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Dear Trinity Family & Friends -
Last month we received an inquiry on behalf of Deerfield Montessori to decrease the rent by $1000 per month due to the challenges of enrollment during these COVID days. We took their request to our Operations Committee and subsequently to the Church Council. It required careful consideration because this factors significantly into Trinity's budget as well.
Because our partnership is of utmost importance and brings to life one of the core values of our ministry, "Love of Children", we affirmed their request.
Therefore, in an addendum to our contract, we will reduce the rent for 5 months, September 2020 - January 2021. We will meet with them in early January to re-assess.
Pandemic Stress
The stresses of the Pandemic are being felt in many ways by very many people. We are thankful that the work of the Montessori School can continue even in reduced fashion. We are grateful that the mission of Trinity Church continues even in altered ways. (You'll see some examples in the articles and pictures below.) We are celebrating your continued support of our ministries virtually. Amazingly, average worship attendance in these weeks has equaled or surpassed in person worship. We have had a variety of guests, friends and family for whom the "long-distance" experience makes worshipping with us possible. At the same time, we are mindful of about 7 households for whom the virtual experience is not workable. We want to make sure that we are not leaving anyone behind.
September 27 - We are planning to hold an In-Person Outdoor Worship at Trinity. (Rain date -- October 4) The details are being planned by a sub-committee appointed by Council. There are many logistics to provide for safety, sanitation, distancing, etc. Our Safety Protocols will be published in advance so you can study them and register your attendance. In the meantime - grab your mask and your favorite lawn chair (or we'll make provisions for you to stay in your car if you wish). We are also attempting to design a way to simultaneously broadcast the service on Zoom as well, so we don't lose those for whom in-person attendance is not an option.
Our Relative Health & Strength
We give thanks that to date we have not had significant devastation within our congregation -- physical or economic. We do know that there have been health challenges and job challenges in a few households. If there are any difficulties that require emergency assistance, please contact Pastor Dale 847-722-6756. We have confidential ways of connecting you to sources of help.
Financial Bridge
Our Fall Pledge Campaign will begin in a few weeks. Next month you can expect a 3rd Quarter Giving Report so you can see where you are relative to what you had planned in the midst of all the upheaval and can catch up if possible. And if you are able - please consider increasing your gifts so that our benevolence with the Montessori School does not place us in a difficult situation. Any amount would be welcome. For example, an extra $100 per month by 10 households, or $50 by 20 households would make up the difference.
Scripture Reminds Us
We are called to "walk by faith, and not by sight." I sincerely doubt the writer had this pandemic in mind, but I do believe the sentiment applies. Almost everything we are accustomed to seeing and doing has changed. And yet "Trinity" still is. We're busy worshiping God, serving the world, loving one another.
Thank you for your grace and commitment,
Pastor Dale
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