Following the Scottish Government's announcement on Tuesday regarding COVID, we wanted to update you on how Trinity is responding to the new advice and guidance that is due to come into effect on Boxing Day (26th December). 

Again we have tried to find a middle road through this, understanding that for some this will seem too much, and for others it will seem too little. It is disappointing for us as a Board, and for all of us, especially after the wonderful (and full) service we had last Sunday, as we celebrated the first service in the new building. However, for the sake of others, and one another, we continue to play our part in responding to the guidance given. We trust you will help us in doing so.

With this in mind, please find below a summary of our plans for the next 3 weeks:

  1. CHRISTMAS EVE: Our Christmas Eve service (at 6pm) will continue as planned - no change.
  2. BOXING DAY: Our Sunday morning service on 26th December will re-introduce social distancing of 1m between households as per the guidance. As such we will need to reduce the capacity of the new building to 150. Due to this reducton, we will also need to reinstate the booking system for those who wish to attend. You can now book using the following link and please complete a separate form for each household you are booking for:
  3. HOGMANAY: Given the nature of this event, we are cancelling our Hogmanay event, but are planning to host a similar event as early as possible in the new year when restrictions lift. 
  4. SUNDAY 2nd & 9th JANUARY: As per Boxing Day, our capacity will remain at 150 and we invite you to book your seats via the booking link above.
  5. REGULAR REVIEW: We will keep our response under review from week to week to see if there is anything we can do and we let you know if there are any changes. However, the next Scottish Government review will be in 3 weeks time and we will respond accordingly.
  6. LIVESTREAMING: We will not have livestreaming for our Christmas Eve Service, but we will be ready to livestream both Sunday's services on 2nd & 9th January.
  7. EXISTING PROCEDURES: We continue to ask that you use the sanitation stations when you enter the church, wear face coverings when attending (unless you have medical exemption), and only sing with a face covering. 

This was not the news we wanted to share with you ahead of Christmas and New Year, and we are aware that some of you may already have had to change some plans for the next few weeks. This can have an impact in multiple ways, including our sense of isolation, lonliness, and mental wellbeing, as well as any physical concerns and symptoms that might emerge. But we remember that WE ARE THE CHURCH, whether we're gathered or scattered, and we're called to love God, love one another, and love our neighbour whatever the circumstances. And so, we encourage you to watch out for one another, to keep connected, keep communicating, and keep caring for others during this time. 

If you have any questions, concerns or requests, then please get in touch, but thank you in advance for helping us manage these changes. Whatever is happening (or not happening) for you over Christmas, may you sense the presence and peace of God as you welcome Christ and the Spirit afresh.

"And they will call Him Immanuel, which means, 'God with us'." (Matthew 1:23)

Grace & Peace

Ian