Worship Protocols

Dear Holy Trinity,

I am pleased to announce that masks are no longer required to be worn while gathering indoors. We are returning to our previous protocol where masks are OPTIONAL for fully vaccinated individuals and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for non-vaccinated individuals.

This change comes to us because of the current, record low, Covid-19 positivity rates in the State of Florida and Pinellas County. During the most recent Covid spike, our state saw a positivity rate as high as 20.6% (mid-August). According to the weekly reports published by the Florida Department of Health, the state’s Covid-19 positivity rate has been below 10% for the last 30 days and has been at or below 5% for the last two weeks, currently at 3.8%. As a means of comparison, the state was at a positivity rate of 16.1% (mid-July) BEFORE the Bishop’s recent mask mandate. In addition, Pinellas county has been at or below 5% positivity rate for the last two week, 5.2% and 3.7% respectively. The World Health Organization has set a benchmark of two consecutive weeks at or below 5% positivity rate, which would constitute a safe environment to reopen. Our county has met this requirement.

Even though the Bishop has yet to lift the diocesan wide mask mandate, he has given individual rectors, vicars, and priests-in-charge the authority to switch back to masks being “highly recommended” if the local environment deems it safe and appropriate. Because of the information cited above, I have decided that our area is safe enough to remove the masking requirement. The Bishop has requested that we continue to provide a designated space in our sanctuaries where people may continue to social distance AND be required to wear a mask. Therefore, our current seating designation for social distancing (North side of the sanctuary) will remain, and individuals who sit there are still required to wear masks. In addition, anyone working with children 12 years old or younger are required to wear masks while around these children.

Even though I am fully vaccinated, I plan on continuing to wear a mask during the distribution of Holy Communion. Additional changes to worship will be coming in the following weeks and months. The continental breakfast and fellowship will return as soon as the breakfast team is ready.

You may reach out to me directly if you have questions or concerns. May God continue to keep us all safe and help us move forward in the wonderful plans that await in our near future.

Blessings+

Rev. Daniel J. Lemley

Current Covid-19 Worship Protocols

The following are what to expect regarding Sunday Morning Worship:

• If you are not feeling well or are running a temperature over 100 degrees, please stay home until you are feeling better.
• If you test positive for Covid-19 or come into contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, please notify the church office as soon as possible.
• Individuals who are fully vaccinated, face coverings and social distancing are OPTIONAL
• Individuals who are not fully vaccinated people, face coverings and social distancing are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
• A section of seating will be designated for social-distancing. This is located on the North, side-section, of pews. Masks are REQUIRED to sit in this section of seating.
• During the Peace, please avoid physical contact (unless it is with someone within your family or household) and refrain from moving about the sanctuary.
• You may place your offering in the plate as you enter or leave the sanctuary. There will be no “offertory” until further notice.
• Per our Diocesan Covid-19 Protocols, the distribution of Holy Communion will be Bread only; the Common Cup (Wine) has been suspended until further notice.