Trinity Worship - August 1, 2021

EDIT: Yesterday we experienced some major technical issues with audio during our live-stream broadcast of morning worship. We have identified the cause and are working to ensure it does not happen again. Please accept my apologies and know that I share the disappointment and frustration that so many in our community were unable to participate in worship as usual this week.

I was able to pull a backup recording of the service and enhance the audio in some portions of the service (sermon and communion). I want to extend my thanks to Tim Wootton, whose quick thinking and good instincts on the soundboard mitigated the situation and enabled us to have some portion of the service with salvageable audio. There is still a significant amount of background noise on the recording, but it is the best I could do. If you would like to watch this partial service (about 20 minutes in length) tap here to view the video.

In addition, I want to share with you a sermon from the Covenant Network of Presbyterian (of which Trinity is a member). They release monthly sermons, some of which we have used in the past. Tap here to watch their sermon for August 1, 2021. While I know it is not the same as worshiping with Trinity, I hope this is a good word for you this week.

—Original Post—

Today we continue our sermon series exploring the sixth chapter of John's gospel and its themes of God's sustaining love.  We are also celebrating the Lord's Supper during worship.  All those who wish to participate in-person are most welcome to do so, while our live stream broadcast will remain available as a permanent part of our worship ministry together.  However you take part in worship today, thank you for being part of the Trinity family!

Sunday Worship - 11:30am
There are two key ways to participate in worship today and in the coming weeks: Livestream Broadcast or In-Person Worship.  We want you to participate in the way that is best for you.

• If you are participating in worship via Live Broadcast: simply tap the link below to open the YouTube livestream at 11:30am. You can use the same link to watch worship later if you wish.
  Tap Here to Participate In Our Live Broadcast (Link Removed Intentionally)
  

• If you are participating in worship by joining us in-person at Trinity:please note the following procedures and adjustments to help make worship a safer environment for everyone:

  • Please do not arrive at Trinity before 11:15am; this will allow time for Brentwood members to exit the building.

  • Please use the West / Trinity doors if possible; this will minimize congestion near the Sanctuary. If you need to use the East / Sanctuary doors due to mobility issues please feel free to do so.

  • Please wear a mask while in the building and be mindful of physical distance.

  • We will not pass an offering plate during worship. There will be a no-contact option to drop donations before and after the service; we also offer secure, online giving options at https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/give

  • Hymnals, Psalters, and Bibles have been removed from the pews. We will have a bulletin, but our primary way of sharing in responsive reading will be via our screens. You are welcome to bring your personal Bible to read scripture during worship if you wish.

  • We ask those in the Sanctuary to hum or silently reflect on the words of our hymns and sung responses. We will have a musician lead songs from the lectern.

• For Communion: If you are worshiping via Live Broadcast and wish to partake in Communion, please have bread and cup ready prior to the service. Whatever you have in your home is good. For those attending in person, Here is the flow of serving:
  
  - The congregation will come up the side aisles.
  - The bread server will drop a pre-cut piece of bread into their hands.
  - The cup server will hold a serving tray with individual cups of juice; you will pick up a cup.
  - You will then return to their seats and partake individually.
  - Following the service the congregation will throw their cups away in a recycling container in the foyer.
  
  During the preparation and serving of the elements both preparers and servers will wear masks and gloves. The elements will remain covered between preparation and serving. Congregation members will be masked when receiving the elements, and will only briefly take off their masks to partake when back at their seat. Our goal has been to develop a communion flow that closely resembled our pre-pandemic pattern while also removing as many potential points of contact as possible.
  
  We know that not everyone may be comfortable partaking in communion in-person at this time, and that is ok. Please know that I support you in whatever decision you make; however you participate in worship and the sacrament, I am delighted you are part of the Trinity family.

Your participation in our financial life is what empowers our mission and ministry. You may give securely online, via text, or by sending a check by mail; details for our options are available here: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/give

Thank you for being part of the Trinity family!  If there are ways I can be a good support please don't hesitate to reach out.

Peace,
Pastor Chris