Return to In-Person
We are SO excited to return to Trinity.
Health & Safety Updates
Dear Trinity Friends,
We all know that the pandemic isn’t over. The Delta variant is rapidly increasing infection rates across the country. As a consequence, the CDC is recommending everyone, regardless of vaccination status, mask in public indoor settings. Our Trinity PRG (Post-Covid Re-entry Group) as has met, considered these developments carefully, and has adapted our Trinity policies as following:
- Facemasks are mandatory for all persons (age 5 yrs. and above) indoors on church property.
- The 9:00 Sunday morning Modern Worship Service will return to Outdoors starting Sunday, Aug. 8. Unvaccinated persons should be masked. Masks are not required for fully vaccinated persons. This service will move indoors when the mask mandate is lifted.
We sincerely hope and expect that these are temporary measures and that the current surge in infections will soon end. We will continue to follow the guidance of the CDC so that we as a congregation are part of the solution and not part of the problem. Please know that we are all frustrated that Covid continues to be such a scourge and that we again must take these measures.
There is good news: The vaccines are working remarkably at protecting us from severe illness, hospitalization and death from Covid-19. The bad news is that so-called breakthrough infections of fully vaccinated persons do occur, and while these infections are often asymptomatic, or extremely mild it has been determined that such infected persons are fully contagious and a threat to unvaccinated persons. The rate of children being hospitalized with Covid, sometimes in ICU, is rising across the country. Our mitigation measures, especially wearing facemasks, are designed to protect the most vulnerable among us – our children and those with compromised immune systems. Can anyone doubt that the Lord who said, “If anyone asks for your coat, give him your shirt also,” and “If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn them the other cheek” would expect us to do any less? Jesus asked us to lay down our very lives, wearing masks is literally the least we can do. This is our Christian duty.
In the name of Jesus Christ let us not grow weary in doing the right thing, let us be strong in our faith in Jesus Christ, let us hold one another dear, and let us continue to be of good cheer. The God of the Ages is our strength and shield.
May his grace and peace be with you,
Pastor Larry
Trinity PRG Team
Larry Lenow Hung Su Lim Bill Pike
Corey Booker Jim Crowder Alice Hirata, M.D.
WORSHIP:
August 3 Updates to Trinity’s Summer Schedule
| 9:00 AM Outdoor Worship | This service will move indoors when the mask mandate is lifted. |
| 10:00 AM Discipleship Hour | Sunday school for all ages, indoor and outdoor. |
| 11:00 AM Indoor Worship | This service will also be livestreamed. |
Outdoors: The 9:00 Sunday morning Modern Worship Service will return to Outdoors starting Sunday, Aug. 8. Unvaccinated persons should be masked. Masks are not required for fully vaccinated persons. This service will move indoors when the mask mandate is lifted.
Indoors: You may sit where you wish in the sanctuary (except the balcony, see below). Facemasks are mandatory for all persons (age 5 yrs. and above) indoors on church property.
For those who may be uncomfortable with these changes:
- Livestream worship will continue at 11:00 AM
- The Outdoor service is a wonderful alternative.
- The sanctuary balcony will be limited to those (vaccinated or unvaccinated) who agree to remain masked, who prefer to sit only among others who are masked and agree to reasonable (3ft. is the CDC standard) social distancing. Anyone may simply go and sit in the balcony at will, but these restrictions need to be observed.
GROUPS/CLASSES:
Small Groups may meet throughout the week. Groups will self-monitor as they see fit.
Students 12 years and older are regarded the same as other adults.
Kids 5-11 years, should be masked indoors. Masks are not needed outdoors.
PRESCHOOL:
Weekday Preschool resumes in the Fall (normal schedule, Preschool has operated throughout pandemic and will continue to do so under VDH guidelines.)
Return to In-Person FAQs
Click on the items below to see their answers.
Are masks required? UPDATED
- Facemasks are mandatory for all persons (age 5 yrs. and above) indoors on church property.
- The 9:00 Sunday morning Modern Worship Service will return to Outdoors starting Sunday, Aug. 8. Unvaccinated persons should be masked. Masks are not required for fully vaccinated persons. This service will move indoors when the mask mandate is lifted.
Can we sing? UPDATED
Yes. Singing is now permitted by the conference. Masks are required at all times while indoors at this time.
Do I still have to register?
No. Beginning June 6 registration is no longer required to attend worship services.
Can I still worship online?
YES! Our livestream worship service will continue at 11:00 AM each Sunday. This will be a hybrid service, meaning that we will stream live from the sanctuary with our in-person congregation. The experience will change slightly from our online-only worship during the pandemic, but we are very committed to offering a quality livestream worship experience.
What about social distancing?
The requirements for distance have been lifted by the conference. We ask that those using our alternative seating in the balcony maintain 3ft of distance.
Is there alternate seating?
The sanctuary balcony will be limited to those (vaccinated or unvaccinated) who agree to remain masked, who prefer to sit only among others who are masked and agree to reasonable (3ft. is the CDC standard) social distancing. Anyone may simply go and sit in the balcony at will, but these restrictions need to be observed.
Will you be asking about vaccinations?
No. We will not ask about a person’s vaccination status.
For fully vaccinated persons: Restrictions are lifted. Masks are not needed.
For people not fully vaccinated: We respectfully request that you wear a mask indoors. This is on an “honor system” with no registration or monitoring involved.
Will there be nursery care?
At this time we will have nursery care during our 10:00 AM Discipleship Hour. We plan to add nursery care for worship services later this summer.
What about the kids?
Children ages 5 years and older will need to wear a face mask when inside the building. All adults serving in the kids ministry will wear a face mask, regardless of vaccination status.
How do I receive communion if I watch via livestream?
Drive-up communion will continue for those who worship via livestream. At the conclusion of our 11:00 AM livestream worship service, the pastors will invite the streaming congregation to end their livestream watch experience and drive to Trinity to receive communion. Communion will be distributed via drive-up process by volunteers. Congregation members will receive communion in their vehicles. Learn more about drive-up communion here.
How do I find a class or group for the Discipleship Hour?
Contact Pastor Hung Su (hslim@trinityumc.net) for information about getting connected to a group. We hope to have a full list of groups returning to the building available soon.