COVID-19 Update

Yes, we are open for In-Person Worship!

​Session, upon guidance from the Congregation's COVID-19 Response Task Force,
is monitoring recommendations and restrictions made by the Ontario Government and ​Toronto Public Health.

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

1. Masks are to be worn in congregant settings throughout the building
2. Fellowship after church will continue as is, meaning it will not yet return to the North Hall for a formal time of fellowship and refreshment
3. Church School, including nursery, will not return until further notice. Church School will continue to be offered virtually on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Changes and No Changes on the Horizon: In-Person and Virtual

As Trinity slowly and carefully eases away from its many pandemic restrictions, the Session - who sets the time and place of worship - upon advisement of the COVID-19 Response Task Force, share:

1. Masks will continue to be worn in congregant settings throughout the building
2. Effective Sunday, April 13, 2022, Sunday morning worship at 10:30 am will be more, as it once was, namely inclusive of: greater opportunities to sing; a children's story; and closer to an hour in length
3. Fellowship after church will continue as is, meaning it will not yet return to the North Hall for a formal time of fellowship and refreshment
4. Church School, including nursery, will not return until further notice. Church School will continue to be offered virtually on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm; all being well, will return May 1, 2022
5. The final Good Sunday Morning, episode 40, will be released March 27, 2022 at 6:00 am. Good Sunday Morning began July 2021, following 107 episodes of Ministry Moment. Each of these virtual ministries enabled the congregation to be together, though apart. We are grateful to have had them, as we are to all who made them come to life and watched them
6. The Glorious Gospel Half-Hour will no longer be offered.

Monday, March 7th, 2022

Heavenly Father, thank you for being with us as we journeyed through the pandemic these past two years. We sought your guidance each step of the way and you never let us down. We thank you Lord, that the number of COVID cases and hospitalizations are now becoming fewer and fewer each day and, because of this, we can meet tonight to discuss the reopening procedures of your church. Grant us the wisdom to make informed, safe decisions for our congregation, staff, tenants and all who come through our doors.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen
 
Lord, thank you for being here with us tonight and may our decisions be pleasing to you. Be with us as we now implement these decisions, always keeping the best interests of your people in mind. It has been a difficult time for so many, Lord, with health, relationship and financial concerns. Please comfort all who are grieving the loss of a loved one, a job, a business or perhaps a friendship and help us to be there for those we know who are suffering. Lord, we also pray for the people of Ukraine that you will keep them safe and heal their land. We thank you that in every situation you are actively working among us even when things seem to be their bleakest. We ask that the people of Ukraine will know peace on earth and your unwavering peace in their hearts.     
Amen 

Wednesday, January 5th, 2022

Heavenly Father,
​
We pray for your love and compassion to surround us as we continue to travel through these uncertain times. 
As we are challenged daily with dire reports of increasing numbers of people with the virus, business and school closures and overwhelmed hospitals, please grant us the strength, energy and hope we need to face it all.
Bless those who are working so hard to keep us safe and to provide for our everyday needs. May they know how grateful we are for their sacrifices.

Be with our children and teachers who are once again working from home and with their parents who are frustrated and oh so tired of this online learning. May there be an end to it very soon. 

Thank you, Lord for always being there to calm our troubled minds and to curb our anxious thoughts. 
As we gather together tonight to discuss the work of your church, please grant us the ability to speak our minds, the patience to consider everyone’s point of view and the wisdom to make the best decisions possible for our congregation. 

We ask this in the name of your son, Jesus. 
Amen.

For up-to-date information regarding COVID-19, please consider subscribing to our newsletter below.

2021

Friday, December 24th, 2021

Prayers in preparation for Christmas Worship

Heavenly Father, thank you for being with us tonight. 
In this beautiful season of Christmas, it’s so very hard to be getting together once again to discuss the impact of the COVID 19 virus on our lives. Lord, you have been with us throughout the past 21 months, helping us to make the difficult decisions concerning the safety of our congregation. You were there when we put all of our protocols in place and each one has proven to be the right thing to do. Now, as a new strain of the virus affects more and more people every day, we ask that you will be with us once more as we discuss our worship services going forward. Thank you for your steadfast love for us Lord and grant us the wisdom necessary to make good choices. 
In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.

Lord, thank you for being with us tonight and for all that we have accomplished. May our decisions be pleasing to you. Be with all who are hurting in any way, Lord. May they have the support of loved ones however that may be at this time and may they know your healing hand upon them. Bless our families, friends and congregation as we continue through this pandemic and bless all who are working so hard to keep us safe. We also ask that you bless those in our own church family who are working so diligently for us. Bless, Kirk, Melvin and Michael for all that they do to keep us connected to each other and most especially to you through your word. Thank you for each member of our congregation and the way they care for each other. Encourage us to stay in touch throughout the pandemic and always and please be with us as we continue to care for your church and its people. We ask this in the name of your son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.  Amen.

Friday, November 26th, 2021

Hi Everyone,

It is my pleasure to announce that starting this Sunday, November 28th, we will once again be able to gather in the North Hall for fellowship after our 10:30 service. We will still have to socially distance and wear masks but it will be great to chat with each other and get caught up. Unfortunately, there are just too many things to consider in order to have refreshments right now but the Task Force will meet early in the new year to see if we can somehow find a way to make that happen as well. 

After the service we would ask that anyone not staying continue to go out the usual way through the double doors in the narthex to the parking lot. For those going to the North Hall, please exit the sanctuary through the back doors, turn right, walk the length of the narthex, through the double doors into the Centre Court area, continue straight through the double doors into the Atrium area and then left down the hallway to the North Hall. When you are ready to leave the North Hall, please use the back west door out to the covered walkway and parking lot. 

Our minister, Kirk Summers, will come to the North Hall after he has said good-bye to those leaving right after the service. 

Thank you all so much for continuing to follow all of our guidelines and protocols so diligently. Hopefully we will soon see the end of this difficult time. 

Diane Wells 
Convener, Covid-19 Response Task Force

Updated Covid-19 Reopening Policies - November 24th, 2021

Friday, July 2nd, 2021

​Hi Everyone,

Like me, I’m sure many of you are very much looking forward to returning to in-person worship on July 11th! 

There are just a few changes to our original Task Force Policy drafted more than a year ago. The entire Policy can be found below and on our website. Here are some of the main points:

• You do not have to register online to attend worship.
• Your name and phone number will requested when you arrive at church.
• Wear a mask. 
• Enter through the Arcade Doors.
• Enter the sanctuary through the side door in the Doig Hallway. 
• Sit 6 feet (2 metres) apart.
• Leave the sanctuary through the main centre aisle doors.

​There will be an Order of Service available from the greeter as you enter the sanctuary. There will be no printed matter in the pew racks, so please bring your own Bible if you wish. 

After the service, weather permitting, there will be a short time of fellowship with refreshments on the patio. 

We may still be seated further apart than usual, but we are still together as one to worship God! 

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Diane Wells 
Convener, Covid 19 Response Task Force 

Latest Covid-19 Reopening Policy

Friday, June 25th, 2021

Hi Everyone,

We’re back! In person worship resumes Sunday, July 11th – 10:30 am!

Simple Summer Worship: Prayer. Praise. Proclamation - through till September 12th. 45 minutes long, with a brief socially distanced patio time together afterward. All pandemic protocols in place. We’re back! Celebrating that we never left! After 107 episodes, I will be so sad to say goodbye to Ministry Moment, and so happy to – be back! I hope you feel the same. 

All being well, most of us will now feel or soon feel comfortable making our way to our church home on Sunday mornings. Miss you. Also, a brief five-minute ‘Good Sunday Morning’ devotional will be released every Sunday at 6 am on our website, and on our Instagram and Facebook pages, and, the sermon and closing prayer will be released as an audio recording by 3 pm every Monday on the same social media platforms. 

It’s been a long journey and we are immeasurably thankful, because of the vaccines, its end is on the horizon. We’ll be smart, we’ll be careful, we’ll be respectful, …we’ll be back! Thank you for sharing the journey. We are meant to be together and we have been able to virtually do that. Now, we can again be one in worship in the sanctuary of our church home. Really looking forward to being there with you.

In faith, hope and love,
Kirk Summers

Friday, June 18th, 2021

​At it’s June meeting, Session appointed Diane Wells as the new chair of the COVID-19 Response Task Force. Diane will take over from Linda Herron who had faithfully served as convener since the Task Foree began some 16 months ago. Linda stepped down in light of her new responsibilities as the new Clerk of Session. Thanks Linda and Diane! 

---

​Hello Everyone, 

Due to the latest COVID-19 guidelines for worship set out by the Provincial Government, the COVID-19 Response Task Force presented a recommendation to Session on Wednesday evening, regarding Trinity’s return to in-person worship. 

It is a pleasure to announce that the recommendation passed and Trinity will return to in-person worship on Sunday, July 11th 10:30 am There will be more information coming in the next few weeks. 

Going back to in-person worship will mean the end of Ministry Moment. The final Ministry Moment, #107, will be released on Sunday, July 4th at 6 am. 

Diane Wells
Chair, COVID-19 Response Task Force

Friday, April 9th, 2021

Hello Everyone,

As of April 8th, the Provincial Government issued a Stay at Home Order in effect until May 6th. In-person worship will continue to be suspended at Trinity.

The Task Force will meet again on May 10th to review the suspension taking all the relevant factors and public health guidance into account.

May you and your families all be safe and well.

Linda Herron
Chair, COVID-19 Response Task Force

Friday, March 5th, 2021

Hi Everyone,

The City of Toronto moves into the Grey Zone as of Monday, March 8th. Places of worship are limited to gatherings of ten people maximum. This present order is in place until March 22nd. Our in person worship, remains suspended, as we await further directives.

​The Task Force continues to meet regularly. The church building is in good care. It is accessed only for necessary purposes. As always, feel free to contact the Church Manager, Melvin Suwarno, if you need to get in the building. A visit to the website at mytrinity.ca gives contact information.

Thank you for your support and understanding.
I hope you are doing well in these difficult times.

Linda Herron
Chair, COVID-19 Response Task Force

Friday, February 5th, 2021

The Province of Ontario remains under a Stay at Home Order as together we deal with the coronavirus. In addition, the Government regulation regarding places of worship limits worship gatherings to ten people maximum. This present order is in place until February 19th. Our in person worship, therefore, remains suspended to Sunday, February 21st, as we await further directives. 
​
The Task Force continues to meet regularly. The next meeting is scheduled for February 22nd. The church building is in good care. It is accessed only for necessary purposes. As always, feel free to contact the Church Manager, Melvin Suwarno, if you need to get in the building. A visit to the website at mytrinity.ca gives contact information.

Thank you for your support and understanding.
I hope you are doing well in these difficult times.

Linda Herron
Chair, COVID-19 Response Task Force

Friday, January 15, 2021

​Effective January 14th, 2021 the Province of Ontario is under a Stay at Home Order for at least 28 days until February 11th. The regulation regarding places of worship has not changed. Places of worship as still restricted to 10 people maximum but on top of that there is an order for people to stay at home. Therefore in person worship will be suspended up to and including Sunday, February 14th. The Task Force will be meeting on January 25th to, once again, review the situation. The church building will remain open for necessary purposes.

Linda Herron
Chair, COVID-19 Response Task Force

Friday, January 1, 2021

​Effective December 21st the Provincial Government placed all of Ontario in lockdown for 28 days. This means that places of worship are still restricted to 10 people maximum. Therefore, in person worship will be suspended up to and including Sunday January 24th. The Task Force will be meeting again on Monday January 25th to review the situation. The church building will remain open for all other church purposes, including the Montessori School, our tenant congregations and to facilitate the ongoing virtual ministry, support and care for our congregation.

2020

December 21st
Suspension of Worship

Dear People of Trinity, Neighbours and Friends

Regretfully, in-person, on-site worship remains suspended.

• December 24 Christmas Eve
• December 27
• January 3, 10, 17 and 24

A warm invitation to watch Ministry Moment – released 
Christmas Eve at 3 pm, Christmas Day at 6 am and every Sunday at 6 am.

• Website
• You Tube
• Facebook
• Instagram

Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 
Psalm 103:2

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. 
The Lord be with you all. 
2 Thessalonians 3:16

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 
Hebrews 10:23

​Prayer for December 21, 2020 Covid 19 Task Force Meeting

Let us pray,
Dear and gracious God,
Thank you for bringing us together again tonight so that we may do your good work to keep your flock safe. 
Hear us as we pray for this meeting; may we make sound and thoughtful decisions. 

As the virus numbers continue to grow give the public health and government leaders wisdom to deal with it and bring it back under control. 
Help us discern the best course of action for our church and its members at this time.

Help us, O God,
that we might help each other.

We pray for those stricken with the virus and those that care so diligently for them. We pray for the public health workers in Canada and throughout the world. 

We pray,
for safety,
for health,
for wholeness, particularly throughout the season of Christmas.
​
We lift up to you the leaders and other members and adherents of Trinity Church; keep them safe and well all the days through.
In Jesus name we pray,

Amen

Trinity Presbyterian Church Reopening Policies 

Please click on the link below to read on our updated Reopening Policies 

Read Here

Friday, November 20th

Hello Trinity Friends,

I hope that you are all keeping safe and well during this extraordinary time.

I’m speaking to you today as both the Chair of the Covid-19 Response Task Force and as an elder of Session.

I wanted to update you on in person worship at Trinity.

Following its meeting on Monday evening, the Task Force recommended to Session Tuesday evening, that Trinity suspend it’s in person worship for four Sundays, hopefully resuming on Sunday December 20th. The suspension will be reviewed by the Task Force on Monday December 14th taking into account the pandemic situation and public health guidance at the time. The building will remain open for all other purposes, including the Montessori School, our tenant congregations and to facilitate the ongoing virtual ministry, support and care of our congregation.

After a lengthy discussion, Session approved the recommendation or just,  Session approved the recommendation.

This very difficult decision was not taken lightly. While many of us have enjoyed the opportunity to attend in person worship the past two months, we must be mindful that the Covid 19 case numbers have greatly increased in recent weeks and Toronto Public Health is strongly recommending that places of worship conduct their services virtually to reduce exposure to the virus. In addition, both the provincial and city government officials and public health authorities are also recommending that people stay home except for school, work, medical appointments and shopping. 

The Task Force has been following Toronto Public Health Guidance for Places of Worship throughout our decision making since June.  While we at Trinity have a very safe and well thought out protocol to conduct in person worship, we believe that given all the circumstances, it is best for the health and safety of our flock to suspend in person worship for this four week period beginning this Sunday November 22nd. We hope and pray that in a month’s time the increases can be brought back under control and we can gather together again. Be assured that the building will remain open to facilitate the wonderful ongoing virtual ministry efforts and for the support and care of our congregation.

Regular communication through the website, by email, Facebook and phone call will occur with you Please call and contact any member of Session, including the minister, if you wish. 

Throughout these days of great uncertainly and concern, we have each other and above all we have our faith in God to uplift and sustain us.

Stay safe and well,
Linda Herron
Chair, Covid-19 Response Task Force and Session Elder

Friday, October 2nd

Dear Trinity Family,
​
Worshiping together continues to go smoothly for those of us able to return to in person services at Trinity. We have had 52, 52 and 46 people in attendance for each of the services. The new protocols are working as we had planned. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me or any of your Trinity friends that may have been in church the past two weeks. 

I know that some of you may not wish to return to in-person worship at this time and hope that you will continue to enjoy the alternate forms of worship found online twice a week, along with the Trinity News you are reading today.

As the Covid case numbers have continued to climb we want you to know that the Task Force will monitor the situation and Trinity leadership will continue to follow the health and safety protocols in place and be aware of any new restrictions enacted for places of worship. 

---

Here is the prayer I offered at the opening of our Task Force meeting on Monday evening.

Dear and gracious God,

Thank you for bringing us together again tonight so that we may do your good work gathering your flock so we can pray and worship as one.  
Hear us as we pray for this meeting and for the ultimate purpose of our work here tonight…the continuing of our services together again. 
Thank you God for the in person worship services we have experienced the past three weeks. Thank you for the joy we felt being together again in your house. 

As the virus numbers continue to grow give the public health and government leaders wisdom to deal with it and keep it under control. 
Let our work continue smoothly as we consider the next steps in this journey.

Help us, O God,

that we might help each other.
We pray
for safety,
for health,
for wholeness.

We lift up to you the leaders and other members and adherents of Trinity Church; keep them safe and well all the days through.
In Jesus name we pray,

Amen
​
Take care,
Linda Herron
Chair, Reopening Task Force

---

Loving God,

We come before you thankful that we the reopening taskforce were able to meet again under such capable and selfless leadership. Happy that we were able to worship in the Sanctuary for three Sundays after such a long absence. Hopeful that we can remain open in the short term.

Please be forever close as we together with everyone around the world as passing through volatile, upended and uncertain times and are now seeing a resurgence of COVID-19 case infections.

Continue to guide us as we leave this meeting.

Ever your humble servants

Amen

Friday, September 25th

Dear Trinity Family,

The first two Sundays have gone very well for those who have returned to in-person worship at Trinity. The new protocols are working as we had planned and we are doing our best to keep everyone safe and comfortable. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me or any of your Trinity friends that may have been in church the past two weeks. 

​I know that some of you may not wish to return to in-person worship at this time and hope that you will continue to enjoy the alternate forms of worship found online twice a week. 

I’m sure that you have all heard about the reduction in numbers for social gatherings last week to 10 inside and 25 outside. Be assured that these changes do not impact our ability to worship together in the sanctuary or to gather on the patio for a physically distanced visit after the service.

We are excited to be back and please know that behind the masks there are smiling faces all around you!

Take care, 

Linda Herron
Chair, Reopening Task Force

Friday, September 18th

Dear Trinity Family,

On behalf of the Reopening Task Force I was delighted to welcome you all back to worship in our sanctuary last week. Last Sunday was our first day back and it went really well. We had 52 people in attendance at worship! If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me or any of your Trinity friends that may have been in church.

​I know that some of you may not wish to return to in-person worship at this time and hope that you will continue to enjoy the alternate forms of worship found online twice a week. 

I hope by now you have had a chance to review either the full Reopening Policy found on Trinity’s website or the highlights of the Policy which appeared in the recent Trinity News editions. The YouTube video is another way to get a feel for what to expect and it can be found on the website too. The Task Force has worked diligently this summer to plan for a safe and comfortable return to our church building.

You must register online or by calling the church office to let us know that you are coming on Sunday. You can do this until 9 am on Sunday morning. Upon arrival please have your mask on and enter through the Arcade doors. After you have sanitized your hands and checked in at the registration desk our greeting elders will help you find your way to a seat in the sanctuary. While we will be seated further apart than we are used to, we will be together as one as we worship God. As we are currently keeping the pew backs empty please bring your bible with you if you wish.

We are excited to be back and please know that behind the masks there are smiling faces all around you!

Take care, 

Linda Herron
Chair, Reopening Task Force

Friday, September 11th

Dear Trinity Family,

On behalf of the Reopening Task Force I want to welcome you all back to worship in our sanctuary this Sunday September 13th. It has been a long road getting here but we made it and will have the joyful opportunity to worship together again at Trinity. I know that some of you may not wish to return to in-person worship at this time and hope that you will continue to enjoy the alternate forms of worship found online twice a week. 

​I hope by now you have had a chance to review either the full Reopening Policy found on Trinity’s website or the highlights of the Policy which appeared in the past two Trinity News editions. The YouTube video is another way to get a feel for what to expect and it can be found on the website too. The Task Force has worked diligently this summer to plan for a safe and comfortable return to our church building.

If you have not already done so, please register online or by calling the church office to let us know that you are coming on Sunday. You can do this until 9 am on Sunday morning. Upon arrival please have your mask on and enter through the Arcade doors. After you have sanitized your hands and checked in at the registration desk our greeters will help you find your way to a seat in the sanctuary. While we will be seated further apart than we are used to, we will be together as one as we worship God.

We are excited about Sunday and please know that behind the masks there are smiling faces all around you!


Take care, 

Linda Herron
Chair, Reopening Task Force

Friday, August 28th

Dear People of Trinity,

It has been a long six months as we have journeyed together through the season of the virus. I hope you have enjoyed the twice weekly Ministry Moments and Friday Trinity News. They have been wonderful, creative and enjoyable ways for us to worship together yet apart but now we have the opportunity to worship together again as one. We know that not everyone will feel comfortable attending worship in person. We will be offering an alternate form of worship on Sundays in addition to in person worship.

After many meetings and research into the best way to reopen for worship, following all the Toronto Public Health Guidelines for Worship, we are now ready to share with you our new policies on attending worship and use of our building. We ask for your cooperation and patience as we do our very best to safely welcome our congregation back to our church home.

As you may imagine the Reopening Policy document is a lengthy one so I will now share with you the highlights to give you an understanding of what to expect on September 13th. The policy document can be found at Trinity’s website via the link below. We will also be sharing a short video to further inform you and answer any questions you might have about returning to our church for worship.

Here are the highlights of the new Reopening Policy. Everyone must register online, or by calling the office, by 9 am Sunday morning to attend worship. You can still just show up but there may not be room within the required reduced capacity of the sanctuary. Everyone must self-assess their health; wear a mask; enter by the Arcade Door; physical distance; get checked off at the registration desk in the Centre Court and proceed down the Doig Hallway to the entrance to the sanctuary where two greeters will assist you with seating. There will be a collection plate outside this entrance.

We will be seated in every other pew. Households may sit together but six feet apart from others. Seating will be staggered in patterns to promote physical distancing. Children must remain with their parents in the sanctuary. There will be virtual Sunday school later this fall. All materials have been removed from the pews. We will exit from the sanctuary starting by backrows first and out to the parking lot via the main doors. Greeters will help direct people in the right direction upon arrival and departure. There are signs and floor markings to assist with social distancing and there will be hand sanitizer located in several convenient places throughout the church. 

I hope that this gives you a high level view of what to expect. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me and be sure watch for the video coming soon.

I want to thank the members of the Reopening Task Force for their diligent work this summer in bringing this all together: James Waddell, Diane Wells, Terrie-Lee Hamilton, Rania Moughabghab, Tom Cleary, Cathy Lemieux, Mark Boucher, Kirk Summers and Melvin Suwarno.

Take care,

Linda Herron
Chair, Reopening Task Force

Friday, August 14th

I hope that you are enjoying the lovely August weather and that all our Trinity family is keeping well.

September 13th is fast approaching and we on the Reopening Task Force are looking forward to this exciting time in the life of the Trinity York Mills’ congregation. We are preparing for this day with new procedures for attendance at worship and use of our building. We will be sharing these new procedures with you in the coming weeks. We have followed the Covid-19 Guidelines set out by Toronto Public Health for places of worship to ensure we can gather safely again for worship.

The new procedures include special signage, physical distancing floor markers and reminders, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting and greeters to help us take our seats in the sanctuary. We will also be sharing a short video to show you what returning to worship will look like. We hope that this video and the procedures we will share will reassure you and answer any questions you might have about what returning to our church for worship will be like. We are so looking forward to gathering together again to worship as one.

Take care, be well and see you in a month!

​Linda Herron
Chair, Reopening Task Force

Friday, July 24th 

​I hope you are all keeping safe and well.

As Chair of the Reopening Task Force I wanted to keep you up to date on our activities.

As you know Session approved the striking of a Reopening Task Force. The Terms of Reference of the Task Force are as follows:
The Reopening Task Force was approved by Session on Tuesday June 16th, 2020 to immediately begin work on reopening logistics and communication with a view to opening the facility after Labour Day and, mindful things may change, resuming worship in the sanctuary and all other matters related to the on-site life, work and witness of the congregation, exclusive of the care of the facilities and grounds and basic employee operations, on Sunday September 13, 2020.

The Task Force has now met three times via video conference call, with another call planned for Monday. On two occasions a few of us have met at the church to consider traffic flow and signage needs (all of us wearing masks and physical distancing of course!) and we had our first trial run through of live streaming this week. There will be another live streaming run through next week. Diane, Melvin and Michael met at the church to discuss how we will enjoy music, the choir and the Trinity House Band safely and following public health guidelines. We are reaching out to the various ministries to see how they can best function within our current restrictions.

Each time we meet we continue to consider and develop appropriate rules and protocols which will permit us to worship together again in a safe and healthy way. We want to reassure you that we will be following all provincial and local public heath requirements. In addition, Melvin is speaking with each of our tenants and keeping them up to date on our plans which will help them plan for their return to our building in September. While we authorized Montessori to commence operating their school again in late June they plan to reopen in September.

Over the next six weeks we will continue these efforts and we will communicate our progress to keep you well informed. We plan on providing a short video to the congregation prior to our reopening to give you all a good idea of what returning to worship in the sanctuary will look like. I am excited for that day to arrive!

---

I thought I would share with you the prayer I offered at the July 13th Reopening Task Force Meeting:

Dear and gracious God,
Thank you for bringing us together again tonight so that we may do your good work to gather your flock in the fall so we can pray and worship as one.  
Hear us as we pray for this meeting and for the ultimate purpose of our work here tonight... the reopening of our building and resumption of our services together again. 
Lord, when information comes from all sides, correct and not, help us to discern;
help us to reach out with our hearts, when we can't touch with our hands;
help us to be socially connected, when we have to be socially distant;
For the doctors, we pray,
for the nurses, we pray,
for the technicians and the janitors and the
aides and the caregivers, we pray,
for the researchers and theorists,
the epidemiologists and investigators,
for those who are sick,
and those who are grieving, we pray,
for all who are affected,
all around the world...
we pray for safety, for health, for wholeness.
We lift up to you the leaders and other members and adherents of Trinity Church, keep them safe and well all the days through.

In Jesus name we pray,

Amen

Blessings,
Linda Herron
Chair, Reopening Task Force

​Prayer for June 23 2020 Reopening Task Force Meeting

​The following prayer was offered by the chair of the reopening Task Force at its inaugural meeting at June 23rd. 

Let us pray,

Dear and gracious God,

Thank you for bringing us together tonight so that we may determine the best way forward to bring your flock at Trinity back together in the fall. While we have managed well to stay connected in so many ways, we do long for the time when we will be together again in our sanctuary; when we can pray and worship as one.  

Accept our thanksgiving for all the varied and unusual times of the past several months that your flock has survived this unrelenting virus; take our lives afresh into your keeping as we face the future; and fit us by your grace for whatever lies before us in the days to come.

Hear us as we pray for this meeting and for the ultimate purpose of our work here tonight…the reopening of our building and resumption of our services together again.

We lift up to you churches and their leaders faced with the challenges of social distancing: God, help them and us to creatively imagine how to shepherd their and our congregants during these changing times.

We lift up to you the members and adherents of Trinity Church, keep them safe and well all the days through.
​
In Jesus name we pray,

Amen

Wednesday, June 17th 

​Mindful that things may change, Trinity to reopen after Labour Day

Dear Trinity members,

In order to reduce the spread of the coronavirus three months ago, Trinity’s Session made the difficult but necessary decision to suspend all worship and other activities within our church building. It was Session’s pastoral duty to ensure its flock was safe.

Since then, great efforts have been made to keep the Trinity family connected through twice a week video Ministry Moments, Friday Trinity News emails, a virtual Spring Tea and many Zoom calls, phone calls, emails and cards.

On June 8th, 2020, the Ontario government announced they would permit churches to reopen in June at 30% capacity and permit day cares to reopen in June if they comply with applicable regulations. Shortly after this announcement, the Montessori School that rents space in our building submitted a request to reopen on June 22nd, 2020, along with a very detailed plan on how they would operate in compliance with applicable Provincial and Municipal regulations.

After much consideration and consultation with the Operations and other ministries, Session has determined that worship in the Sanctuary and all other matters related to the on-site life, work and witness of the congregation will commence at the earliest on Sunday, September 13th, 2020. These matters will be exclusive of the care of facilities and grounds and basic employee operations. The decision to reopen in September was taken for several reasons: Trinity essentially exists as two entities - congregation and a community centre. In addition to the Montessori School we have three other congregations and an Alcoholics Anonymous group that share our building. Session has determined that these other tenants will not be permitted to resume use of the building until at the earliest September 13th. Preparing the building for reopening for worship by Trinity and our tenant congregations will require a significant amount of effort to develop appropriate rules and protocols and the planning process has now commenced. The Session has struck a Reopening Task Force to work on reopening logistics and communications with a view to opening the building after Labour Day.

We are responsible for the cleaning of the building for these other tenant congregations and we need to ensure the proper procedures are in place before we can allow entry to the building. These procedures will include communication to all building users, rules for building use, signage, training for users of the building, enforcement and third party vendor access. 

The Operations Ministry, with Session’s approval, will permit the Montessori School to begin operating on June 22nd, 2020. The School has already provided a very detailed set of policies and procedures which follow the guidelines of the various Government Ministries to which they are accountable. They use only a portion of our building; they do all their own cleaning and garbage removal; they have been a very responsible tenant; and, we look forward to a long term relationship with them. They also provide an important service to children and families as individuals are heading back to the workplace.

The model we have known for ministry and congregational life since our time of isolation and distancing began will continue throughout the summer months as we continue to be Christ's Church in the best and safest way we can. 

We know that the past few months have been a difficult time for everyone. We long to see and greet each other in person and wish we could be worshiping God together again. However, the safety of our flock is our highest responsibility and it is an act of pastoral care that we take the necessary steps to ensure that we can all gather in a safe and healthy way before we worship together again in our sanctuary.

Sincerely,


Linda Herron
Chair, Reopening Task Force

Friday, June 12th

Restrictions for Churches

This week the provincial government changed, with conditions, some of the restrictions placed upon churches in March because of the coronavirus. Session will be meeting this coming Tuesday to consider these matters further.

Friday, May 8th

​Dear People of Trinity,

Session remains active as together we work through the effects of the coronavirus. Session responded by switching to virtual meetings, by video conference or calling in, and has met four times since the lockdown began on March 18th. Our five new elders have joined our meetings, although they can't be formally ordained until we can worship together again. We are seeking to stay in touch with you, while also focusing on pressing matters relating to our employees, our facilities and grounds and our finances. As shared earlier with the congregation, five of our eight employee positions have either been ended or placed on extended leave, while ministry and operational expenses have been reduced to as close to zero as possible. The Session's next regular meeting is Tuesday, May 19th, at which time we will review our economic sustainability plan, mindful of a loss of almost 50% in income, and our recovery plan for when Trinity returns to its ‘new normal.’ Thank you for your prayers and your continued offerings during these difficult times. Please feel free to be in touch with any member of Session. Thank you.

Friday, April 3rd

From the Session to the People of Trinity, 
 
We wanted to give you an update on the impact of the coronavirus closure on Trinity, and our action plans to respond to this. 

We are all struggling with the social distancing and isolation required of us. We have tried to respond with our new Ministry Moments, our ongoing Trinity News and connecting by phone. Our leadership teams are continuing to meet to develop plans for responding to the lockdown. Our Session and some of our Ministries have switched to virtual meetings by conference call or the internet. 

As you might expect, the coronavirus lockdown is also having quite an adverse impact on our finances. Thank you so much to all of you who have responded by continuing your offerings. This is much appreciated. If you would like more information about this, please see the Donations section on our website - https://www.mytrinity.ca/donate

In addition, our Session has approved a plan to reduce expenses for everything from our facilities and grounds and our office, to spending by our Ministries. We will also be reducing the hours and incomes for some of our staff. We are so thankful for the wage subsidies from our government in minimizing the impact on our staff. We would like to thank all of our staff for their support during these difficult times.

One major challenge is that no one knows how long the coronavirus lockdown will last. In the interim, we will be looking at how we can improve the ways we connect with each other, even if we have to be apart. And we will complete a further reassessment of our operations next month as more information becomes available. 

Thank you so much for your support. It's so hard to face the reality that we won't be together to celebrate Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter, with its joyful news of Christ's resurrection. We are so much looking forward to staying in touch and the great day when we can be together, once again.

Thank you for your ​continued generosity!

​The coronavirus is continuing to impact us all in ways we could not have imagined just a few weeks ago. Who would have thought that we would not be able to meet for worship on Sundays as Trinity has been doing for over 65 years. And it looks like this may continue for some time to come.

As you might expect, this is having a very significant impact on our finances and I wanted ask for your help in this area.

We want to thank the many members of our congregation who are continuing their offerings even though we aren’t able to meet on Sundays. This is an enormous help. 

Here's how you can help:

• OFFERING ENVELOPES

For those of you who prefer to use your offering envelopes, you can drop them off in our mail slot at our door on Truman Road. You can do this weekly or monthly, if easier for you. And for those who live further away, please feel free to mail your offering envelopes to the church office. For safety we would ask that you use cheques rather than cash at this time.

• E-Transfer

For those of you who use e-Transfers with your bank (or would like to learn how), we have set up a special email address that you can use to send your offerings. Please direct your e-Transfer to MyTrinityGift@gmail.com and it will be deposited automatically for you. This will save the need to write cheques and get them to the church.

• Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR)

If you have a commitment to regular giving, this may be a good opportunity switch to our monthly Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR) program. There is a simple sign-up form that allows you to choose the monthly amount you would like to give, and you can change or cancel this at any time.

• Tithe.ly

Finally, some of you use Tithe.ly, and can certainly continue using it for your offerings. Please click on the link below to take you directly to the web-processing form.

Donate Now

Tuesday, March 24

​Hi Everyone,

This note comes to you this Tuesday evening to share that the difficult decision has been made especially through our Operations Ministry and Convener James Waddell to no longer have the church open for you to visit between 8 am and 8 pm on Wednesdays and 8 am and noon on Sundays. This decision was made in response to the directive of the Government of Ontario and public health authorities, effective 11:59 pm tonight, who have declared only essential services can remain open. A church building is not stated as such. 

The building its now officially closed  to all but those attending to its well being and to communicating from it. It is sad that we must do this, but we must.

​The Bible passages grounding this third 'Moment' are:

Psalm 40:6-8
Sacrifice and offering you do not desire,
    but you have given me an open ear.
Burnt offering and sin offering
    you have not required.
Then I said, “Here I am;
    in the scroll of the book it is written of me.
I delight to do your will, O my God;
    your law is within my heart.”
 
Isaiah 1:16-17
Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;
    remove the evil of your doings
    from before my eyes;
cease to do evil,
    learn to do good;
seek justice,
    rescue the oppressed,
defend the orphan,
    plead for the widow.

​Galatians 6:9-10
So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.
​So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.

Take care. In faith, hope and love, Kirk.

​Additional information can be found at: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/diseases-medications-vaccines/coronavirus/