September 20, 2022
Many are asking whether to take the new COVID boosters, and if so, when. The short answers are ‘yes’ and ‘before Halloween’. Both Pfizer and Moderna have released new ‘bivalent’ vaccines, which are active against the old ‘wild type’ virus as well as the currently circulating Omicron variants, and show very robust antibody responses in recipients. If it is 3 months since you last had COVID infection, or two months since your last booster (even if it was your second booster), you should take the new booster, as well as the annual flu shot (they can be taken at the same time.) Greenville County is now at the ‘moderate’ level of community risk, which results in the CDC recommendation to wear masks in crowded enclosed spaces, and if immunosuppressed or otherwise at high risk. For questions, email Donna Potts at donna.millar@gmail.com
July 28, 2022
The Coronavirus Transition Team at its July 25 meeting reviewed recent information on COVID and agreed that, in light of the current ‘high’ community transmission level, masks are highly recommended while indoors and are required for nursery attendants and food servers. The second booster vaccine for adults over age 50 and with moderate to severe immune suppression should be taken now. Vaccines for children down to age 6 months are now available and are recommended as well. See the COVID Update below for details.
April 14, 2022
The Coronavirus Transition Team met Monday April 11 and agreed that it is now reasonable for the choir to discontinue wearing masks while singing. Masks are therefore totally optional during worship. Masks are still required when serving food, or attending children under age five in close contact (within six feet for more than 15 minutes) in classrooms. COVID cases, and hospitalizations, remain low in our area. The CDC recommends masks continue to be worn indoors in large groups if an individual is unvaccinated or vulnerable, or has family members who are. Those who feel most comfortable wearing a mask are encouraged to do so. Wearing a high quality mask does provide good protection for the wearer. Vaccinated and boosted individuals are at very low risk of severe illness from the currently circulating BA.2 variant but can still contract and spread the virus to the unvaccinated or those with weak immune systems.
March 24, 2022
The Coronavirus Transition Team did not meet this week due to Spring Break. Here is the latest data summary provided by Dr, Donna Potts:
March 8, 2022
The Coronavirus Transition Team met Monday March 7 and agreed that with Upstate SC in the ‘low’ CDC risk level, masks would continue to be optional indoors and normal church functions can resume. Masks and distancing are still CDC recommended for the unvaccinated and those at high risk, so for the safety of children under 5 and vulnerable adults, worship will continue in the Gym through Holy Week and Easter so that seating may accommodate distancing if needed. Those who wish to continue to wear masks are encouraged to do so.
March 5, 2022
The Coronavirus Transition Team at it’s March 2 meeting agreed that in light of the new CDC recommendations, effective immediately, masking would be made optional at Trinity. Some high-risk activities are exceptions, such as attending children under age five, and serving food, so masks will continue to be worn when engaging in those endeavors. The choir will also continue to mask while singing.
February 18, 2022
The Coronavirus Transition Team held a called meeting Sunday February 13 and agreed that, in light of the abating of the most recent surge, the N95 mask requirement at worship could be dropped. Masks will once again be requested and recommended, and N95 and surgical masks are acceptable and both will be made available. Small groups may also meet again at the church, indoors, using masks and distancing, assuming food is not served. Large groups (over 15 people) and those involving meals (where masks will be removed) will need to be held outdoors or in the Gym.
January 28, 2022
The Transition Team agreed, in light of continued record numbers of COVID cases in the upstate, to continue in-person worship in the gym through February. All group activities will continue to be virtual during that time, as well.
January 17, 2022
See the latest report from Trinity’s Covid Transition Team below.
January 4, 2022
The Coronavirus Transition Team met on Jan 2 and recommended that, due to the skyrocketing number of COVID cases in the upstate, all in-person gatherings at the church be suspended, except for worship services in the gym. Masks will now also be required. Due to the increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant, improved masks, such as N95 or KN95, or double masking with a tightly fitted cloth mask over a surgical mask, should also be used.
December 9, 2021
The Coronavirus Transition Team at its December 8 meeting reviewed data about the recent rise in COVID cases in S.C., which may presage the predicted winter surge, and discussed ways to mitigate risk at the upcoming Christmas events at the church, including the Christmas Pageant and Christmas Eve services.
December 2, 2021
The Coronavirus Transition Team at its December 1 meeting reviewed information on COVID case incidence, including the rising number of cases in S.C. and the likelihood of the presence of the Omicron variant newly discovered in the U.S. and agreed current guidelines for gatherings would remain in place for the foreseeable future.
November 18, 2021
The Transition Team at its November 17 meeting agreed that the expectation of impending post-holiday and winter surges in COVID cases precludes the relaxing of COVID restrictions at present.
October 20, 2021
The Transition Team at its Oct. 20 meeting discussed COVID precautions for the large gatherings anticipated for Reformation Sunday and the Annual Congregational Meeting. COVID case rates remain high in the upstate, requiring continued use of masks and distancing indoors, even for the fully vaccinated.
October 6, 2021
The Coronavirus Transition Team at its weekly meeting October 6 discussed a request that the Sharing of the Peace be resumed during worship, but voted not to do so at present due to the continued high COVID case rate.
September 23, 2021
The Transition Team at its weekly meeting on September 21 discussed a recent review of COVID precautions for choral singing and agreed the current guidelines in place are appropriate; discussed options to prevent crowding in the sanctuary during worship when the congregation exceeds 110, which is the maximum that can be distanced 6 feet in the pews; and reviewed plans for Reformation Sunday which includes Confirmation of youth. No weekly COVID update was submitted this week, but hospitalizations are declining slightly in the upstate, and the FDA approved a third dose booster of the Pfizer vaccine for people who are over 65, immune compromised, or health care workers and other front line workers whose jobs place them at high risk.
September 17, 2021
The team at its September 15 meeting discussed Bishop Aebischer’s recent email to congregations encouraging continued COVID precautions, including outdoor and virtual worship when indicated. It was agreed that our current measures recommending vaccinations, and requiring masks and distancing for all at all gatherings, were appropriate at this time, as we have the good fortune to have a congregation in which almost all those eligible are vaccinated and everyone is complying with the precautions.
September 13, 2021
The Transition Team at its September 8 meeting reviewed data showing S.C. to have the highest per capita new cases of COVID in the world, with continued increases in deaths and hospitalizations, over 90% of which are unvaccinated.
August 19, 2021
The team at its August 18 meeting agreed that it is at present not safe for our youth to participate in church league basketball, with Delta cases at an all time high, children more vulnerable than ever, and the league not recommending mask use for participants.
August 6, 2021
Because of rapidly rising COVID cases in the upstate, the Transition Team at its meeting Aug. 4 discussed new guidelines for gatherings at the church. Vaccinations are strongly encouraged for all who are eligible. Masks should be worn except when eating or drinking. If food service is involved, only small groups (less than 15) may meet indoors. Larger groups serving food will meet outdoors. Links to the full guidelines, and the COVID update, are below.
July 30, 2021
The Transition Team at its last meeting recommended that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks while indoors at the church.
July 13, 2021
July 7, 2021
At the July 2 meeting of the Coronavirus Transition Team, it was agreed that at present, mask wearing is not required (but recommended) at worship for vaccinated individuals, although unvaccinated members need to continue to observe mask wearing and social distancing. Registration for worship services is no longer required. Detailed new guidelines will be emailed to the congregation. The Transition Team will continue to meet regularly to monitor the situation, particularly in light of concern that a surge of the delta coronavirus variant may occur.
May 31, 2021
The Coronavirus Transition Team at its May 28 meeting updated guidelines and procedures for Sanctuary Worship and Facility Use, reflecting the intent and effort to gradually re-open the church. Those new documents, and the weekly COVID-19 update, are below:
Facility Use Guidelines May 2021 update
May 24, 2021
The Coronavirus Transition Team at its May 21 meeting agreed that groups could make the decision individually to meet without masks and distancing if all agree and are fully vaccinated, and there is a mechanism in place for group members to confidentially express that they are not comfortable with it for any reason, in which case all will continue with masks and distancing; and that church volunteers who cannot distance, such as ushers, communion assistants, nursery attendants, etc. be asked not to volunteer for those duties unless they are fully vaccinated.
May 17,2021
The CVTT at its May 14 meeting discussed the recently released new CDC guidelines that lifted mask wearing for vaccinated individuals in most circumstances. Since many in the congregation may not yet be vaccinated, including children under 12 for whom there is as yet no vaccine, and immunocompromised individuals in whom the vaccine is less effective, it was agreed that for the near future, the number worshiping in the sanctuary on Sundays would be increased from 50 to 75 as of May 23 but mask wearing would continue. Masks can be removed if all are vaccinated during recording of the virtual worship services. Guidelines at Trinity for other group gatherings will be reviewed in the near future.
May 10, 2021
The Transition Team met Friday May 7 and discussed recent feedback from members of the congregation regarding re-opening, and reviewed updates to guidelines for outdoor worship and indoor gatherings.
May 3, 2021
April 19, 2021
The Transition Team at its April 16 meeting approved new guidelines for in person worship in the sanctuary, group use of the facility, and lay communion ministry for homebound members of the congregation. Links to the documents can be found below.
Sanctuary worship COVID-19 Guidelines
Worship in Sanctuary COVID-19 Procedure.docx
April 12, 2021
The Coronavirus Transition Team agreed at its meeting Friday April 9 to resume worship in the sanctuary, and indoor use of the facility by small groups, in May, and to develop COVID prevention guidelines for Lay Communion Ministry to provide communion to homebound members of the congregation.
March 29, 2021
The Transition Team at its March 26 meeting noted that the CDC and SC Synod currently recommend against indoor gatherings. However, it was agreed that limited in person sanctuary Sunday worship services, with careful COVID precautions in place (masks, distancing, no congregational singing, etc.) should be able to begin in May if the current downward trend in cases in SC continues.
March 15, 2021
The Coronavirus Transition Team at its weekly meeting on Friday March 12 agreed to develop a reopening plan for small groups for indoor and outdoor gatherings in April, as well as for in-person worship beginning in May.
February 22, 2021
The Transition Team met Friday February 19 and discussed plans for several outdoor worship experiences in April. While the COVID case numbers are declining, cases remain high in the upstate, and it is too early to begin plans for more in person indoor activities. It was emphasized that, even for individuals who are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID, continued mask wearing and distancing are required to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
February 15, 2021
The Coronavirus Transition Team did not meet on Friday February 12 due to the holiday weekend, but the weekly COVID Update was distributed.
February 8, 2021
The Transition Team discussed plans for an in-person outdoor Easter vigil service, and additional mitigation measures that were needed due to a potential church staff member COVID exposure.
February 1, 2021
The Coronavirus Transition Team at its January 29 meeting discussed recent trends in case numbers, vaccination progress, and the new virus variants. Due to the planning time needed, it was agreed that worship would continue be virtual through at least March, with plans going forward for a potential in-person outdoor Easter weekend service as well as a special virtual worship service on Easter morning.
January 25, 2021
The Coronavirus Transition Team in its weekly meeting January 22 agreed that virtual worship, and the current suspension of church facility in-person activities, should continue through the month of February. The planned drive through February 14, preceding Ash Wednesday on February 17, and the February 10 Nourishing Neighbors event, will occur, with increased COVID precautions in place.
January 19, 2021
The Coronavirus Transition Team at its January 15 meeting reviewed recent statistics on COVID cases and vaccine administration and agreed to discuss at the next meeting whether small group gatherings should remain suspended, and virtual worship continued, through February.
January 9, 2021
The Coronavirus Transition Team at the January 8 meeting agreed, in light of rising COVID case numbers, to additional COVID prevention measures. Small group in person activities at the church were suspended or will be conducted via Zoom, at least through January. Additional precautions will also be implemented for the monthly Nourishing Neighbors event, and during filming of virtual worship services.
December 14, 2020
The Transition Team at its December 11 meeting received updates on vaccine distribution plans in S.C. and voted via email to continue with virtual worship through January since COVID cases remain at an all time high. There will be no further meetings until January 8 due to the holidays.
December 7th, 2020
The Coronavirus Transition Team at its December 4 meeting discussed the recent exponential rise in cases in the upstate; learned that the Church Youth Basketball League decided not to require masks for players and officials on the court and therefore withdrew their support of TLC youth fielding teams this season; reviewed a proposal from DHEC to perform free COVID testing at Nourishing Neighbors events; discussed the needs of the homeless in Greenville for a day shelter during cold weather; and learned of modifications in their procedure at Project Host Soup Kitchen to safely provide bag lunches during COVID.
November 17, 2020
At the November 13 Coronavirus Transition Team meeting, the continued ‘fall surge’ in cases was discussed, as well as the exciting news that a vaccine trial has been successful. Plans are going forward for the Annual Meeting to be held November 29 in the playground parking lot.
November 10, 2020
At the Coronavirus Transition Team meeting November 6, the ‘fall surge’ in cases was reviewed. Plans to hold an in-person Annual Meeting in the parking lot, with family pods separated six feet, were discussed, as well as arrangements for special recording sessions for music for virtual worship services Christmas Eve and December 27 for Lessons and Carols.
November 2, 2020
The Coronavirus Transition Team on Friday Oct. 30 reviewed and discussed worship service activities occurring at other Greenville churches, where a combination of virtual and small in person worship services are being held. The team also discussed ways to better reach out to members of the congregation who are not being engaged in the current virtual and small group activities at Trinity.
October 27, 2020
The Coronavirus Transition Team reviewed the in-person worship process the previous Sunday and discussed improvements that could be made, should COVID cases remain low enough that another sanctuary service can be safely conducted in mid-December.
October 8, 2020
At the October 2 meeting, the Coronavirus Transition team finalized a procedure for worship in the sanctuary and the first in person worship is planned for October 18. Please see the link below for the details.
September 24, 2020
In the month of September, the Coronavirus Transition Team continued its weekly meetings, and developed guidelines for the indoor use of the church facility by small groups, which can be implemented and maintained as long as COVID-19 cases continue the current stable or downward trajectory.
August 31,2020
At recent meetings of the Coronavirus Transition Team, it was agreed that a small number of school age children could safely meet at the church facility for three hours one day per week for enrichment activities and for supervision of their virtual learning; and tentative plans were made to pilot in person worship in the sanctuary with a small number of congregation members in mid-October, assuming COVID cases continue to decline.
August 17, 2020
August 10, 2020
July 27, 2020
The Coronavirus Transition Team voted to approve a new Baptism Policy and reviewed the following update.
July 20, 2020
The Coronavirus Transition Team met Friday July 17 and agreed to approve a policy for performing baptisms in the sanctuary. The following informational update was also shared:
July 15, 2020
Dear Members of the Trinity Family,
Given the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Greenville, it is uncertain when we will be able to return to in-person worship. Trinity’s COVID-19 Transition Team has determined that online worship services will continue at least through the end of August. In an effort to find safe ways for small groups to gather for conversation, fellowship, and community building the following in-person gatherings have been scheduled:
• Sunday, July 19 at 6:30 pm in the parking lot adjacent to the playground for a tailgate supper hosted by Kay Cook
• Tuesday, July 21 at 9:00 am on the playground for coffee hosted by Pastor Parham
• Wednesday, July 22 at 9:00 am on the playground for coffee hosted by Pastor Crowell
• Thursday, July 23 at 6:30 pm in the parking lot adjacent to the playground for a discussion of the Hulu series entitled Little Fires Everywhere hosted by Deacon Amy
• Sunday, July 26 at 6:30 pm in the parking lot adjacent to the playground for a tailgate supper hosted by Deacon Amy
• Tuesday, July 28 at 9:00 am on the playground for coffee hosted by Karen Craig
• Wednesday, July 29 at 9:00 am on the playground for coffee hosted by Deacon Mandi and Vicar Luke
Each event is limited to eight persons for the coffee gatherings or five cars for the tailgate suppers. Participants will wear masks and observe appropriate physical distance. Participants will bring their own coffee or picnic dinner. Please call the Church Office at 242-5702 or email Kay Cook at kmcook@trinitylutheran.ws or Karen Craig at kmcraig@trinitylutheran.ws to register to attend one of these small, in-person gatherings. Registration is essential and should be made two days prior to the event and include a cell number so that the Church Office can make contact if the event needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather. If you are comfortable attending a small, outdoor, in-person gathering, I hope that you will register for one of these events and come to spend a little time with members of our Trinity family.
My colleagues and I miss all of you and look forward to these opportunities to spend time with you. May the light of Christ shine brightly in and through you this day.
Peace, love, and joy,
Pastor Susan Crowell
June 16, 2020
The team unanimously approved a TLC Wedding Policy During COVID to provide guidelines under which small wedding celebrations may be conducted in the sanctuary, using strict COVID prevention methods (masks, distancing, sanitizing.) The team also discussed possible ways for the congregation to participate in new, safe fellowship opportunities (such as outdoors, or virtually) and will be helping to organize some of those in the near future.
June 9, 2020
The team met June 5 and, reviewing data on the recent increases in numbers of COVID-19 new cases and deaths in the upstate, agreed that it was not safe to begin in person worship as planned in July. The team will review SC DHEC published data by the 15th of each month and make a decision regarding in person worship for the following month. Several weddings are planned for later this year and it was decided that permitting those events in the sanctuary might be possible, with strict limits on the number of participants as well as careful COVID prevention steps. Guidelines for weddings will therefore be developed in the next week to be reviewed and voted upon at the June 12 meeting.
May 29, 2020
The Task Force reviewed recent data on COVID-19 incidence in S.C. and Greenville County, which indicates that the trigger for Phase 1 re-opening, a 14 day decline in cases, has not been met. There is much concern that premature re-opening, and lack of widespread public use of appropriate prevention precautions, will lead to a resurgence of the illness. However, in an abundance of hope and optimism, a subcommittee was formed to investigate the specific steps that would be needed for us to safely reopen to in-person worship in the gym later this summer. Precautions that would be needed for weddings in the sanctuary were discussed as well. Weddings may be allowed in the Sanctuary with significant adjustments such as greatly decreased size of the congregation.
May 21, 2020
Dear Members of the Trinity Family,
My colleagues and I are holding you close in our thoughts and prayers in this time of separation and isolation. While we are eager for the day when we can be together again, we realize that it will still be some time before we can safely gather at Trinity for corporate worship.
While some congregations in our community are returning to in-person worship in May and June, Trinity’s Transition Team composed of John Beckford, Kay Cook, Melissa Kolb, Richard Moose, Mike Parker, Donna Potts (Chair), Kerry Sease, Melanie Wessinger, and myself have determined that it is still too early and too risky to bring our community together again at Trinity. While we are following recommendations from DHEC and the CDC with regard to reopening, our intent is not to return to in-person worship at Trinity until we are confident that we can provide a better in-person experience than the experience that we can provide to our members at home via an online service. If we were to return to worship at Trinity in the very near future, there would be so many restrictions to include the loss of singing and responsive readings, no hugs, handshakes, or embraces, the mandatory use of masks, six feet of physical distance between individuals and families, no socializing before or after worship, and the likelihood that holy communion could not be a part of the service. Even with all these restrictions and guidelines, it would still be too risky for some of our members to attend.
Trinity’s Transition Team has made the wise and prudent decision to suspend all in-person activities at Trinity at least through the end of June. There is the remote possibility that some smaller groups and ministries may resume before the end of June but that will depend on the number of new cases of COVID-19 in the Greenville community and would also require the use of masks, physical distancing, as well as a protocol for sanitizing and disinfecting spaces. Until we are able to mitigate the risks of in-person worship and provide a worship experience that is meaningful, we will continue to worship via online services. Once we are prepared to manage the risks associated with returning to church, a live-stream service will continue to be provided for those who would be better served worshipping from home.
Since this time of isolation and separation will continue at least until the end of June, I am excited to share with you that our community of faith will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion from our homes on Pentecost Sunday, May 31. In spite of the obstacles to be overcome in order to reach this decision which include revisioning and reimagining our traditional understanding of this sacrament, it will be a joy to offer the benefits of Holy Communion to our community of faith. I recognize that some of you may not be comfortable celebrating communion from home and will prefer to wait until we can be together at Trinity while others are eager to experience this innovative way of receiving the sacrament. Both options are equally valid.
On Pentecost Sunday, May 31, during the worship service, the bread and wine will be consecrated at the altar, and in this consecration we will trust and believe that just as that blessing extends to the whole community when we are gathered physically together in the Sanctuary, that blessing will also extend to our whole community as we are gathered together in the spirit but separate and safe in our homes. Each of you is invited to create a small altar in your worship space at home that may include a candle, some wine, and a small piece of bread – enough to commune yourself or your whole family. If you would like to bake your own loaf of communion bread, the recipe that Trinity uses will be available on our website and via Facebook. Several folks in the congregation are already making small loaves of communion bread for each family to use. This bread along with a small candle can be picked up at the red canopy door on Saturday, May 30 from 11:30 to 12:15. These items will be placed on a table in the parking lot next to the door so that you can easily reach them without exiting your car. Pastor Parham, Vicar Luke, and I will be at the door in our masks to greet you but will be keeping an appropriate distance in order to protect us all. While it is certainly not necessary that you use these items, my colleagues and I think it will bring additional meaning to the sacrament knowing that all of us are lighting the same candle and using bread that was lovingly made by one of our members.
As Lutherans, we believe that the full benefit of Christ’s love, grace, and forgiveness is available to us in one element. Trinity will provide bread for you. You may include wine if that is available to you at home. It is perfectly acceptable for you to use your own candle as well as any kind of bread that you have at home. As you are worshipping via digital space on Pentecost Sunday, May 31 and after we pray the Lord’s Prayer together, you may share the sacrament with your family members by saying the words, “The body of Christ given for you,” and if the wine is available, you can share that with the words, “The blood of Christ shed for you.” If you live alone, you may say the words and consume the elements. While some of us will commune in family groups and others by themselves at home, no one is alone as we will all be gathered together as one family of God, simply communing from the safety of our homes.
My hope and prayer is that you will open your heart and mind to communing in this way in this time when it is not safe to be physically present together. Let us trust and believe that God, for whom nothing is impossible and who lives, moves, and has being in the past, present, and future in ways that we can not comprehend, will use this celebration of Holy Communion to bring us together in community and to offer grace, mercy, strength, forgiveness, and blessing to each of us.
As we are physically separated from one another, let us continue to accompany each other with words and deeds of love and kindness as we move through these days of challenge and difficulty. My love and prayers are with you.
Peace, love, and joy,
Pastor Susan Crowell
May 17th
The COVID-19 Transition Team held its second meeting May 15. The group agrees that, while we all yearn for a rapid return to in-person worship, we must ensure that it is as safe as possible; that the experience is positive for all; and that online worship be continued for those who choose to worship from home. Recent research has indicated an increased risk of coronavirus spread in congregational singing and responsive reading that must be taken into account. It is possible that worship in the gym would allow for appropriate distancing and sanitizing but the video capabilities will need to be enhanced to provide quality live video streaming. Worship will continue to be entirely online, and no other gatherings will occur at the church, at least through the month of June.
The CDC Reopening Guidelines can be viewed at this website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/reopen-guidance.html
For S.C. specific information, the DHEC website is: https://www.scdhec.gov/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
May 10th
A COVID-19 Transition Team has organized and held its first meeting via videoconference on Friday May 8th. The team consists of Donna Potts (chair), Melissa Kolb, Kerry Sease, John Beckford, Richard Moose, Melanie Wessinger, Mike Parker, Kay Cook and Pastor Crowell. The group will meet weekly to discuss new information from the CDC, SC DHEC, and government leaders as we consider the many aspects of deciding to re-open the church for worship, work and meetings. We welcome comments and questions, and will be posting regular updates here.