Worship Update

As of May 29th, Schuylkill County will be entering the yellow phase as we seek to regain some semblance of normalcy. According to the guidelines set forth by the ELCA National Office, as well as recommendations submitted by our bishop, as well as advise given from Nationwide Insurance, the following protocols are in place for Trinity Lutheran Church as we seek to gather for worship:

1. In the Yellow phase, we can have small gatherings, so committee meetings, Bible Studies, and the like can meet. For example, our first Bible Study in quite some time will be held on June 1st in the overflow room. These meetings will have social distancing in effect as well as wearing of masks.

2. Once we are in the green phase, we can resume worship with the following practices in place:

- Every other pew will be roped off. Families can sit together, but all others must maintain a six foot distance.
- Masks must be worn. If you do not have a mask when coming to worship, one will be supplied to you.
- A sanitation station will be in place with hand sanitizer. Before worship, please use said sanitizer.
- Ushers, greeters, and those working with communion elements will wear gloves, which will be provided.
- Corporate singing is seen as the fastest way COVID-19 can spread. So during hymns, an organist will play, but we will follow along the hymns in our heads.

This is not an ideal situation, and none of this has been ideal. However, this is what must happen on the guidance of our churchwide office, our bishop, and our insurer. We look forward to having some semblance of worship, and gradually to regain all our normalcies as time transpires.