COVID-19 Update

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I have some good news, we have been approved to regather in phase 2 this Sunday.  This means we can have public worship once again, albeit in a more limited manner.  Though we will once again be worshiping and celebrating the Holy Eucharist, there will be some changes to the worship.  To adhere to the guidelines set forth by the diocese, we will practice our return during phase 2 in the following manner:
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1. Every other pew will be blocked off.  Please do not sit in a blocked pew.  This is done to ensure that we are socially distanced.
2. We will be required to wear face coverings.  If you do not have a face covering, we will have some to give to you.
3. We will be using disposable bulletins and booklets.  You do not have to leave the booklets after the service.
4. We have to limit the attendance to 50 or below.  If we approach 50 we will offer a 3rd service that we may ask some to attend.
5. We are asking to keep distance in pews, unless you are sitting next to your family or spouse.
6. During phase 2 we will not shake hands.  This includes coming into the church, at the peace, or leaving.  As much as it pains me, I will not stand in the back of the church to greet people at the end of the service.
7. During phase 2 we will not have breakfast, or coffee cookie hour.
8. We will not have any youth or children classes during phase 2.
9. There will be no hymnals or prayer books in the church.  During this time we can listen to a smaller choir sing for us.
10. There will not be the full acolyte crew during phase 2.  I can’t wait to welcome back this vital ministry in phase 3.
11. We will not pass the plate.  We will have our alms basins at each door leaving the church that you may drop your offering.
12. During communion we will not share the common cup.  We will receive the wafer only.  It is a good time to remember that communion is still valid in just one kind.
13. We will receive communion at the chancel steps, leading up to the choir area.  We will invite you up one pew at a time to receive.  There will be hand sanitizers near the front that you may use after receiving.
14. The church will be cleaned and disinfected during services.
15. Finally, if you are feeling sick, or have a fever please do not come to church.  Come back after you are well. 

I know this seems like a lot, but it is to protect us as the virus is still very much present.  These guidelines are just for phase 2.  After we move out we will be able to lift restrictions. 

If you have not filled out the new survey please do so by following this link 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXIEom6ivPhgSdFXYrqiOFVz2oeBSsI7hrqpddJmer6UnAgg/viewform?usp=sf_link

If you are not ready to come back to church, please feel free to continue to worship with us from home.  We will still livestream the services on Facebook live. 
If you have any questions please contact me.
Blessings,

Fr. Andrew Ellison
Locum Tenans, Trinity Episcopal Church