Regathering plan
WORSHIP
Our worship is centered in the proclamation of the gospel revealed in Jesus Christ. As always, it is a gathering of God’s people. It is also shaped by the continuing health concerns we all face and so, may not look like the last worship we shared two years ago. All the actions we are taking are guided by the CDC, the ELCA, and other reliable, science-based sources.
Scroll down for answers to frequent questions.
Our worship is centered in the proclamation of the gospel revealed in Jesus Christ. As always, it is a gathering of God’s people. It is also shaped by the continuing health concerns we all face and so, may not look like the last worship we shared two years ago. All the actions we are taking are guided by the CDC, the ELCA, and other reliable, science-based sources.
Scroll down for answers to frequent questions.
|
UPDATE: March 1, 2022:
The CDC has, in light of significant drops in all the metrics related to the pandemic, issued new guidelines for our response. The Council and staff have reviewed the changes and will move forward as follows: WORSHIP - Holy Trinity offers in-person worship services on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm and Sunday mornings at 8:30 and 10:00 am. You can also live stream the worship on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm and Sundays at 10:00 am on YouTube. There will no longer be any capacity restrictions on seating. FELLOWSHIP – Fellowship with coffee, tea, and donuts will take place in Cafe Koinonia between Sunday services beginning March 6. MEETINGS - Meetings will no longer have a size restriction and may meet in-person or virtually as each group decides. MASKS - According to the CDC, masks are not necessary unless the risk level in Polk County is rated "high." Right now risk is rated "low." People may choose to wear a mask at any time. Following CDC guidelines, masks will only be recommended when Polk County reaches a “HIGH” risk rating based on data from the CDC. The chart below outlines the precautions we will follow based on risk. |
|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How are we making decisions?
The risk assessment by county (Polk) issued by the CDC will guide our decisions
Are masks required?
No. As long as the risk assessment by the CDC for Polk County is “low” or “medium.” If it returns to “high” levels of risk, masks will be recommended. We support those who choose to wear masks.
Do I need to be vaccinated?
We hope you will be. We do not require proof of vaccination to attend worship. The vaccines have been shown to be effective, and epidemiologists from all corners recommend them. As Christ commands that we love our neighbors, it is an act of caring for those around us. Knowing that all will not be vaccinated, we will proceed with caution.
Are reservations necessary?
No. You are welcome to come whenever you like. We offer two services on Sunday at 8:30 & 10:00 am. We also worship at 6:00 pm on Wednesdays.
Will there be room for me?
Yes. The seating in the sanctuary is no longer restricted.
Will nursery care be available?
Yes. We have an attendant in the nursery during worship on Sunday mornings. For families who choose to bring their children to worship, there are "busy bags” on a rack as families enter worship. Please return the bags after worship.
Will we have Holy Communion?
Yes. The Lord’s Supper includes wine and bread. Wine is served in individual pre-filled cups handed to each participant by the server. We serve wine only, and it will have enough alcohol to provide protection against the spread of germs. Though many places may be using “pre-packaged” grape juice and wafers, we have chosen not to do so. The plastic and foil waste produced is considerable and we are committed to love creation; they are often hard to open; the symbol of “one cup” of Christ is lost; the reverence of the sacrament, seems to us, to be diminished.
Will we have all the usual volunteers helping?
In time. We will be reactivating and scheduling lectors, servers, techs, assisting ministers and others beginning in March/April.
Will the worship service still be available on-line to watch remotely?
Yes. The 10:00 am service on Sundays and 6:00 pm worship on Wednesdays will be live streamed via YouTube and Facebook. The recording will remain available after it concludes.
What changes can I expect to the worship service?
No change to message. Several changes to practice.
The offering will be reinstated as part of our worship in the coming weeks. We also encourage you to use online giving options. We suggest you download Holy Trinity's app where you can sign up for worship, fill out your Welcome Card, read the bulletin, readings and prayers, and more!
Will there be special music by the choirs?
Yes. As space and safety guide us, musical ensembles will begin to be part of worship gradually.
How are we making decisions?
The risk assessment by county (Polk) issued by the CDC will guide our decisions
Are masks required?
No. As long as the risk assessment by the CDC for Polk County is “low” or “medium.” If it returns to “high” levels of risk, masks will be recommended. We support those who choose to wear masks.
Do I need to be vaccinated?
We hope you will be. We do not require proof of vaccination to attend worship. The vaccines have been shown to be effective, and epidemiologists from all corners recommend them. As Christ commands that we love our neighbors, it is an act of caring for those around us. Knowing that all will not be vaccinated, we will proceed with caution.
Are reservations necessary?
No. You are welcome to come whenever you like. We offer two services on Sunday at 8:30 & 10:00 am. We also worship at 6:00 pm on Wednesdays.
Will there be room for me?
Yes. The seating in the sanctuary is no longer restricted.
Will nursery care be available?
Yes. We have an attendant in the nursery during worship on Sunday mornings. For families who choose to bring their children to worship, there are "busy bags” on a rack as families enter worship. Please return the bags after worship.
Will we have Holy Communion?
Yes. The Lord’s Supper includes wine and bread. Wine is served in individual pre-filled cups handed to each participant by the server. We serve wine only, and it will have enough alcohol to provide protection against the spread of germs. Though many places may be using “pre-packaged” grape juice and wafers, we have chosen not to do so. The plastic and foil waste produced is considerable and we are committed to love creation; they are often hard to open; the symbol of “one cup” of Christ is lost; the reverence of the sacrament, seems to us, to be diminished.
Will we have all the usual volunteers helping?
In time. We will be reactivating and scheduling lectors, servers, techs, assisting ministers and others beginning in March/April.
Will the worship service still be available on-line to watch remotely?
Yes. The 10:00 am service on Sundays and 6:00 pm worship on Wednesdays will be live streamed via YouTube and Facebook. The recording will remain available after it concludes.
What changes can I expect to the worship service?
No change to message. Several changes to practice.
The offering will be reinstated as part of our worship in the coming weeks. We also encourage you to use online giving options. We suggest you download Holy Trinity's app where you can sign up for worship, fill out your Welcome Card, read the bulletin, readings and prayers, and more!
Will there be special music by the choirs?
Yes. As space and safety guide us, musical ensembles will begin to be part of worship gradually.
