“Without a vision the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18
2020 rolled over us and now we have rolled into a more optimistic 2021. We have had lots of plans over the past year, most of which have been significantly altered or canceled altogether. As winter loosens its grip, and more people are being vaccinated, hope has led us to once again circle dates on the calendar. I now have four weddings scheduled in June!
“Without a vision the people perish.” At the risk of having no plan at all, we are ready to move forward in faith toward a springtime of joyful reunions. Drum roll please. We are making plans to reopen for onsite, in-person worship. It is a plan. It will most certainly need to be tweaked as we move through the waning days of pandemic.
Easter Sunday, April 4 – Worship in the Parking Lot
Online worship will be produced for those who have grown accustomed to church while wearing pajamas. But for those who want to venture out, we will be gathering for worship in the parking lot of TLC. Worship services will be offered at 8:00 and 10:30. Bring a lawn chair to set up for worship, bring your favorite coffee mug, bring your best singing voice, and don’t leave home without your mask. Arrive 15 minutes early and we will offer you some nourishment to go with your coffee.
There will be an Easter Egg Hunt for Trinity kids following the 10:30 service.
Sunday, April 18 – Reopening the Sanctuary
Online worship will be produced for those who have grown accustomed to fast-forwarding through long, boring sermons. But for those who crave a seat in the pew, we will be gathering at 8:00 and 10:30 for worship. Wear your pajamas if you like, bring your coffee mug, keep your mask on, and don’t forget an attitude of gratitude. We will make every effort to honor all Covid-19 guidelines. Dress warmly as windows and doors will remain open while we worship for 45 minutes together.
Coffee hours will feature only coffee for now, and will be held in the church courtyard.
Sunday, April 18 will also see the reopening of the Trinity Sunday School with classes down the hall – parents are welcome to stick around for an intergenerational experience!
Adult Education will remain on Zoom for now. To allow adequate time for people to attend worship in person, classes will begin meeting at 9:15 starting on April 11.
We know that many of our people are a little nervous about reopening. We understand that and we want each person or family to make their decision about what is best for them. Your church staff and church council will provide an opportunity for worship, but we expect you to self-select the option that will make you and your family most comfortable.
We will continue to produce the online worship services for the foreseeable future. At some point we may move to live-streaming the Sunday morning services for those who can’t leave their dogs alone on the couch.
This is our plan, for now. “Without a vision the people perish.” We are so very thankful for each of you, and for the generous, thoughtful support that you have offered us throughout this pandemic season.
I remain optimistic and hopeful. We are not alone; we are in this together, and God is with us.
One day closer indeed!
Pastor Jim
