Return to In-Person
Trinity’s current Health & Safety Policy can be found here.
Healthy Church Team Update – February 23
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
Following our listening sessions the Healthy Church Team (HCT) published a survey to receive input from the congregation. We thank everyone who participated and turned in a survey. 165 surveys were filled out and submitted. Find the results here.
WORSHIP:
| 9:00 AM Worship | Meeting in the Sanctuary. This service is also livestreamed. |
| 10:00 AM Community Hour | Sunday school for all ages, indoor and outdoor. |
| 11:00 AM Indoor Worship | Meeting in the Sanctuary. This service is also livestreamed. |
COVID Protocols (Effective March 6, 2022)
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.
Ask the Healthy Church Team!
Any group that wishes to hold an event and that has questions or ideas about COVID-19 restrictions is welcome to submit questions and/or proposals to the HCT at any time. Such proposals should outline risks and the means by which such risks would be mitigated. The Healthy Church Team meets monthly.
PRESCHOOL:
The Trinity Preschool and Parents’ Morning Out operates under CDC, VDH and Trinity guidelines.
Return to In-Person FAQs
Click on the items below to see their answers.
Are masks required? UPDATED
- 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.
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.
Can I still worship online?
YES! We livestream BOTH our 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM services every Sunday.
These are hybrid services, meaning that we stream live from the sanctuary with our in-person congregation. The experience has changed slightly from our online-only worship during the start of the pandemic, but we are very committed to offering a quality livestream worship experience.
Can we sing?
Yes. Singing is now permitted by the conference.
Do I still have to register?
No. Registration is no longer required to attend worship services.
What about social distancing?
Social Distancing requirements have been lifted. All are requested to use prudent judgment.
Will you be asking about vaccinations?
No. We will not ask about a person’s vaccination status.
Masks are required for all, regardless of vaccination status.
Will there be nursery care?
At this time we will have nursery care during our 10:00 AM Community Hour. We plan to add nursery care for worship services at a later time.
What about the kids?
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.
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 Community 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.