February 28, 2022
We have moved into a new phase of the pandemic – in our nation, in our state, and in our immediate area of Cook County. With the lifting of the statewide mask mandate, the Trinity Health Team (formerly known as the ReTurn Team) would like to offer new guidance for our congregation. The Trinity Health team continues to take into consideration guidance from the Center for Disease Control, including the CDC’s Covid Guidelines by County, and the Illinois Department of Health.
Note: in addition to guidelines for gathering together as a community, we offer these:
- If you travel domestically or internationally, please follow CDC guidelines upon your return to any Trinity activities: CDC Travel Guidance
- If you text positive for covid-19, or are exposed, please follow CDC guidelines: COVID-19: When to Quarantine | CDC
Our Health Team acknowledges that there are a variety of emotions as we move into this new phase of the pandemic. We want to continue to honor the decisions of those who wish to continue wearing masks, while also giving space for those who are ready be mask-free. We hope and pray that as we move through this change, we can continue to be respectful of one another.
- Beginning March 2, masks will be optional for any and all gatherings at Trinity, including worship, small groups, choir, and Sunday School/gatherings for children and youth.
- Trinity will follow the Center for Disease Control’s recommendation that unvaccinated persons continue to wear a mask.
Here are a few additional guidelines to support our ongoing desire to return to some semblance of normal, while also protecting the most vulnerable.
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP:
We will continue to mark off pews so that we can continue to practice some degree of social distance.
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION:
We will continue to offer individual packages of bread and juice on communion Sundays; however, we will begin to invite the congregation to the front to receive these from pastor/leaders. In addition, we will begin to offer other options, in addition to the pre-packaged communion elements. We recognize that giving up the traditional methods of receiving communion has been one of the more difficult pieces of pandemic worship.
MUSIC:
Masks will be optional for all choirs and soloists. Following guidance from the Mount Prospect Community Band and the Mount Prospect Park District, masks will not be required for instruments.
OFFICE/STAFF PROTOCOL:
We are happy to report that ALL of our Trinity staff are fully vaccinated! As we meet with you individually or in smaller groups, staff wish to be respectful of your needs and wishes regarding masking. We will check in with you about your needs/preferences.
CHILDREN and YOUTH (students):
Children and Youth (students) will be mask optional. Again, masks are recommended for those who are not fully vaccinated.
FOOD:
Masks and gloves should be worn at all times during food preparation (e.g., PADS prep). We plan to resume serving food and drink immediately, for large and small gatherings. Coffee Hour will resume as well, starting with serving coffee, tea, lemonade and moving towards a safe way of serving snacks.
CLEANING:
Please leave rooms cleaner than you found them! Ask participants to wipe down tables, doorknobs etc. as they prepare to leave.
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These guidelines are subject to change, depending on our community transmission rates and guidance from state and local government. HOPE is on the horizon, and we want to safely and lovingly walk with each other to the other side of this pandemic!
Courage. Compassion. Connection. So that all may thrive!
I give you a new commandment: Love each other.
Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. -John 13:34
