The CDC recommends that all gatherings of 50 or more be cancelled for eight weeks. Except for Sunday Virtual Worship live streaming at 9:15 am, all parish and community programs have been removed from our operations through at least April 4th.
For several days we have all witnessed the unfolding coronavirus response in our world and here in the state of Michigan. Trinity’s Executive Committee and health ministry leaders had already planned to gather this weekend to lay the groundwork for our response in worship and other congregational gathering. However, this evening we have received a message from Lutheran and Episcopal bishops here in Michigan encouraging congregations to refrain from coming together for in-person worship for the balance of the month of March.
In consultation with our congregation’s leadership, I am announcing this evening that we will not gather on site for worship, Sunday School and other parish programming this coming Sunday, March 15th. Early next week we will update our plan for the balance of March, likely refraining from in-person gathering through the end of the month.
It is our plan to provide ‘Virtual Worship”‘ via live stream and YouTube beginning on Sunday, March 22nd, until this time of ‘physical distancing’ can safely be concluded. This weekend, Pastor Dan is going to provide a congregational eBlast that provides the readings, prayers and a homiletical devotion for the Third Sunday in Lent. It is our hope that, accompanied by Pastor Dan’s shared resources, you will find time for prayer, reflection and devotion at home this weekend. You will receive instructions to access our live streaming and YouTube offerings of worship for March 22nd and 29th in the days ahead.
The Council’s Executive Committee will meet with Faith Community Nurse Kristin Bradley and several of our congregation’s physicians this weekend to review the initiative described here and provide consultation regarding our congregational life in the weeks ahead. We will seek to keep you well informed of our ongoing response to the coronavirus challenge of our time.
Click here to watch a timely message from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.
Click here to read the “Bishop’s Response to the Coronavirus” below.
Let us remember to care well for the most vulnerable in our midst during this time of crisis, to continue to care for our congregation’s ministry through our offering gifts, and to hold one another in prayer.