March 7, 2020

As we learn more about the arrival of the COVID-19 corona virus in Tulsa, we want to assure you that our first priority is the safety of our congregation.  Following the direction of the Diocese, we will take these steps at Trinity:

• First and foremost, we encourage those who are ill to stay home. This includes staff. 

• Clergy, Staff, Chalice Bearers, Oblationers, Altar Guild, and Ushers will wash hands with soap and water before services and use hand sanitizer before distributing communion. 

• Hand Sanitizer will be available in the Great Hall and in the Narthex. We encourage parishioners to use it before entering the sanctuary, and preparing drinks or food in the Great Hall.

• Handrails, tables, bathrooms, etc. will be regularly disinfected. If you would like special attention paid to any particular area, please don’t hesitate to ask staff to assist you.

• During the peace, consider passing the peace without touching—maybe a wave or the peace sign.  If you still prefer a handshake or hug, please be respectful of those who choose not to have physical contact. 

• We will continue to offer communion with wine and wafers.  During this time, however, we will not offer intinction (dipping the wafer into the chalice) to avoid the spread of germs from hands.  Taking communion from a common cup with proper purificator use presents relatively low risk, but those who would prefer to abstain from taking the common cup are free to do so. 

• Those who want to receive “in one kind” (wafer only) should cross their arms across their chest in lieu of receiving the chalice.

• If you would like to receive a blessing only, please cross your arms across your chest in lieu of wafer and chalice. 

• Abstaining from communion altogether is also acceptable. 

We know many people will have concern for their safety and the safety of their families.  We take your well being very seriously and assure you we will do all we can to make gathering for worship and fellowship safe.