COVID-19 Update

September 16 , 2020

This Sunday, September 20, is the day we can return to “in-person worship” in our sanctuary. It has been six months since Covid-19 protocols moved us to online worship. Amazingly, Trinity never stopped worshiping!

To worship with us in person this Sunday, please use the link below. Make sure that you adjust the quantity on your sign-up to match how many in your family will be attending. If you have never used Sign Up Genius or are unsure of how to change the quantity slot, please see the “How To” link below:

Sign Up Genius “How To” video: https://youtu.be/_msyIf_L__E

Sign Up Genius link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e45a4af2da0fe3-inperson

After you are able to secure a place in worship, here are a few instructions for your safe return:

• Everyone will be required to wear a mask. (Masks will be available if you need one.)
• Temperatures will be checked before entering sanctuary, not to exceed 100.4 degrees.
• Hand sanitizer will be provided and must be used before entering the sanctuary.
• Physical distancing of 6 ft or more will be required except for family members.
• All attending will acknowledge that there will be NO congregational singing.
• Seating will be designated and guided by hosts from our greeting team.
• Children may sit with their parents. Childcare will be available beginning in October.
• Worship will continue to be broadcast on our Live Stream Channel and on 100.7 FM
• Please enter and exit the sanctuary from Park Avenue.

As we regather in worship, I am reminded of Psalm 95:6-7 – “Come let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.”

Special music this Sunday will include a time of reflection on some of our favorite hymns including “How Great Thou Art” with flute by Jessica Clark along with a mother and son duet, Lisa and Phillip Prasse, voice and viola.

The sermon will be based on Romans 12:9-21 – “Holding Fast” to the marks of a Christian life. We are looking forward to having you join us in person or online this Sunday!

We’ve included the latest communication from the Conference on COVID-19 and updated guidance for our congregations (LINK HERE).

We are very proud that we have been careful in following all of the protocols and putting the safety measures in place to carefully return to in-person worship at Trinity.

We Love Being Your Pastors,

Dr. Wayne D. Wiatt, Rev. Neal Avirett, and Dr. Nick Quinton

September 8, 2020

Please go here to sign-up for in-person worship.

September 3, 2020

As we plan to gather for worship again on September 20 at 11:00 a m, many things related to our presence in worship will be different. Below is a list of protocols and expectations for those returning to in-person worship in our Trinity sanctuary:

• Beginning Tuesday, September 8th, worshipers planning to attend in-person will need to register through Sign-Up Genius online and agree to keep a Covenant of established protocols. These will be listed for you to affirm when you register online for worship. Due to physical distancing, our total number of worshipers will be limited to 65 persons in the main sanctuary. Each person attending in your family will need to register through Sigh-Up Genius and there will be no standing reservations. Each week registration will open on Tuesday and stay open until all slots are filled.
• When you arrive for 11:00 a.m. Worship, please plan to arrive early to check in at the Registration Table on Park Avenue under the portico.
• Touchless thermometers will be used to check your temperature before you can enter the narthex.
• Hand sanitizing will be required upon entering and leaving the sanctuary. Please enter and exit through the double doors at the Park Avenue entrance.
• All those choosing to attend in-person worship at Trinity will agree to wear a mask.
• Physical distancing of six feet or more will be required except for members of the same family.
• All those attending worship in-person acknowledge that there will be NO congregational singing.
• Seating will be designated and guided by hosts from our greeting team.
• We are unable to offer childcare at this time, but children are welcome to sit with their parents.
• Persons may want to consider alternating their Sundays for worship to allow other persons an opportunity to attend. We will be able to add another 45 seats in Moor Hall when we open the 9:45 a.m. service on October 18.

August 11, 2020

Supporting Our Educators. Click here to learn how to help.

August 10, 2020

When the pandemic became “official” in terms of our need to cease in-person worship just before Easter, I had no idea how that would begin to change the make-up and framing of our ministry at Trinity. A key scripture for me over the past few months has been this passage from Isaiah 43:1

“I am about to do a new thing: now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

COVID-19 Response Team

As we have navigated these changing waters, one of the most valuable additions to our leadership at Trinity has been our COVID-19 Response Team chaired by Matt Foster and Paula Smith, Chair and Vice Chair of our Church Council. We immediately began to adapt our leadership teams into this governing body to make crucial decisions about how we might effectively be the church in a challenging time.

Online Groups

We have witnessed a metamorphosis of many of our “in-person” ministries and their movement online. To date, we have 28 small groups meeting online, including children, youth, and adults. I am so proud of the adaptive leadership all of our staff have displayed as we continue to lead our areas of ministry during this time.

Live-Streaming Worship

We continue to address some of the challenges for our live-streaming of worship and our radio broadcast on 100.7FM. We experience a new twist and turn each week as more and more internet connections and radio waves are utilized during the pandemic. Thank you for your patience and please continue to let us know of any challenges you are having in connecting with us online. For technical assistance, contact our Director of Communications, Spencer Schrowang, [email protected]

I am proud of the many ways that Trinity has continued to be the Body of Christ in our community and the world. Our giving and attendance have increased, our discipleship ministries have been transformed, and our outreach and mission to the community and even the world has not been diminished. I praise God daily for your faith and faithfulness as we continue to live out Trinity’s Mission and Vision.

Our Mission: Because of God’s love for us through Jesus Christ, we exist to worship, grow, and serve.

Our Vision: Trinity United Methodist Church will be a diverse Christian community shining as a beacon of God’s love and actively engaged as the heart, hands, and feet of Christ in the world.

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Here are a few highlights from your Pastors:

Wayne Wiatt, Senior Pastor [email protected] , 850-222-1120 x105

• Visioning and implementation with Trustees of live streaming ministry prior to the pandemic
• Development of our Capital Area Justice Ministry with our member, Leah Wiley
• Acceptance of dual appointment as the NW District Superintendent and Senior Pastor of Trinity which allowed for additional income to Trinity to welcome back Wayne Curry as our Minister of Pastoral Care and undergird our budget needs.
• Welcoming of new staff including Chris Titko, Director of Music, Spencer Schrowang, Director of Communications, and Trina Murphy, Office Assistant

Nick Quinton, Discipleship Ministries [email protected]  850-222-1120 x110

• Our digital Connections event is this Sunday, August 16, Register Here
• Lay Academy starts September 9 with multiple offerings on Zoom
• Trinity will join several local congregations for a community wide Bible study on justice, October 21

Neal Avirett, Associate Pastor [email protected]  850-222-1120 x103

• Developing the role of a “lawn chair” pastor in our neighborhoods
• Leading small groups including Lively Café group, Young Adult Study, and Common Grounds
• Pastoral visits, leadership in worship, and online devotions
• Development of our Fresh Expression Ministry

Wayne Curry, Minister of Pastoral Care [email protected] 850-222-1120 x111

• Spending hours on the phone talking with church members, listening to what’s happening in their lives, their joys and concerns, laughing, crying and praying with them and leave lots of voice messages!
• Corresponding with church members on their birthdays and anniversaries
• Working with our Helping Hands Ministry responding to special needs within our congregation
• Helping oversee our Disaster Response Team, making sure we’re ready to go if or when a Hurricane comes our way

August 10, 2020

With increased infections in Leon County, our August 16 date for in-person worship has been postponed until further notice.

With school openings delayed, we are cancelling our Tentative August 16 worship start date.

Our Covid-19 Tesponse Team will meet virtually on Thursday, August 20, for additional planning and potential in-person reopening dates.

July 16, 2020

In an effort to avoid COVID-19 exposure and ensure the safety of all worship participants, we have decided to push back the date we will resume in-person worship to August 16, 2020. That date is still tentative. We will continue to pre-record our services while maintaining all safety protocols, and we are working toward streaming live on Sunday mornings. We miss worshiping in person and look forward to gathering together again in the future!

July 2, 2020

Trinty’s COVID-19 Response Team continued their discussion on Tuesday, June 30, at their scheduled meeting. One of our resources has been the article “Why Reopening a Church is Different.”  Although it was written a few weeks ago, a key point remains the same: “Our reopening plans are not about what is best for the management of our church, but what is best for the common good and greater community. This is not a time to focus primarily on what we may be sacrificing by not gathering, but how we are serving and loving all our neighbors by not gathering too soon.”

Our Covid-19 Response Team made the decision to delay the earlier scheduled reopening that was set for July 19, and instead to tentatively schedule our worship to resume on August 9 when our public schools are opened. Our Team will meet again on July 14 and continue to assess the infection rate in our area to make sure our projected date of August 9 for “in-person worship” is in line with a decrease in COVID-19 cases in our area. We will keep you regularly posted on the plans and protocols in place to return to worship in-person.

I want to personally express my appreciation to our COVID-19 Response Team for their hard work and diligence in guiding our congregation through this challenging time.

Trinity’s 2020 COVID-19 Response Team:

 

 

 

 

July 2, 2020

I just received an updated guide from the Florida Conference on the rise of COVID-19 Cases in Florida.

All of our United Methodist Churches in Florida have been encouraged to make their decisions regarding worship in the midst of this ever-changing reality. We know there is stress and anxiety in having to rethink decisions as the pandemic continues.

Bishop Carter has reminded us that our guidance around returning to in-person worship could change as the number of cases begin to increase.

• Cases are rising exponentially in our state.

• We encourage you to look at all the data including: the number of new cases, the infection rate, the positive test rate, the hospitalization rates, and the ICU bed capacity. We have learned that it is not wise to base guidance solely on ICU bed space availability. As one of our health consultants said, “Sadly, by the time ICU beds reach capacity the outbreak will be uncontrollable.”

Based on this information we offer this updated guidance:

1) This is not a time to relax any of our previously stated health guidelines, protocols, or FAQ.

2) Virtual worship is the safest approach, and outdoor worship is encouraged over inside.

3) Churches should consider delaying plans to return to in-person worship. We know that some congregations have already pushed their return to in-person worship date back in response to the rise in cases, and others have met in-person and are now returning to virtual-only worship.

4) Wearing masks is essential when any group gathers together under a roof and is now mandated by the Leon County Commissioners with fines attached for non-compliance. The well-being of our elderly, children, and all ages in between are of utmost importance to us, so we ask everyone to wear a mask and do not consider masks to be optional.

The Florida Conference continues to honor the sense that there is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach for every church. Contexts are different as cases rise at different rates in different counties and zip codes (click here for a county and zip code break down).

We have had increased positive cases among United Methodist clergy families, church staff, volunteers, preschool families, church members, throughout the state. Some of these are connected to individuals who made exceptions to the protocols. Others are connected to the increased spread of the virus around them.

June 12, 2020

Below are links to the PowerPoint that Dr. Southwick used, a recording of the webinar, as well as the Color of Coronavirus Toolkit that was developed by the Florida Conference Connectional and Justice Ministries. We hope that you use these helpful guidelines in your ministry settings.

Dr. Southwick’s PowerPoint

Direct Play Link to Webinar

Color of Coronavirus Toolkit

June 8, 2020

Council of Bishops Statement

June 7, 2020

Dr. Lynn McLarty, Trinity historian and member, provided this photo of Communion Sunday (at his home) to illustrate Trinity life during the pandemic.

June 1, 2020

Planning for a Return (From Tidings, Church Newsletter)

May 28, 2020

In-Person Worship Optional after June 15th The Florida Conference Re-Launch Task Force along with Bishop Carter and the Cabinet met this week and decided to allow churches to consider resuming in-person worship after June 15th on a limited basis according to the following guidelines. Before proceeding, we ask that you be sure to have read carefully and completely our FLUMC guidelines, the CDC guidelines, the article “Why reopening church is different”, the FAQ document, and the Governor’s Plan for Florida’s Recovery. Please continue to offer on-line worship. It is important that vital worship opportunities are readily available for people in your church who are not ready to return to your campus. Recent surveys suggest that more than 70% of your regular church attendees may choose to stay home at this time. Many of our vital churches have decided to wait and resume in-person worship until July or August and we fully support these plans. Our strong recommendation is that churches consider lower risk in-person worship opportunities like outside worship (with appropriate social distancing, wearing masks and a consideration for heat exposure) and drive-in worship (with participants staying in their vehicles – see guidelines here.) Here are seven key things to keep in mind: This guidance could change. If the number of new cases or the infection rates begin to increase, this guidance will be revisited and further guidance will be given, including a new request for no in-person worship during a spike in cases. The decision will vary according to your church context. Churches should carefully follow the guidance of your city and county officials and investigate the rate of infection in your area. Churches should consider the state of preparedness of your church, the size of your congregation, the number of vulnerable persons in your setting, the availability of cleaning supplies, and more.  The decision to resume in-person worship should be made by a team of leaders that includes the pastor. Persons in vulnerable populations (in the state of Florida this has been defined as persons over the age of 65 or those with underlying medical conditions) are encouraged to stay home. This guidance is consistent with the guidance from the federal and state government and the CDC. At all times people must maintain at least six feet between family groups. We believe in most indoor settings this could cap your capacity between 15% to 25% of what your space typically holds. In order to do this safely, you will need to have a registration system in place with spaces set aside for visitors. Clearly communicate the guidelines in multiple ways to every person who enters your space. It is helpful to see this as a covenant between all participants.  Guidelines should be in writing. Have clear signage as people enter spaces.  Announce the guidelines at the beginning of each gathering. Have a clear plan in place for visitors and those who may not want to follow the guidelines. Be able to communicate why you are reopening should the media be present, and take pictures showing how you are following the guidelines. Remember these simple reminders: Monitor your symptoms – Stay Home if you are sick – Wash your hands – Maintain social distance – Wear masks. Have enough cleaning supplies to thoroughly clean your facilities before, during, between and after gatherings. Items should be removed from pews, offering plates should not be passed, and communion should be served in a modified way. Here are three areas of higher risk that require conversation and coordination: All persons should wear a mask or cloth face covering. Not wearing a mask puts everyone around you at a higher level of risk. We address masks further in our FAQ. Our conference task team believes congregational singing is a higher risk activity. This is based on a high level of agreement among scientists and singing experts (view CDC research on singing). We address singing further in our FAQ. Ministry to children and youth in this time is a higher risk activity. Before schools reopen, it may be that many churches encourage families to worship together. Children and youth ministry must follow the CDC guidelines. This will require additional volunteers, volunteers wearing masks, daily checking of temperatures, and more. Social distancing is difficult for younger children to understand. Any church planning to do children or youth ministry should send their specific plan of how they intend to follow the CDC guidelines to their District Superintendent. All children and youth ministry must also follow our Child and Youth Protection Policy. As a final reminder, outside groups who use church facilities should follow the same guidelines we have published. All outside groups must provide a certificate of insurance, which includes the local church as an Additional Insured, and sign an agreement that states their willingness to abide by these guidelines. Outside choral groups are strictly prohibited at this time. The above and linked guidelines are the minimum requirements for Florida United Methodist Churches. Churches may add to these guidelines but may not subtract from these guidelines.

The Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church 450 Martin L King Jr Ave, Lakeland, FL 33815 863-688-5563

May 19, 2020

From Rev. Alex Shanks, assistant to Bishop Carter:

“Everywhere we turn, people are talking about reopening. Should churches simply follow the same guidelines regarding reopening as other institutions? I believe there are practical principles and theological reasons why reopening our church campuses requires a different kind of thinking.

The church shouldn’t be looking to sidestep the guidelines. The church shouldn’t be simply reacting to what others are doing. The church should beleading the way by modeling a method of safety for others to follow.”

Please see these guidelines that will help us be thoughtful and consistent in modeling a method of safety:

Why Reopening a Church is Different – Rev Alex Shanks – 5-18-2020

May 7, 2020

Please see Guidance on Re-launch

March 24, 2020

Here is a recording of Trinity’s worship service from Sunday. We love you and miss seeing you in worship. We are anxiously awaiting the day we can gather again in person! We hope our worship services and daily devotions will continue to give you strength and hope during these days of separation as well.

To hear Sunday’s sermon CLICK HERE

To view the entire worship service CLICK HERE

To listen to one of our pastor’s Weekday Devotions CLICK HERE

If you are experiencing any technical difficulties accessing these messages from our website, please let our Director of Communications, Spencer Schrowang ([email protected]) know and he can call you to problem solve any technical issues you might have.

We Love Being Your Pastors! Please feel free to call us or email us if you need prayer or simply just to talk! We can also set up a video chat through Zoom or FaceTime when convenient for you!

Wayne ([email protected] |

Nick ([email protected] |

Neal ([email protected] |

March 18, 2020

We are worshiping together ONLY online and over the radio this Sunday at the 11 a.m. service ONLY.

In response to recommendations from the CDC to slow the spread of COVID-19, as well as requests from our elected officials, we will NOT be having face-to-face worship this Sunday (3/22) and next Sunday (3/29). Instead, we will gather remotely with two options to tune-in for our 11 a.m. worship service.

First, you are welcome to join worship on your radio dial at 100.7 FM. We have been live on this station for many years now and are glad to continue the tradition.

Second, we have a new way to join worship, live-streaming! Join in on our YouTube Channel at ‘Trinity UMC-Tlh’ for your Sunday morning live-stream. Also, be sure to head over to YouTube before Sunday to check out our other content and subscribe to our channel. You’ll see some familiar faces that we know will brighten your day.

With our change in format we will only have the remote online service at 11 a.m. There will be no 8:30 a.m. or 9:45 a.m. services.

Your pastors, staff, ministry leadership, and worship team look forward to worshiping together the next two Sundays over the air waves and online.

We are grateful for you and pray for your wellbeing and safe keeping in the days ahead.

March 17, 2020

Our Emergency Response Leadership Team, comprised of your key leaders and staff, met remotely yesterday through Zoom to make important decisions for the week ahead.

We will be sending out information mid-week regarding our new online worship service and how you can virtually attend through our website! Our radio broadcast will continue at 11am every Sunday on 100.7FM as well!

We will regularly send out updates and resources regarding how to attend one of our small groups or Lenten Studies. As we shared in worship last Sunday, God’s word is true when it reminds us in Psalm 42 to “Put our hope in God!” We’ll connect with you on the internet soon!

We Love Being Your Pastors!

Wayne, Nick, and Neal 

March 15, 2020

Due to COVID-19, we are adjusting our schedule and our approach to the way we worship and gather in the coming weeks.

• We have canceled the Wednesday night meal this week and small group gatherings starting Wednesday.
• The 8:30 and 9:45 worship services are cancelled at this time.

We are working on a solution for small groups to meet remotely, and we will meet remotely for all activities on Sunday with a video conferencing option and possible live streaming for 11:00 a.m. worship. You can always listen in to our radio broadcast on 100.7 at 11:00am each Sunday.  Our emergency planning leadership team will meet later today to discuss further plans, and we will let you know of any other changes once they are determined.