The Trinity Healthy Church Team (HCT) met on Tuesday, January 11, 2022.
Team members discussed the current Trinity COVID policies in place and the fact that adult small groups have made different decisions for their meetings (some deciding to gather remotely, some meeting in person while masked, and meeting unmasked) as well as feedback received that groups appreciate the autonomy to make their own decisions.
Team members also noted the significantly high levels of COVID transmission in Henrico County (as of this writing, there are an average of 672 new cases a day in Henrico County, almost triple the number of average cases (240) recorded during the previous high as of January 20, 2021) as well as the current capacity constraints in local hospitals and the recent decision by VCU to cancel elective surgeries due to high numbers of COVID patients.
In addition, team members discussed the contingency plans in place in case Trinity staff members test positive for COVID and are unable to lead worship or other church functions for a period of time.
After discussion, the HCT agreed that it would not make any changes to Trinity’s healthy church policies in place at this time, although it would continue to monitor conditions and make future changes if warranted. During this time the HCT respectfully requests that:
all Trinity members make prudent decisions about their participation in church activities and avoid in person activities if you have tested positive for COVID in line with CDC guidance.
adult small groups making decisions about in person gatherings continue to do so with the input of all members.
Trinity members consider the use of KN95 masks (which provide a higher level of protection) during worship or other indoor functions where masks are used.
Masks will continue to be required for all worship services and any other large (more than 30 persons) indoor gatherings, as well as for activities involving students and kids.
HCT members (like everybody) expressed weariness with COVID, and we prayed to God to guide our decisions and to end this pandemic. In the interim, we will continue to pray, diligently monitor conditions, solicit feedback and make the very best decisions we can for our church.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:7
Merry Christmas!
We have anxiously been awaiting this day, as we have spent this Advent season preparing for the coming of Christ. Today we rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ, our savior. We celebrate this Christmas day and recognize that this is the day Jesus was born into the world. We rejoice in this day knowing that He came to save us from our sins and bring good news to all.
The picture of sleeping babies pictured above reminds us of Christmas night where baby Jesus was laid in the manger. We see hope and good news. We are also reminded that we are all created in His perfect and loving image.
On this Christmas Day, may you be reminded of all the meanings that this day has. Jesus is born and He is alive within us—He is our Teacher, our Healer, our Redeemer, our Savior, and He is our Bread of Life.
Trinity invites you to a small group opportunity that focuses on families. We believe that our family is our first church. It is the place where we experience what God is like, whether someone knows they are teaching or not. This gathering is not a program but a place where we share our struggles of parenting and ideas of how to cultivate the home as a place of reading the Bible, praying, worshiping, and doing missions together so that the family can grow together. We’ll read the book “Grow at Home” for eight weeks and share our life. The spiritual growth at home can happen in our marriages by loving our spouses with the love of Christ, and it can occur by teaching, loving, and sharing our faith with our children.
Please contact Rev. Hung Su Lim at hslim@trinityumc.net for more information. The first session begins on Jan. 16, 10:15 a.m., in the library.
As a church family, we are here to partner with you as you raise your youth to seek first God’s Kingdom. One of the most vital ways we do that is through Confirmation. Confirmation is an opportunity for youth to dig deep and learn what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and part of the United Methodist Church. It is an amazing experience. Youth are often surprised by how much they discover about God and themselves. They also find that they enjoy Confirmation and have fun! At the end of the Confirmation classes youth are presented with the opportunity to decide to confirm their Christian faith.
Confirmation 2022 Update: In light of the surge of Covid cases in our community and the current state of emergency order in Henrico County, the start date of this year’s confirmation class has been delayed. We will begin the classes on February 13, hopefully giving ourselves enough time for the present situation to abate. The new schedule will run through May 15. The exciting news is that registration for confirmation is still open. You may now register for the student class up until Feb. 6. The new schedule is listed below. If you have any questions, while Jenna is on Maternity Leave, please feel free to contact Amy Lenow at avlenow@gmail.com.
“Seek first the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously…” Matt 6:33 (NLT).
Survey. Following our listening sessions the Healthy Church Team (HCT) published a survey to receive input from the congregation. We thank everyone who participated and turned in a survey. 165 surveys were filled out and submitted.
Of the 165 responses, 113 or 69% supported our current masking requirements until Henrico county reaches the moderate or low infection rate level as identified by the CDC. 50 responses or 30% supported relaxing them now. 2 responses or 1% did not answer that question.
Of the 165 responses submitted, 93 or 56% supported the current food restrictions. 68 or 41% supported relaxing them. 4 respondents or 3% did not answer that question.
Current Measures. The HCT, meeting in December, has maintained our current covid-19 mitigation measures. It is our hope and expectation and when the current threat of winter/holiday surge has passed we will be able to relax these measures. The current mitigation measures are available on the church website HERE.
Healthy Church Team Larry Lenow Hung Su Lim Bill Pike Corey Booker Jim Crowder Alice Hirata Mike McCullough Sheila Pedigo
We have anxiously been awaiting this day, as we have spent this Advent season preparing for the coming of Christ. Today we rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ, our savior. We celebrate this Christmas day and recognize that this is the day Jesus was born into the world. We rejoice in this day knowing that He came to save us from our sins and bring good news to all.
