Dear Members of the Trinity Church, Tariffville Community,
On the first Easter morning, the disciples discovered first hand the power of God confirming that Jesus was not only alive, but Lord. In a time when the pandemic is dominating our thoughts, it is important to remember that our lives are centered in Christ Jesus, who is good, who is alive and still Lord of all creation. After many hours of consultation about the impact of the virus and in consideration of our members, their extended families and friends and especially our neighbors, we have made the decision to exercise the greatest care about all of our gatherings. Our situation seems to change quickly, so we will continue to update you on changes as we move forward. First, we will not gather at the church for worship on Sunday starting this week, March 15. As I said last week in church, our perspective is always about our call to love one another, and to be especially attentive to the most vulnerable around us, "the least of these." After considering a variety of smaller worship settings, the best counsel at this time is not to risk passing the virus to someone who is vulnerable for greater, possibly fatal outcomes from an infection. However, we will continue to worship! A small skeleton crew will meet and live stream the service at a designated time so that we can be present to one another as we worship. Later today, you will receive instructions on how to join in and a copy of the service we use so you can actually participate. Trinity will worship together Sunday, as families gather at their home tables. Be open to how the Lord might be doing something very new! Check your email later this afternoon for the link, the instructions and the service. We will also be postponing all activities at the church until we feel it is safe. That includes services, small groups, Bible studies, and meetings. We will be working hard and quickly to find creative ways to facilitate groups through a variety of digital avenues that we will be sharing with you. Our Digital Ministry team is already developing access, and we will be sending instructions and video how to's. We need to remain a connected community. Today, we will be using the directory to create church neighborhoods- areas where members' homes are in close proximity. Each 'neighborhood' will have a person who will help facilitate pastoral care and communication. In that way, we can check in and help support one another - shop, encourage, pray, and provide practical support especially if someone is sick. During this time, the office staff will work at the church, but we would encourage you not to come to the church without making an appointment. I am available as before, and, as always, use my cell to contact me, 413-478-5367. Two requests. Please take care for yourself so that you can care for others. And, please pray. Pray for your neighbors, pray for our leaders, pray for those in the medical community who are about to be overwhelmed. Pray for those who are sick and those who are afraid. We are in a moment to moment adjustment right now. In history, it has been times like these where Christians have found ways to serve those who are struggling in a way that brought comfort and witnessed to the presence of Christ. We pray that we might be like them. Fr. Taylor Albright Click Here For A Video Message From Fr. Taylor
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