as soon as practicable as a safety measure.
We know that these changes will be welcome news for many. We also know that the presence of unmasked people will be a cause of concern for others, or even a reason to stay away. The differences of feelings and comfort levels have made this pandemic all the more difficult. Let us remember that we are Christians and have been charged by our Lord to treat one another with love and respect.
We hope that we are moving into a new normalcy. But we must all be aware that a surge in cases or the rise of a new variant could cause a return to mitigation measures. The HCT will continue to monitor conditions and may make changes to this policy in the future if warranted. In all things, our hope and trust are in God, and our prayer is that we may be found faithful in all things.
In Christ,
The Trinity UMC Healthy Church Team
Corey Booker Larry Lenow Sheila Pedigo
Jim Crowder Hung Su Lim Bill Pike
Alice Hirata Mike McCullough