One friend told me this week, “2020 was been a perfect storm.”

A global pandemic, social unrest, political upheaval, to name a few. . . . Indeed, it has been a perfect storm!

This week has seen a rise in Coronavirus cases in our area & in our church community.

LAST SUNDAY’S SERVICE

Since last Sunday, two men in our church have tested positive for Coronavirus. One attended the last Sunday’s service, one did not. Both families have been tested & no other family members have tested positive.

This morning, I spoke with the McMinn County Health Department to get counsel about any steps we should take as a church.

Because the individual who attended last Sunday’s service did not begin to experience symptoms until Tuesday evening, the Health Department did not encourage us to cancel this Sunday’s in-person service or take any other steps.

THIS SUNDAY’S SERVICE

Therefore, we will continue with our plans to gather to worship God at the Athens Movie Palace this Sunday morning!

Nevertheless, this scenario is a good reminder for us to continue taking steps to keep one another healthy—as you have done well throughout this season.

We will continue to take precautionary steps of cleaning ahead of time & communicate with you about any concerns along the way.

We also ask you to:

Stay home if you (or your children) are feeling sick.
Contact us if you become sick during the service or test positive for Coronavirus after the service. We would like an opportunity to care for you & to follow up with the congregation. You can email us (contact@trinitygraceathens.com) or contact Gil Balch directly.
Consider wearing a face covering while indoors, especially if you are considered “vulnerable” to be adversely affected by Coronavirus.

We want to continue gathering in person through the rest of fall & winter & we believe these steps will help us do so.

May God be with us!