Return to In-Person
We are SO excited to return to Trinity.
Listening Session Follow-Up & COVID Updates
The Trinity Healthy Church Team (“HCT”) thanks everyone for their comments and interest in our Listening Sessions on November 7. Since those sessions, the HCT has met twice, exchanged numerous emails, and has considered specific proposals from certain groups (which have been approved), the comments from the listening sessions, and other written comments it has received. The HCT has also received feedback from Church Council on its decisions and their basis.
The HCT continues (for now) to follow CDC and state guidelines for the COVID protocols at Trinity. Those guidelines require all individuals to wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status if the transmission rate is above “moderate.” Currently, the transmission rate in Henrico County is above “moderate”, which is why our current policy requires masks indoors at Trinity regardless of vaccination status.
The HCT understood from the listening sessions and through subsequent feedback that many members of our congregation are anxious to loosen our COVID protocols. It also heard from other members of our congregation who appreciate the safety and assurance provided by the current protocols. During our meetings, we have been trying to balance those interests while discerning God’s will. The HCT has prepared a survey, which it hopes will provide additional data and viewpoints on Trinity’s COVID protocols.
Following the listening sessions, the HCT has decided to loosen some of its COVID protocols, particularly for adult small groups. A full list of the changes is below. Given the potential for a holiday surge in COVID transmission and our continued open-door policy for all, the HCT decided the Advent season was not the time to deviate from the CDC guidelines for larger indoor gatherings, such as worship services.
The Trinity HCT will continue to monitor relevant information, review survey results, and potentially review and revise these policies.
COVID Protocols (Effective November 24, 2021)
While the CDC risk of COVID transmission in Henrico County remains above “Moderate,” masks remain required indoors at Trinity for all.
The following exceptions to this requirement have been approved (although wearing masks in all circumstances is still strongly recommended):
- Small adult groups (with under 30 members) meeting indoors in Trinity classrooms can remove masks and share food, if it is the consensus of a group. This exception does not apply to kid’s ministry or student ministry activities.
- Worship leaders who submit proof of vaccination to the Church Office can remove their mask while speaking or singing. No testing is required.
- Trinity staff can remove their masks if working alone in a confined space.
WORSHIP:
November 24 Updates
| 9:00 AM Worship | This service is meeting indoors in Trinity Hall at this time. |
| 10:00 AM Community Hour | Sunday school for all ages, indoor and outdoor. |
| 11:00 AM Indoor Worship | This service will also be livestreamed. |
COVID Protocols (Effective November 24, 2021)
While the CDC risk of COVID transmission in Henrico County remains above “Moderate,” masks remain required indoors at Trinity for all.
The following exceptions to this requirement have been approved (although wearing masks in all circumstances is still strongly recommended):
- Small adult groups (with under 30 members) meeting indoors in Trinity classrooms can remove masks and share food, if it is the consensus of a group. This exception does not apply to kid’s ministry or student ministry activities.
- Worship leaders who submit proof of vaccination to the Church Office can remove their mask while speaking or singing. No testing is required.
- Trinity staff can remove their masks if working alone in a confined space.
9:00 AM Worship
The 9:00 Sunday morning Modern Worship Service is meeting indoors in Trinity Hall. Masks are required* indoors at this time. Please bring a chair or blanket and spread out within Trinity Hall. *See exceptions above.
11:00 AM Worship
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. *See exceptions above.
Livestream worship will continue at 11:00 AM
The sanctuary balcony is 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.
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.
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
While the CDC risk of COVID transmission in Henrico County remains above “Moderate,” masks remain required indoors at Trinity for all.
The following exceptions to this requirement have been approved (although wearing masks in all circumstances is still strongly recommended):
- Small adult groups (with under 30 members) meeting indoors in Trinity classrooms can remove masks and share food if it is the consensus of the group. This exception does not apply to kid’s ministry or student ministry activities.
- Worship leaders who submit proof of vaccination to the Church Office can remove their masks while speaking or singing. No testing is required.
- Trinity staff can remove their masks if working alone in a confined space.
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.
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 Community Hour. We plan to add nursery care for worship services at a later time.
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 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.