updated letter regarding Covid guidelines, May 2021
Dear Trinity LaGrangeville UMC Family,
Our live 10:15am Sunday worship services are ongoing. We hope you are participating in either the sanctuary, or online, in our hybrid service. Hybrid means we will simultaneously offer the service in the sanctuary- as well as on zoom- for those who choose to worship from another location. All music will continue to be recorded. We continue to follow Bishop Bickerton’s strict guidelines until further notice.
Our digital hybrid service is noticeably enhanced with our new Internet connection and completely new sound system. Our volunteer technical team is well trained so that I believe you will find our connectivity to be better than ever.
We must be certain that all understand and agree to the procedures immediately below and on the next page. These details will help you decide when a return to the sanctuary will be best for your personal situation. Please note that we will continue to share the live service via ZOOM so that all can participate from home, just as we do now, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible in the name of Jesus Christ!
Please read the following carefully... as well as the detailed list on the next page.
1. Persons who feel ill, have a positive Covid-19 diagnosis, or who have been told to isolate due to possible exposure, cannot attend. This includes those who do not have a fever.
2. The following folks should seriously consider viewing the service online.
a. Those in vulnerable age categories (65+) who have not been vaccinated
b. Those who live with vulnerable persons who are not yet vaccinated
c. Those who have pre-existing or any medical conditions.
Please also remember that pastoral care is ongoing for all in the church family and community. It is available upon request.
Please contact me at any time with questions, comments, or concerns. Thank you for your ongoing love, care, prayers, and support. Above all, remember that “God IS WITH US!!!” It’s time to rejoice and remember these words, “...give thanks in all circumstances...” (I Thessalonians 5:18 NRSV)
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Darlene
Rev. Dr. Darlene E.R. Resling
What we’re doing to keep you safe and our facilities clean.
Limiting Capacity Each service has marked and limited seating capacity to enable safe physical distancing. Family units must sit together for the duration of the service.
Safe Distancing Sit only in visibly marked pews. Please leave at least 6 feet between family units in the sanctuary and all common areas. Family units will sit together for the duration of the service.
Controlled Entrances/Exits Follow directions on the walls / floor and go directly to your seat, physically spaced and without stopping for conversation. After services, follow floor markings showing exit directions. Avoid crowding.
Wearing Masks Masks will be required for all attendees ages 2 and up. Acceptable masks include cloth or disposable face coverings that cover the nose and mouth completely.
Sanitization Worship spaces are sanitized weekly, including commonly touched areas such as door handles and tops of pews. Hand sanitizer is available.
Limited Amenities Beverages / food are not permitted during, or after, the service since consumption would require mask removal. Restrooms are open and sanitized before and after services. Please remember hand washing.
Contact-Free Greetings We will greet each other by waving a hand, but will not shake hands. Doors are propped open for circulation before and during the service. There will be no bulletins or handouts distributed. Bulletins will be emailed to your home email address before the service for your use. Bibles and hymnals have been removed. You are encouraged to bring your own Bible to read if you wish.
Touch-free Offerings Offerings may be dropped in the wooden collection box at the entrance of the sanctuary.
Special Elements and Services For Holy Communion we will use pre-packaged elements distributed by masked and gloved ushers when you enter. Baptisms are now encouraged, with “no touching of the child” modifications. What We Ask You To Do ***** What We Ask You To Do **** What We Ask You To Do If You Don't Feel Well ....... (Whether or not you have a fever, OR, if you have been around someone who has been exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19, please stay home and worship with us online.
Maintain Six-Foot Distance..... between you and others at all times, inside and in the parking lot / grounds.
Face Coverings...... are required at all times inside our facilities and on the grounds.
Wash Your Hands often .........with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Sanitizers are available. Avoid Touching ...... your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover Coughs & Sneezes....... Please use a tissue; then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze in your upper sleeve, not your hands.
Attendance....... will be taken at every gathering to record whom to contact in case of possible exposure.
Advice for your Comfort.......While God’s love keeps us warm, please bring a sweater or light jacket. We MUST keep all doors open for required circulation once anyone enters the church. The heating system will NOT be in use.
Church Offerings
In these unprecedented times, the impact of our church has become more important even as gatherings in our facilities have decreased. Hungry people are being fed, and the most vulnerable are receiving care and encouragement. During these difficult times we continue to pay all church employees and our regular expenses, so we need everyone's continued contributions. You can help in any of these ways:
1. Mail your donations to the church at 6 S. Cross Rd, LaGrangeville, NY 12540.
2. Initiate one-time or automatic payments via bill-pay or ACH transfer through your bank or credit union.
3. Donate online to the church, the food pantry, and/or the LaGrangeville Cemetery via credit/debit card or ACH from your bank or credit union account by clicking on the FIND OUT MORE button.
Don’t hesitate to contact Craig Grant at 845-223-5489 or cmlgrant@optimum.net with questions or for assistance.