Remaining Connected During Social Distancing - March 23, 2020
As we all settle into new routines in this age of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic I wanted to share what we as a Trinity community are doing to remain connected with one another. I'll start by reminding you that just because we need to physically separated from one another it doesn't mean we need to be isolated from those who love and support us.
First, I'll be hosting two opportunities in the coming days to join with other Trinity members via Zoom for conversation and study. Zoom is a tool that allows for audio and video group conferencing, and whether you are technically savvy (or not) it is easy to use. At the bottom of the email is a basic "how-to" guide to using Zoom, whether from a computer, smartphone, tablet, or standard phone. For both Zoom calls I will be online 10 minutes prior to the gathering to provide tech support.
Coffee & Conversation - Tuesday from 2pm to 3pm
Join me for a time of conversation and checking in at our virtual coffee shop. We will gather via Zoom (from the comfort of our own home) to chat and check in with one another. Bring your questions, prayer concerns, and more!
Join by computer/smartphone/tablet at this link: https://zoom.us/j/609200160?pwd=OWRxKzJVU3M1SUdGRlFQNUR5ekdrUT09
Join by phone by calling +1 312 626 6799 and entering, when prompted:
Meeting ID: 609 200 160
Password: 022132
Lent Book Study - Thursday from 4pm to 5pm
After a week off, we will resume our Lent Book Study on Walter Brueggemann's book Sabbath as Resistance. Quite appropriate in a time of enforced sabbath for many of us. We will be discussing Chapter 4: Resistance to Exclusivism. NOTE: If you haven't attended the study in the past, don't worry! We would love for you to join us for the conversation.
Join by computer/smartphone/tablet at this link: https://zoom.us/j/265834033?pwd=OHFKcXZMaENtbDkrenFIdmlkYUVOUT09
Join by phone by calling +1 312 626 6799 and entering, when prompted:
Meeting ID: 265 834 033
Password: 087499
Other Ways We Are Connecting
Here are a few of the other ways we are helping connect our community in these days:
Our Deacons and Elders are making phone calls to all Trinity households and families. Our goal is to have a member of Trinity leadership contact each household at least every two - three weeks for the duration of the pandemic. Please share any needs you have and they will get passed on to the right team.
We have organized a Trinity Volunteer Team to help our members who need to remain in their home. If you would be willing to pick up groceries, deliver a carryout meal from a restaurant, or help in other small ways, please contact Sharon Marsh or Penni Groves and they will pair you with needs as we learn of them. If you could use the help of a volunteer reach out to Penni or Sharon and they will make the arrangements.
Many of our members are connecting with their friends via phone calls or the Trinity Facebook group. Please consider making a phone call every day to a friend at Trinity to check in. We also have a private Trinity Facebook group where you can share prayer concerns, needs, favorite hymns, or a good joke. If you need help with the Facebook Group, reach out to Debbie Cron.
If you need contact information for someone, contact June in the office. While she is working from home, June can still help you with contact information if you want to reach out to someone. Her email is office@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org.
If you have a pressing pastoral care concern, please call me. I am available to talk by phone or private Zoom call; I know these are hard times for lots of us. You don't have to carry the weight alone!
We will be sharing more in the coming days about how we can help our broader community, especially our mission partners both locally and more broadly. In the meantime, the best thing you can do to help is this:
Pray. Pray for all those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, whether in their physical, emotional, or economic health. Pray for those on the frontlines of caring for others in healthcare settings. Pray for those who are working long hours to keep stores stocked as much as possible, and for those who cannot work in these times. Pray for the church, that we might be a witness to Christ in these days of fear and confusion.
Stay Home. Seriously, if at all possible, please minimize your contact with others as much as possible. The best way to protect our community is to slow the spread of the virus. Even if you feel well you can still spread the virus, so if you can stay home, please do. There are lots of past sermons on our YouTube channel if you need a way to spend the time...
I hope you'll be able to take part in one or both of our Zoom calls later this week; instructions are below. I hope you and yours are staying well in these strange days - if I can help please let me know (you can just reply to this email). Until next time,
Peace,
Pastor Chris
Trinity Presbyterian
Using Zoom
Zoom is tool for holding virtual gatherings. You can join one of two ways:
Via the internet on your computer, smartphone, or tablet OR
Via a standard telephone.
To join via the internet, simply click on the link for the meeting (you can find them above) and follow the prompts.
If you have a device with a camera and microphone you can join with both video and audio, or you can just use your device to watch other's video and use your phone for audio. Select which option when the meeting starts - you will be asked to either "join via computer audio" or "join via phone audio" - choose one and then follow the prompts. Please do NOT join from your computer and then also call in to the number listed above; this will have you join as two people and can sometimes cause a strange echo sound on the call. If you need/want to use your phone for the audio, select the "join by phone audio" when you start the meeting and follow the prompts.
If you are joining from a smartphone or tablet you will need to install the Zoom app, which you can from this link: https://www.zoom.us/download
To join via a standard phone, call the number listed for the meeting (I recommend a cell phone or line with unlimited long distance, as the numbers are NOT local or toll-free), and when prompted enter the meeting ID and then when prompted the password. You will then be able to hear the audio of the meeting.
If it is your first time doing a Zoom gathering I recommend joining the call about 5-10 minutes early to iron out any tech issues. If you have any questions just let me know - I'm happy to help!
