Dear Trinity Family,
“How I miss seeing my friends from Trinity and worshiping together in person.” These words or words very similar are common statements I hear from members of Trinity. Covid-19 has led us down a journey we never imagined. Many of us long for the time when we can safely gather. If you are like me, coming together on Sunday morning was something I took for granted. I vividly remember standing in front of worship after the announcement in March that schools would be going to distance learning and leading the Lord’s Prayer - tears welled in my eyes as I had the sinking feeling that it would be awhile before we would be gathering together in worship.
The Minnesota Department of Health requires guidelines to be implemented in order to worship together, whether it is indoors or outdoors. Our bishop has encouraged us to ensure the safety of all people before gathering us together. Covid-19 planning team and council leadership are working on a preparedness plan that needs to completed before we can begin on-site worship services. Here are the tentative plans.
We are going to begin with caution gathering for worship through an outdoor drive in worship in Truman at 10:30 am on Sundays. We will also begin hosting a drive in - communion in Madelia on 1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings from 5:00 - 6:30pm. All are welcome to participate in either or both of these opportunities.
Here is what we need you to do to help us gather as safely as possible and we are asking everyone to follow these rules.
BE SAFE DURING DRIVE IN WORSHIP (beginning June 28th at 10:30)
1) If you have a cough, fever, or are sick - PLEASE STAY HOME!
2) Stay in your vehicle or directly in front of your vehicle for drive in worship.
3) If you stay in your vehicle, wearing a mask is not necessary, but if you are
sitting outside on a chair - please wear a mask.
4) The church will be locked - so no bathrooms will be available
5) Please respect social distancing.
6) If weather is bad (rainy, windy or cold) please stay home - an substitute time will be Wednesday at 7:oo pm. If weather is poor on Wednesday we will see you the following Sunday.
BE SAFE DURING DRIVE IN COMMUNION (beginning July 8th at 5:00pm)
1) If you have a cough, fever, or are sick - PLEASE STAY HOME!
2) Enter the parking lot through the west entrance - then drive up on the ramp Pastor Krista will meet you at the top of the ramp.
3) Stay in your vehicle and roll down your passenger window.
4) Hear and receive the good news - the body and blood of Christ for YOU!
5) Drive off the ramp - go in peace - equipped and kept in God’s grace.
6) The church will be locked - so no bathrooms will be available
Although we all miss traditional church, we are doing our best to provide meaningful experiences following guidelines and recommendations. Our primary motivation in all we do, being church together during a pandemic is remembering the command of Jesus - to love God and to love our neighbors. Loving our neighbors involves keeping one another safe.
My prayer for all of you is found in my new favorite blessing.
May you be well -
May you be happy-
May you be peaceful -
And may you know how much you are loved!
Pastor Krista
