Christmas Eve Worship Reservation Required
Due to Covid-19, safety protocols require social distancing and masks at all services. Since seating will be limited to about 100 at each service, we will be using an RSVP system to ensure numbers are spread out among the three Christmas Eve services.
*5pm is nearing maximum capacity for safe social distancing*
The 5pm Christmas Eve worship service has just about reached maximum capacity - and while we might be able to squeeze a few more people, we'd like to leave those spaces open for walk-in guests if possible. If you're able to, please continue to fill in at 7pm and 9pm. THANK YOU!
Send your first and last name, which Dec 24 service you wish to attend (5pm, 7pm, 9pm), and how many people will be in your party. If the service is already full at the time you RSVP, you will be notified and asked for your second choice. THANK YOU!
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MERRY CHRISTMAS
Rejoice, rejoice in the Lord always. This familiar Bible verse in Philippians 4 tells us that in Christ, in fact in all situations and seasons we have reason to rejoice. My friends this has been a tough time to do so with COVID but I encourage you to read on. This last week we heard in our midweek message about a time when King David rejoiced greatly. In fact he leaped for joy! Not very kingly. This was the time when the Ark of the Covenant, which signified the presence and power of God Almighty, was brought back into Jerusalem. This gold covered box with a mercy seat attached to the top represented the power and presence of Almighty God. David, “Leaped with Joy!” In fact all of Jerusalem rejoiced.
The Bible tells us of another one who leaped with joy inside of his mother Elizabeth’s womb before he was born. He too was so excited that upon hearing the voice of Mary, the mother of our Lord, he leaped and rejoiced! The Ark of the Covenant was a fancy golden box that represented the presence of God but inside of Mary’s womb “was” Jesus, the Son of God High. God in the flesh.
How exciting. We should all rejoice and be overjoyed that God has chosen to dwell among us and in us! The Christmas miracle is everything that the angels promised the shepherds watching their flocks by night, “behold I bring you good news of great joy for unto you is born a Savior in Bethlehem the city of David.’ Luke 2:10,11 The shepherds ran to discover for themselves what this all meant. I hope you too will run to discover what God, in Christ, has done for you.
Merry Christmas from our house to yours. May God bless you in 2021.
Pastor Doug and Desiree Kallesen
PS: We hope that you and your family have enjoyed the Jesse Tree activity
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Drive Through Communion
Commune from the safety of your car 2:30-3:30 next Saturday, Dec 19. Please note traffic notice below.
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The Service of the Longest Night - TONIGHT
The Christmas season is often marked by expressions of joy, excitement, and happiness. It’s a time when families gather and churches worship together - pointing to the hope that is found in the coming of the Christ child. However, for many, this time of joy and expectation can be overshadowed by the pain and hurt you may be experiencing; when the world's merriment makes your grief and sorrow feel so much more intense and isolating.
This service provides an opportunity for those struggling during the holidays - a chance to worship while acknowledging your grief or pain; to combine fellowship with your loss and celebrate the love of Christ even in the midst of your sorrow or struggle. Please join us for this more solemn service of worship full of hope and understanding. Rev. Rick Armstrong with Lutheran Counseling Services will share the message at this service and will also share information about LCS. You will also learn more about Trinity's upcoming Grief Share support group beginning in January.
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UPDATE Traffic Changes due to Construction - Dec 18-21
You WILL have access to/from Trinity Campus onto Livingston Street during the road closure, however you can only get to the Livingston St entry driveway by coming down Ruth Lane, NOT from Magnolia -- so you must adjust your route to get to Amelia, then turn South onto Ruth Lane, and then turn right onto Livingston to get to the Livingston driveway.
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LAST CHANCE: Sponsor a Poinsettia for Trinity's Christmas Decorating
You can sponsor the cost of a Poinsettia that is displayed in the Sanctuary for Christmas services, and then take it home after Epiphany. It will be a red, 7-8 bloom poinsettia. $12 sponsorship per plant. To have your sponsorship information shared, please email TLC@TrinityDowntown.com with information as follows:
Number of plants ______ sponsored by ______________________________________
In memory of _____________________ *OR* In thanks for _____________________
Please put your sponsor payment, with a memo attached stating it is for Poinsettia Sponsorship, into the offering plate after worship, drop off into the locked payment box in the front office, or mail to Finance Office of Trinity Downtown at 123 E. Livingston St, Orlando, FL 32801. Thank you
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THANK YOU to all those who have responded to this need!! The response has been fantastic!
URGENT NEED for Volunteers to Serve In Worship
ESPECIALLY for the Special Holiday Services! Working on the January Schedule now too.
There are many, many unfilled assignments in our service schedule for those who serve in worship (Ushers, PowerPoint/Sound, Greeters, etc.) due to those not yet attending worship because of health concerns. If you are available to serve in worship, just once, once a week, once for a Christmas Eve service (attend one and serve at another?), or once a month... please let us know ASAP. TRINITY NEEDS YOUR HELP! Email TLC@TrinityDowntown.com TODAY! Thank you!
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Grief Share Support Group - New Series Begins Tues Jan 5
If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member, or friend , you’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never faced before. Grief Share support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. Several Trinity members will be receiving training in January to lead a Grief Share group here at Trinity. The group will meet on campus on Thursday afternoons and begins on February 6. Please share with others who may need to hear about this. These groups are open to all. To learn more visit https://www.griefshare.org/ . Questions? Contact Trinity’s Ministry & Communications Coordinator, Chanda, at 407-488-1919 x101 or TLC@TrinityDowntown.com
Participants will gain access to valuable GriefShare resources to help you recover from your loss and look forward to rebuilding your life. It is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. GriefShare meets weekly for 13 weeks. Each GriefShare session has three distinct elements:
- Video seminar with experts Each week your GriefShare group will watch a video seminar featuring top experts on grief and recovery subjects. These videos are produced in an interesting television magazine format featuring expert interviews, real-life case studies, dramatic reenactments, and on-location video.
- Support group discussion with focus After viewing the video, you and the other group members will spend time as a support group, discussing what was presented in that week’s video seminar and what is going on in your lives.
- Personal study and reflection During the week you will have the opportunity to use your workbook for further personal study of the grieving process and to help sort out your emotions through journaling. Your group will spend time discussing questions and comments from the workbook study.
Who should come…
GriefShare is for people grieving the death of a family member or friend. We understand that there are other losses in life that create feelings of grief. You might be experiencing a job loss, a divorce, estrangement from a child, or the loss of friends because of a move. This grief is real, but it is not the kind of grief discussed in GriefShare sessions. We encourage you to ask a pastor, counselor, or church leader for help in finding resources that will be of specific help in your situation.
Divorce Care Support Group
Trinity is wrapping up its first year of Grief Share which has been a tremendous support to many! Moving forward we would like to host additional support groups to meet the needs of our members and the community. Divorce is widespread in the world today and has a significant impact on the families going through the recovery process. If you have a heart for serving in some way to support those recovering from divorce, please contact Trinity’s Ministry & Communications Coordinator, Chanda, at 407-490-7339 or TLC@TrinityDowntown.com.
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Support for Adoption & Foster Families
Did you know the goal of foster care is reunification with the biological family? The hope is that their stay in foster care would be less than a year. Did you know there are 1789 kids in foster care in Central Florida, and that siblings going into care often get separated??
There’s a lot we don’t know about adoption and foster care, including how we can support families who have adopted or foster children at home. Our Adoption and Foster Care Family Support Group, facilitated by Kelley Lane, can share with us opportunities for Trinity families to support current Adoptive and Foster families in our community.
Together, we can learn more about how to be part of a Community Care Team to support Adoptive and Foster Care Support. The next meeting will be in January. For more info, please email Kelley Lane at skyblu@bellsouth.net.
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Campus & Office Closures - Urgent Needs Contact
Trinity's offices and CDC will be closed from December 24 through January 3 (except for worship, of course). If, during this time, you have an urgent church matter that needs immediate attention from our ministry team, please don't hesitate to call/text 407-490-7339 or email TLC@TrinityDowntown.com and we will follow up with you and take action as necessary. Other emails, office phones and personal cell phones will not necessarily be monitored during this time so please be sure to use the above email/phone number.
Children & Youth Ministry News
Children's Sunday School and MS/HS Youth Bible Study
These Sunday classes are not yet meeting in-person.
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Calling All Chalk Artists!
Peace Comfort Dog would like to feature your Christmas and New Years artwork on her social media pages. You create a masterpiece. Peace shows up to take a picture with you and your artwork. Your artwork is featured on Peace's Facebook and Instagram pages. Sounds easy, right? Not good with chalk? You could do a painting or pencil drawing. Please email or call Paul at sooster67@yahoo.com or 407.590.9333 if you'd like to participate.
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Christian Yoga
Christian Yoga continues online via Zoom on Mondays @ 6:30pm. Now more than ever - the relaxation of yoga is a tremendous benefit. Email Beth for more information at baschu4@bellsouth.net.
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Support Trinity Downtown while you shop!
Start your Amazon shopping from Amazon smile, and you’ll a small percentage of your shopping totals will be donated to Trinity ministries! THANK YOU!
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Trinity Family Moments
Trinity Family Moment: Our Tuesday Women's Bible Study, which meets weekly at Trinity on Tuesday mornings, decorated and celebrated Christmas together this past week! This is a fantastic group of ladies who love to study the Word of God together! Their group is called "Women of the Word" and they are... WOW!! They're starting a new Bible Study book in February. If you'd like to learn more, email Terry at mammierocks@yahoo.com.
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Trinity Family Moment: Last weekend, our South Orlando Bible study group, which meets biweekly on Tuesday evenings in a private home, volunteered at the Orlando Sentinel unloading and sorting presents for The Salvation Army. It was a heartwarming experience for this team and so amazing to see the efforts and the donations that people in our community are providing to ensure that boys and girls have presents under their trees on Christmas morning. What a blessing! Way to Go! If you'd like to learn more about this South Orlando Bible Study group, contact Gary at g.schumacher@aol.com.
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*Shameless plug for small groups* SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDIES aren't "just" about Bible study - they're also about relationships, fellowship, serving in the community and sharing the gospel with others! Get connected!
Trinity Family Moments: Our Trinity Child Development Center Family has been having lots of fun getting ready for Christmas, teaching children the story of Jesus' birth and creating a variety of ways to act out that story to make it REAL for the kids. What a blessing to have this outreach to children and families right here at Trinity Downtown! We're so thankful to God to have been able to pull through such a difficult time without having to layoff any employees, so that we continue to serve our community and share the gospel with children and families!!
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Sharing Trinity Family Moments!
Send in your photos of Trinity Family moments- pictures of your study groups, special birthdays, rehearsals, etc. With so much isolation right now, let's do more to share photos and stories to keep in touch. We'll share them in the Weekly. Send to Chanda at TLC@TrinityDowntown.com.
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CONNECT - LEARN - GROW
Small groups connect you to others where you can learn, connect, and grow in ways which will strengthen and equip you to share the gospel and serve in your local community and beyond! That’s straight from Trinity’s mission statement and our commitment to bring people one step closer to Jesus.
Trinity’s mission: to share the gospel through ministries which strengthen and equip people for Christian witness and services in downtown, metropolitan Orlando and the world.
Currently Running Groups (see red notes for NEW info)
New Series begins Jan 5
Grief Share - Grief Recovery Support Group
New Series begins Jan 5.
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Discussion leader is Norma Smith, contact at normie1939@gmail.com
- Tuesdays at 1pm, Loggia 3 Classroom, in-person, workbook needed
GriefShare is for people grieving the death of a family member or friend. GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. You are welcome to begin attending the GriefShare group at any session. Each is “self-contained,” so you do not have to attend in sequence. You will find encouragement and help whenever you begin. You will be able to continue with GriefShare through the next 13-week cycle and view any of the videos you have not seen.
Immerse Bible Reading Experience, Book 1: Messiah (Continues)
- Book needed, daily readings, eight week plan
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Saturdays at 4:00 with Pastor Doug, via ZOOM. If you're interested, contact Chanda at TLC@TrinityDowntown.com.
Immerse: Messiah is the first of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Messiah takes the reader on a unique journey through every book of the New Testament. Each section of Messiah begins with one of the Gospels, and together they combine to provide a life-changing reading experience centered on Jesus.
Online/At Your Own Pace
Rev. Milan Weerts is presenting a study on "The End Times." Many people are having questions about the end of the world due to the Pandemic because of Covid–19. We'll study this topic through daily lessons, six days a week, for an estimated two or three weeks at the most. You can follow along via Pastor Weerts' Facebook page, or study at your own pace accessing the lessons on Trinity's Bible Study webpage. Following the End Times study, Pastor Weerts will begin a study of The Gospel of John. Pastor Weerts uses the ESV translation but you can use your own favorite translation for study as well. If you have specific End Times questions, send them to Pastor Weerts at StrongInChrist@CFL.RR.COM
NEW START on Jan 11: Prayer Bible Study Group
Pastor Doug leads an evening prayer group on Wednesdays at 7pm. For a weekly check-in, a lesson on prayer, and time to pray for one another, contact Pastor Doug for the Zoom meeting invitation at doug.kallesen@trinitydowntown.com.
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study - New IMMERSE:Prophets will begin the end of January
Sunday Mornings 8:45am adult group will meeting in-person at Trinity with the option of Zoom link for those who aren't yet meeting in-person! The group is now studying the scriptures assigned for Advent. Contact Gregg Yawman at gyawman@instetag.com for moreinformation.
Immerse Bible Reading Experience, Book 4: PROPHETS - Starts last week of January
- Book needed, daily readings, eight week plan
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Tuesday Morning Women’s Group with Connie Sobol & Darlene Sabin.Loggia 2 Classroom, 9am. Email darlene.rehbein.sabin@gmail.com.
- Tuesday Evening Women's Group with Julie Lasater in her home. Email julieheals@att.net.
- Tuesday Evening Adult Group in Gregg Yawman's home. Contact Gregg at gyawman@instetag.com
- Saturdays 4:30pm, at Trinity, in the Loggia 3 Classroom right next to the Sanctuary. Lead by Bob Trapp, Jr. Email segt@netzero.net
ORDER YOUR BOOK NOW!
We'd like to order the PROPHETS books before the new year, so please contact your group leader with your order number, or contact Chanda at TLC@TrinityDowntown.com if you're studying on your own. The bulk order saves each person about $3 per book. Deadline Dec 23.
Tuesday Morning Women’s Group, Bless These Lips Starts a new book in Feb 2021
- Book needed, weekly reading assignment, jump in anytime
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Tuesdays at 9am, beings Oct 6, location TBA, in-person. Contact Terry at mammierocks@yahoo.com to sign up.
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The St. Luke's Concert Series
Safely visit local Christmas Lights Downtown
Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens
Now through January 3, 2021
Dazzling Nights features lights, music, and interactive elements to complete the transformation of the 50-acre, Harry P. Leu Gardens into a stunning holiday wonderland. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Reservations and tickets are required.
A Merry Winter Garden Light Show at City Hall
December 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 18, and 19, 2020, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Featuring a very merry light show at Winter Garden’s City Hall, with a Winter Wonderland area for children on the nights of the light show. Throughout December, the entire downtown Winter Garden area will be festive and decorated.
Lake Eola
December 5 – January 10, 2021
New this year, the 72–foot Christmas tree at Lake Eola Park – with 2,000 ornaments and 200 lbs. of lights – will musically sync with the lights of the Lake Eola fountain and will provide precise animation. The Christmas Tree Show will play each night starting at 5:45 p.m., and every hour until 9:45 p.m.
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Important Dates
Dec 19 Drive Through Communion
Dec 19 6pm Sat Service - Service of the Longest Night for those struggling during the holidays
Dec 24 Campus Offices and CDC Closed Dec 24 through Jan 3. While the campus and offices are closed if you have an urgent church matter that needs attention, please contact TLC@TrinityDowntown.com or call/text 407-490-7339 and we take appropriate action from there. Thank you.
Dec 24 Christmas Eve Worship 5pm, 7pm, 9pm
Dec 25 Christmas Day Worship 10am
Dec 26 & 27 Regular worship services
Dec 31 New Year's Eve Worship 7pm
Jan 2 & 3 Regular worship services
Jan 5 New Grief Share Series begins
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Your prayer request will be added to Trinity’s weekly emails for the congregation. All prayers are kept on the list for a period of three weeks, so please resubmit long term prayer needs regularly. Confidential prayer requests can be sent to Pastor Doug at doug.kallesen@trinitydowntown.com.
Those Fighting Cancer
Frank N, Bruce S, Gary B, Gail W, Richard C, Sandy A, Carol D, Mehlia G, Randy H, Travis L, Chuck M, Christine M, John S, Victoria, Rick B
Health Concerns
Carl Kunze, Jr., Chanda G, Dan G, Dixie S, Mat M, Ingrid, Pat M, Bud P, Ann T, Keri P, Gordon H, Jim B, Cory C, Herman G, David G, Hazel H, Carolyn M, Hudson W, Bruce , Fran , Barbara B, Len G, Andrea G, Robert S, Jim C.
Peace and Comfort
- For the family and friends of Robert Stuart, Madison Perault's grandfather.
- For the family and friends of Mary Gene Carr.
- For the family and friends of Rich Martin with the Comfort Dog Minsitry.
- For the Brubaker family, following the loss of Jean Byrd, Dina's mother.
- For the family and friends of Yvonne Scott, Julie Lasater's mother, who is now surely singing in the heavenly choir with friends and family gone before her!
Surgery and Recovery/Hospitalized
Cindy D, Charlie L, Sheila M, Fern, K, Susan P, Clara M, Dixie P, Bob D, Avery B
Confidential Prayers
For those prayers that have been shared in confidence, you know the details, Lord, we lift them up to you
Serving Our Country
2nd Lt. John Kauffman, Alexis Peterson, Chad Elders, Cpls. Ricardo Wright, Cpt., Amanda Killinger, Cpt. Paul Roeder, James Henry Bond , Luke Rawlings, Quinn Koller, Ralph Ramos III, William
Additional Prayers
- For all those caring for aging and/or ill family members in need
- Prayers for our CDC staff & families, Trinity membership and all Trinity staff & leaders
- For all those struggling with mental health issues
- Prayers for peace and unity over the civil unrest and racial division in our city and nation.
- Prayers for all of the front line workers in our community and nation; our doctors, nurses, EMT, fire fighters, special needs caregivers, essential workers and police.
- We pray that a vaccine for Covid-19 will be developed soon and we will be able to prevent further illness.
- Prayers for all those who have Covid-19 to be restored to full health
- Prayers for those who have lost their job or who have been furloughed. And we give thanks for those who have found new employment or have been able to return to their jobs.
- Prayers of thanks for God’s daily provisions.
Our Missionaries
Wasmund Family in East Asia, Trump Family in Kenya, Clausing Family in Tanzania, Lehman Family in Spain, Young Family in Kenya
For Our Community - For Our Nation - For Our World
That we may all be a reflection of Christ's love, sharing grace and mercy, living in peace with one another. Let's reach out, listen, connect, and have those hard conversations. Love is first. Love wins.
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Reminder: Public Worship Safety Guidelines
Join us this weekend on Saturday at 6pm and Sunday at 10am. Safety procedures are outlined below and are required. Online services will continue to be posted online for those who choose to continue with online services.
Sanctuary Capacity with Social Distancing
Please note that we are able to accommodate fewer than our usual maximum capacity in the Sanctuary while following social distancing guidelines. With many still worshiping online from home, we do not believe we will reach that capacity right away and plan to move to two services on Sunday before that happens. However, if that increase in attendance happens more quickly than expected, we may find ourselves in a situation where we have to turn someone away once the Sanctuary is full. Please be aware of this possibility and know that we are doing our best to anticipate attendance and seating needs.
Required Notice of Exposure or Illness
If you (staff, member, guest, etc) have had direct exposure to someone with Covid-19, or test positive for Covid-19, and have been on Trinity's Campus for worship, volunteering or other reasons, please immediately notify a member of Trinity's Administrative Team (Pastor Doug Kallesen, Chanda Gillenwater, Liz Roberts or Patty Moser - or email TLC@TrinityDowntown.com). Your name will be kept in confidence, while Trinity makes its best effort to determine which others you may have had contact with to inform them of the need for testing and/or quarantine.
Safety Procedures - MUST READ
- If you are feeling ill, have a fever or any of the symptoms related to Covid-19, please stay home and join us for ONLINE worship.
- The wearing of masks is required for all in attendance except for children under the age of two. Proper use is required - mask should fully cover your nose and mouth for the entire service, even while singing.
- The Pastor is permitted to remove his mask to give the sermon in order to communicate effectively - for this reason the front two pews of church will remain empty to allow for additional distancing between the pastor and guests.
- All hymnals, Bibles, pencils, attendance and prayer cards have been removed from the pews. There will be no printed bulletin. This removes all items which would have multiple contacts.
- The carpets will have been steam cleaned and sanitized. All surfaces inside the Sanctuary will be sanitized, including the pews and pew cushions. These areas will be re-sanitized after the Saturday night service in preparation for Sunday morning.
- Please enter the Sanctuary from the front (south) doors or the west side door (ramp).
- There will be hand sanitizer available at both the front door and west side door - please use before you enter and as you leave.
- You will be welcomed into the Sanctuary by an usher or greeter who will escort you to your seat. They will also be able to answer any questions that you might have.
- The pews and aisles will be marked to facilitate safe social distancing.
- No hugs or handshakes are permitted.
- We will be administering in-pew communion rather than having the congregation proceed to the altar to receive the bread and wine. Each communicant will be given a sanitized plastic bag containing the bread and wine (gluten-free wafers will be available to those who need them) at their seat. Pastor will provide instructions detailing the exact procedure to be followed at each service.
- At the conclusion of the service everyone will be asked to remain seated until it is their row’s turn to leave the sanctuary.
- Collection plates will be placed at the front doors and west side door from the church to receive the tithes and offerings of those attending the service.
- There will be receptacles for the used communion kits at each exit as well.
- Worship will be posted online as it has been, so if you are feeling ill or wish to worship from home for any reason, you may certainly do so!
* Childcare/nursery will not be available until further notice. Children are always welcome in worship services!
* Children's Sunday School and Youth Bible Study decisions are being made now. Updates coming soon.
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