Greetings from Trinity;

Below is the letter outlining the procedure for resuming in-house Worship Services.

Greetings!

It feels like forever since we were able to gather together for worship.   As many of you know, Church Council has decided to embark on a reopening of services as of August 2^nd, which is part of the traditional long weekend.  Since many people are gone during that time, we hope that this will give us an opportunity to transition, prepare and refine what our new “normal” will look like until the Covid-19 complications begin to wane.   As you know, we get our reintroduction direction from the Synod and Alberta Health Services, but within the Guidelines we feel it is important to gather and commune.  As Pastor Greg said, in the foreseeable future there will be changes that we need to do to keep everyone safe and meet the necessary social distancing guidelines.  In that light, I would like to share with you the changes that we will be implementing at the start-up, and until we hear otherwise.  These will include the following:

1. To ensure exiting protocols are followed, and to minimize cleaning required after each service, we will be asking that everyone enter and exit from the front west doors.  We understand that many come in from the back east door, but to keep circulation minimized we are asking that we all come in and exit from the front.  Bathrooms will be still available by accessing them from the front of the sanctuary.

1. To maintain our 2m (or 6’) separation we will be blocking off each second pew in the sanctuary.  These will also be staggered so that people will not come out of the pews facing each other when they arrive, exit and commune.   If you are part of the same family cohort there is no problem sitting together in the pew. However, if you are from a separate family please try and keep 2m from the next people in your pew. 

1. We think that by spacing this way, and potentially using the upstairs, that we can comfortably seat up to the regular attendance.  Of course, we see the return to be a gradual process for some people, so we do not anticipate the need to RSVP prior to the service.  Come as you usually do. 

1. If you feel that you want a mask, we encourage you to bring one to church.  If you forget it, we will have some available at the front.  It is not a requirement that you wear a mask during the service.  Hand sanitizer will also be available near the doors.

1. Due to the regulations Sunday School will not be happening for the children as the Government has asked that children remain with their parents.

1. The bulletins will be in the pews when you go to seat yourself.  This will hopefully eliminate any unnecessary contact.

1. Some changes during the service will include the following:
   1. For communion each week, we will resort to a process similar to what we do for our Christmas Eve services.  People will line up in the aisle at the marked location on the carpet and when it is your turn you will be greeted by the  server, you will remove the wine and bread from the tray which will have them conveniently spaced apart.  You will then move to the side, take your moment and then as usual place the empty cup in the baskets on the side and return to your seats.
   2. There will be no shaking hands during the sharing of the Peace but there will still be an acknowledgement noted during the service.
   3. Until we hear otherwise, we are not allowed to sing during the service.  Hopefully, that changes soon.
   4. Offering will involve placing your tithing at the rear of the church in the provided plates as you exit the church.
   5. Unfortunately, due to space restrictions the Pastor will not be able to greet people at the end of the service.

1. The Government has asked that we keep track of who is in attendance for contact tracing purposes.  In lieu of having everyone use pens and paper, which could be a high contamination source, we have decided that a picture will be taken during the service.  Dorothy can then write down who was there in case there is a problem.  Just trying to keep things simple.

1. Until we get notice otherwise, we won’t be able to have coffee before and after the Church.  Once this changes we will be sure to advise everyone.

We hope that people understand that we need to do these things to keep ourselves and others safe.  As soon, as we are allowed, we will expand and relax the restrictions until hopefully we are back to our traditional service.  Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to seeing each of you when you feel comfortable to do so.

God Bless,

Bruce Gillespie

Council Chair