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Trinity Episcopal Church

Fishkill, NY 12524

Minutes of Virtual Vestry Meeting June 16, 2020

GoToMeeting was activated for the June Vestry Meeting. At 7:04 Garrett called the meeting to order and

opened with a prayer. Garrett led spiritual reflection related to Romans 14:12-23

The following were together online: Rev. Garrett Mettler, wardens Terry Badura and Jan Humbert, Vestry

members Cliff Chapin, Joe Bird, Nancy Drennan, Tom Quackenbush, Nancy Bitteker, Jay Anderson,

Connie Smith, treasurer Bryan Swarthout and Vestry secretary Dave Bishop.

Follow Up Items from Previous Meetings(s)

Approval of the May minutes.

Terry Badura made a motion to approve the May minutes. Jan Humbert seconded.

No discussion followed. The vote was eight in favor with one abstention. The motion carried. Connie

Smith noted that a change she had requested related to railings at 20 Old Main had not been made. Dave

agreed to amend the minutes per Connie’s requested change. A second vote was taken on the motion to

approve the May minutes as amended. The vote was eight in favor with one abstention. The motion

carried.

Review of past action items left no items open. Dave explained he would send revised documents for

review to the Vestry and if changes would be requested, he would take a new action item then.

Attachment B lists items closed since the last Vestry meeting.

Immediate Items

Considerations for resumption of worship services

Garrett led a discussion of Protocols for Resuming Worship (see appendix B). On point 1, one question was

who would do the cleaning. Garrett explained he was looking primarily to the Altar Guild for the preservice

cleaning of surfaces. Dave explained that our current cleaning company comes on Monday evening and

could be tasked with the extra cleanup after the service once a list is provided for the extra cleaning. Nancy

Drennan explained that she was not comfortable with the preservice cleaning as it takes about an hour just to

set up the church for service, and there is added possibility of exposure to the members doing the cleaning.

A detailed discussion followed. Garrett suggested two alternatives: 1. New Altar Guild members could be

sought, and they could do the cleaning or 2. The added cleaning could be done by Facilities Maintenance

and we would pay the cost. Jan noted that in the Bishop’s letter, there was a strong emphasis on the

cleaning. Garrett agreed that we should err on the side of being overly protective. Tom noted that what is

practical may not be possible. On point 2, it was noted the Bishop related this to whether the gathering was

to be inside or outside. Dave noted our seating capacity is 208, including the choir pews. A detailed

discussion followed including perhaps using Google Documents to do registration. Some volunteers will be

invited in advance by Garrett to offer their seats to provide room for our Trinity visitors. Garrett noted there

would be only one service normally in July and August. On point 3, a discussion on face coverings

reminded leadership to set the example of not removing face coverings. The importance of the coverings for

the readings and speaking during the service and the impact on singing. Dave suggested using the current

sign boards to create a new sign to inform people about coverings. It was noted that Trinity would have

disposable face coverings and hand sanitizer available. It was also noted that the first service on July 5th

would be outside on the grass by the playground. Garrett suggested that all Vestry members might be

needed to help. On point 4 a discussion of how seating people in designated spaces would take place.

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Ushers will lead people to their seats. Garrett noted there would be individual seating and family seating

spaces marked. On point 5 it was noted that a PDF format would be the best way to distribute the worship

guides electronically. On point 6 and 8, these were discussed together. During the discussion it was noted

that the Bishop’s letter said there would be no wine for communicants. Vestry members discussed various

methods of safely providing the sacrament, including possibly having Garrett go to the seated communicant

to provide the host. In order to have service at Trinity and St. James, Garrett will have the Trinity service at

9 a.m. and the St. James service at 11:30 a.m. This would work as there would be no coffee hour after the

service. Garrett will weigh the good advice of the Vestry in making his final decision on Communion. On

point 7 Garrett asked Vestry members to read the reference on the article from the Atlantic. He noted that

choral groups were strongly affected by the spread of the virus. The Vestry consensus was to leave singing

out of the service for now. On point 9 Garrett discussed extra diligence with safety protocols and not setting

different standards. On point 10 Garrett describe how he and Dave were working on providing a signal that

would allow live streaming from the Sanctuary. Garrett asked if there was any feed back from Vestry

members that could be a point 11. Members agreed that using Constant Contact and making personal calls

would be the best way to ensure all congregation members are aware of the protocols developed for safe

gathering. Terry suggested a method of recording who attended for contact tracing would be needed. After

a discussion, the consensus was to use an alphabetical list and check off members. Then if a visitor arrived

their name could be recorded. This could easily be done by one person. A discussion regarding points of

other church activities followed. On point 1 the consensus of the Vestry was that there would be no coffee

hour after services as it was felt this could not be done safely. On point 2 the consensus was that there was

not way to safely offer nursery care. On point 3, use of the facility by other organizations, a detailed

discussion, related primarily to Family Community Church using the facility again, ended with an Action

Item for Garrett to initiate the discussion of protocols with FCC and report back to the Vestry.

Ongoing Items

Church Exterior Repainting

On hold while waiting for carpentry repairs. Carpentry repairs - $8,835.

Roof repair

Contract in place with Hudson Valley Home Crafters, Inc.

Sloped roof - $23,000

Chimney repoint and cap to remove from service - $5,000

Option to replace front flat roof if Diocese representative determines it is needed - $4,000

New Items

Treasurer Report

Bryan provided a brief report, in which he noted that there was not much change in our financial position.

He also noted that we would probably not recover lost income from building uses and that the pledge

income continued to be stronger than expected. He then answered Nancy Drennan’s question related to the

numbers in parenthesis on the report.

At this point Garrett asked for and received approval to table the following items for the July meeting:

• Changing hosts for our website. A brief explanation by Dave and Garrett led to a recommendation

from Tom to use HostGator and BlueHost to provide information to the Vestry. Garrett noted that

the Vestry would have to be diligent regarding the budget impact and the actual switching of the

sites.

• Committee Reports

• Priest-in-Charge Report

• Buildings & Grounds Report

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o Dave provided pricing to the Vestry for two projects. Dave accepted an Action Item to

obtain a written proposal from MVP before the Vestry considers the two bids.

The following items were then addressed:

• Closing the separate bank account for Pastoral Discretionary Funds. Garrett noted that the bank had

sent a letter noting that the funds were going to be considered abandoned if the account was not

used. Dave noted that accounts were already available in QuickBooks to track the funds properly.

After a brief discussion, Terry Badura made a motion to close the Wells Fargo account

2000013548308 and transfer the account balance of $1,918.24 to the checking account and

place the funds in QuickBooks account 107-05 Rector’s Disc. Fund Income. Expenses would

be tracked in QuickBooks account 203-511 PIC Discretionary Fund. No discussion followed.

The vote was unanimous in favor with no abstentions. The motion carried.

• Dave accepted an action item to insert photos of the landscape areas being bid on into the June

minutes to allow Vestry members to preview the work to be done. See Appendix C.

• Garrett accepted an Action Item to provide all members an updated list of Returning to Worship

Protocols by Friday, June 19th.

• The Vestry members accepted an action item to call all parishioners on their lists to ensure they were

aware of the return to worship and the final protocols provided by Garrett. They will provide

feedback to Garrett related to those calls.

Upcoming Calendar:

Resumption of worship targeted for July 5th.

Next Meeting: July 21, 2020.

Garrett led the Compline.

A motion to adjourn was made by Cliff Chapin and seconded by Joe Bird. No discussion followed.

The vote was unanimous in favor and the motion carried at 9:50 p.m.

Attachment A – New action items.

Respectfully submitted, Dave Bishop

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Attachment A – New Action Items

June Assignee

Initiate the discussion of protocols with FCC and

report back to the Vestry.

Garrett – OPEN.

Obtain a written proposal from MVP before the

Vestry considers the two bids for landscaping

projects.

Dave Bishop– OPEN.

Provide all members an updated list of Returning to

Worship Protocols by Friday, June 19th.

Garrett – OPEN.

Call all parishioners on their lists to insure they

were aware of the return to worship and the final

protocols provided by Garrett. Vestry will also

provide feedback to Garrett related to those calls.

Vestry Members – OPEN

Attachment B – Closed Action Items January Assignee

Provide Vestry suggested changes regarding

insurance, liability, and the current building use

rental agreements.

Dave Bishop – CLOSED

May Assignee

Put Safe Return Protocols for worship in the

Sanctuary in writing and distribute them to Vestry

members for feedback.

Garrett – CLOSED

Send the edited Safe Return Protocols items to the

Bishops of the Diocese for their review and feedback

before finalizing the protocols.

Garrett – CLOSED

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Appendix A Treasurer’s Report – June 2020

Balance Sheet

Trinity’s assets on May 31, 2020:

Jan 1

YTD

Increase /

(Decrease)

Checking 43,675 22,571 (21,104)

Savings 97,593 109,640 12,047

Disc. Acct. 1,918 1,918 0

Investments 633,912 594,802 (39,110)

Total $777,098 $728,931 $(48,167)

Income Statement

2020 Pledges:

Amount Pledged as of 5-31-20 $134,470

Amount paid in as of 5-31-20 $ 66,588

Remaining $ 67,882

** Capital Campaign:

Amount Pledged as of 6-2-20 $90,375

Amount paid in as of 6-2-20 $83,730

Remaining $ 6,645

*Include capital campaign expense $33,289.66 for interior painting of church

** We are in the process of verifying the final numbers for the Capital Campaign. Our records show eleven

members not being paid in full. If they all can complete their pledges that will help meet the goal.

May 31 YTD 05/31/19

Operating income 10,707 81,112 94,547

Operating expenses 11,510 71,437 83,844

OE Net profit (loss) (803) 9,675 10,703

Non-operating income 7,615 18,374 8,451

*Non-operating expenses 69 35,128 7,535

NOP Net profit (loss) 7,546 (16,754) 916

Total income 18,322 99,486 102,998

Total expenses 11,579 106,565 91,379

Total Net profit (loss) $6,743 $(7,079) $11,619

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Trinity Episcopal Church

Notes & Definitions

1. Trinity’s Use Restricted Net Assets

Capital Fund: To be used for funding capital improvements to Trinity property.

Parish House Elevator Fund: Established to fund the installation of an elevator in the Parish House.

Memorial Fund: To be used to purchase church items in memory of deceased parishioners.

Columbarium Fund: Funds were used for capital improvements and major repairs to the columbarium.

Capital Campaign: Funds collected to support three Vestry selected projects of paint exterior of church,

paint interior of church and repave parking lot parcel 910934 and 919926.

2. Definitions

Permanently restricted net assets:

Funds that are contribution and other inflows of assets whose use by the organization is limited by

donor-imposed restrictions that do not expire or cannot be satisfied by actions taken by the

organization.

Other asset increases and reductions that are so restricted.

Reclassifications from or to other net asset classification as a result of donor-imposed terms.

Temporarily restricted net assets:

Contributions and other inflows of assets whose use by the organization is limited by donor-imposed

restrictions that either expire with the passage of time or can be satisfied or removed by actions

taken by the organization.

Other asset increases and reductions that occur from such conditions.

Reclassifications from or to other net asset classifications as a result of donor-imposed terms,

passage of time, or satisfaction and removal by actions of the organization.

Unrestricted Net Assets:

Funds that are neither permanently nor temporarily restricted by requests of the donor.

P a g e 7

Trinity Episcopal Church

Operating Income & Expenses vs. Budget

May YTD Budget $ Over

Budget

% of

Budget

Ordinary Income/Expense

Income

100 · Income from Property Assets

100-01 · Building Uses Income 0.00 982.50 4,565.00 (3,582.50) 21.52%

100-05 · Rental Property 1,694.48 13,081.19 31,795.54 (18,714.35) 41.14%

Total 100 · Income from Property Assets 1,694.48 14,063.69 36,360.54 (22,296.85) 38.68%

103-00 · Income from Banks & Investments

103-03 · Interest Income 7.37 43.26 75.00 (31.74) 57.68%

103-04 · Withdrawal from Investments 0.00 0.00 27,000.00 (27,000.00) 0.0%

Total 103-00 Income from Banks & Investments 7.37 43.26 27,075.00 (27,031.74) 0.16%

105 · Offerings

105-01 · Plate 0.00 142.39 900.00 (757.61) 15.82%

105-02 · Pledges 9,005.00 66,588.00 132,310.00 (65,722.00) 50.33%

105-05 · Other Gifts - Unrestricted 0.00 250.00 250.00

Total 105 · Offerings 9,005.00 66,980.39 133,210.00 (66,229.61) 50.28%

106 · Special Offerings

106-01 · Christmas 0.00 0.00 900.00 (900.00) 0.0%

106-03 · Easter 0.00 25.00 1,000.00 (975.00) 2.5%

Total 106 · Special Offerings 0.00 25.00 1,900.00 (1,875.00) 1.32%

Total Income 10,706.85 81,112.34 198,545.54 (117,433.20) 40.85%

Expense

200 · Administration

200-02 · Auditing & Accounting Services 0.00 0.00 200.00 (200.00) 0.0%

200-03 · Bank Expenses 0.00 50.00 200.00 (150.00) 25.0%

200-051 · Vestry 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

200-06 · Copier and Folding Machine 199.22 996.10 3,100.00 (2,103.90) 32.13%

200-08 · Office Supplies

200-081 · Computer-Hardware & Software 0.00 174.99 650.00 (475.01) 26.92%

200-082 · Paper & Misc. Office Supply 0.00 396.83 1,100.00 (703.17) 36.08%

200-083 · Subscriptions 0.00 184.30 550.00 (365.70) 33.51%

200-084 · Vestry 0.00 0.00 500.00 (500.00) 0.0%

Total 200-08 Total Office Supplies 0.00 756.12 2,800.00 (2,043.88) 27.0%

200-10 · Postage 6.95 95.25 400.00 (304.75) 23.81%

200-11 · Printing 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

200-12 · Telephone & Internet 241.00 1,202.85 2,900.00 (1,697.15) 41.48%

200-18 · Diocesan Convention/Conferences 0.00 0.00 550.00 (550.00) 0.0%

Total 200 · Administration 447.17 3,100.32 10,150.00 (7,049.68) 30.55%

201 · Christian Education

201-01 · Adult Education 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

201-02 · Church School 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

201-09 · Stewardship 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Total 201 · Christian Education 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

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202 · Facilities

202-02 · Grounds Expenses

202-01 · Building Supplies 0.00 22.89 400.00 (377.11) 5.72%

202-021 · Lawn Service 400.00 400.00 3,300.00 (2,900.00) 12.12%

202-022 · Snow Removal 0.00 3,750.00 7,500.00 (3,750.00) 50.0%

202-023 · Grounds Expenses - Other 286.00 286.00 400.00 (114.00) 71.5%

Total 202-02 · Grounds Expenses 686.00 4,458.89 11,600.00 (7,141.11) 38.44%

202-04 · Security System 0.00 143.50 735.00 (591.50) 19.52%

202-05 · Insurance Property 0.00 2,904.92 6,000.00 (3,095.08) 48.42%

202-06 · Property Maintenance Services 722.38 1,933.75 4,671.77 (2,738.02) 41.39%

202-07 · Trash Removal 20.00 20.00 30.00 (10.00) 66.67%

202-10 · 18 Main St.

202-106 · 18 Main St. - Repair/Maint. 0.00 190.00 1,500.00 (1,310.00) 12.67%

202-108 · Property/School Taxes 0.00 2,011.55 5,900.00 (3,888.45) 34.09%

Total 202-10 · 18 Main St. 0.00 2,201.55 7,400.00 (5,198.45) 29.75%

202-13 · Parish Hall

202-131 · Parish Hall - Water 0.00 90.66 325.00 (234.34) 27.9%

202-132 · Parish Hall - Electric 0.00 494.93 1,400.00 (905.07) 35.35%

202-133 · Parish Hall - Gas 0.00 1,588.29 2,800.00 (1,211.71) 56.72%

202-136 · Parish Hall - Repair/Maint. 0.00 102.11 650.00 (547.89) 15.71%

Total 202-13 · Parish Hall 0.00 2,275.99 5,175.00 (2,899.01) 43.98%

202-14 · Church Bldg

202-142 · Church Bldg - Electric 0.00 630.87 1,000.00 (369.13) 63.09%

202-146 · Church Bldg - Repair/Maint 0.00 318.50 1,000.00 (681.50) 31.85%

202-148 · Church Bldg - Gas 0.00 1,417.89 2,200.00 (782.11) 64.45%

202-149 · Church Bldg - Roof Reserve Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Total 202-14 · Church Bldg 0.00 2,367.26 4,200.00 (1,832.74) 56.36%

202-15 · 20 Main St.

202-156 · 20 Main St. - Repair/Maint. 0.00 0.00 500.00 (500.00) 0.0%

Total 202-15 · 20 Main St. 0.00 0.00 500.00 (500.00) 0.0%

Total 202 · Facilities 1,428.38 16,305.86 40,311.77 (24,005.91) 40.45%

203 · Payroll Expenses

203-05 · Priest in Charge

203-051 · Salary 2,491.66 12,458.30 30,600.00 (18,141.70) 40.71%

203-052 · Housing Allowance 1,245.84 6,229.20 15,249.08 (9,019.88) 40.85%

203-053 · Tax Reimbursement 285.92 1,429.60 3,519.00 (2,089.40) 40.63%

203-054 · Medical Insurance 745.00 3,725.00 8,500.00 (4,775.00) 43.82%

203-055 · Family Medical Co-Pay 0.00 0.00 1,383.00 (1,383.00) 0.0%

203-056 · Dental Insurance 71.00 355.00 900.00 (545.00) 39.44%

203-057 · Pension Premiums 724.22 3,621.10 8,750.00 (5,128.90) 41.38%

203-058 · HSA Contributions 0.00 750.00 1,836.00 (1,086.00) 40.85%

203-059 · Continuing Education 0.00 0.00 375.00 (375.00) 0.0%

203-45 · Supply Clergy 0.00 553.92 5,781.70 (5,227.78) 9.58%

203-510 · Travel Allowance 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

203-511 · PIC Discretionary Fund 0.00 39.10 1,724.30 (1,685.20) 2.27%

Total 203-05 · Priest in Charge 5,563.64 29,161.22 78,618.08 (49,456.86) 37.09%

203-10 · Music Director

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203-101 · Salary 1,541.66 7,708.30 18,500.00 (10,791.70) 41.67%

203-102 · FICA-Medicare 117.94 589.70 1,415.30 (825.60) 41.67%

203-107 · NYS Unemployment 7.72 38.60 100.00 (61.40) 38.6%

203-111 · Supply Organist 0.00 200.00 350.00 (150.00) 57.14%

Total 203-10 · Music Director 1,667.32 8,536.60 20,365.30 (11,828.70) 41.92%

203-20 · Parish Administrator

203-201 · Salary 1,548.76 7,743.80 20,502.00 (12,758.20) 37.77%

203-202 · FICA-Medicare 118.48 592.40 1,568.40 (976.00) 37.77%

203-204 · NYS Unemployment 7.74 38.70 100.00 (61.30) 38.7%

Total 203-20 · Parish Administrator 1,674.98 8,374.90 22,170.40 (13,795.50) 37.78%

203-60 · Payroll Benefits

203-603 · Payroll Service Fees 36.00 180.00 433.50 (253.50) 41.52%

203-604 · Disability Insurance 0.00 0.00 116.71 (116.71) 0.0%

203-605 · Workers Compensation Insurance 683.00 683.00 761.00 (78.00) 89.75%

Total 203-60 · Payroll Benefits 719.00 863.00 1,311.21 (448.21) 65.82%

Total 203 · Payroll Expenses 9,624.94 46,935.72 122,464.99 (75,529.27) 38.33%

204 · Outreach

204-01 · Diocesan Assessment 0.00 4,371.00 22,483.00 (18,112.00) 19.44%

204-06 · Special Outreach Programs 0.00 0.00 3,000.00 (3,000.00) 0.0%

Total 204 · Outreach 0.00 4,371.00 25,483.00 (21,112.00) 17.15%

205 · Worship

205-01 · Adult Choir 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

205-02 · Altar Flowers 0.00 0.00 600.00 (600.00) 0.0%

205-03 · Altar Supplies 0.00 278.95 650.00 (371.05) 42.92%

205-08 · Music Expenses 10.00 10.00 300.00 (290.00) 3.33%

205-09 · Music Equip. Maintenance 0.00 260.00 300.00 (40.00) 86.67%

205-11 · Special Worship Programs 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

205-14 · Parish Family 0.00 175.00 600.00 (425.00) 29.17%

Total 205 · Worship 10.00 723.95 2,450.00 (1,726.05) 29.55%

208 · Special Restricted - Other

208-06 · Columbarium Expenses 0.00 0.00 100.00 (100.00) 0.0%

208-08 · Website Development / Maint. 0.00 0.00 100.00 (100.00) 0.0%

Total 208 · Special Restricted - Other 0.00 0.00 200.00 (200.00) 0.0%

Total Expense 11,510.49 71,436.85 201,059.76 (129,622.91) 35.53%

Net Ordinary Income (803.64) 9,675.49 (2,514.22) 12,189.71 (384.83%)

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Trinity Episcopal Church

Non-Operating Income & Expenses vs. Budget

May 20 Jan - May 20

Ordinary Income/Expense

Incom

e

107 · Special Offerings-Restricted

107-04 · Memorial Fund Income 200.00 300.00

107-05 · Rector's Disc. Fund Income 0.00 217.00

107-09 · Other Gifts - Restricted 4,615.0

0

11,465.00

107-10 · Food Pantry 1,430.0

0

2,442.00

107-18 · Special Offerings 0.00 253.97

107-20 · St. Pauly Shed Income 730.41 2,774.63

Total 107 · Special Offerings-Restricted 6,975.4

1

17,452.60

108 · Miscellaneous Non Op Income

108-02 · Miscellaneous Income 639.94 920.91

Total 108 · Miscellaneous Non Op Income 639.94 920.91

Total Income 7,615.3

5

18,373.51

Expen

se

200 · Administration

200-06 · Copier and Folding Machine

200-061 · Copier - Excess Copy Charge 69.38 249.49

Total 200-06 · Copier and Folding Machine 69.38 249.49

Total 200 · Administration 69.38 249.49

202 · Facilities

202-14 · Church Bldg

202-147 · Church Bldg-Capital Improvement 0.00 33,289.66

Total 202-14 · Church Bldg 0.00 33,289.66

Total 202 · Facilities 0.00 33,289.66

204 · Outreach

204-03 · Community/Food Pantry 0.00 187.35

Total 204 · Outreach 0.00 187.35

205 · Worship

205-07 · Nursery Care Provider 0.00 390.00

Total 205 · Worship 0.00 390.00

207 · Miscellaneous Non Op Expenses

207-03 · Columbarium Engraving Expenses 0.00 590.00

Total 207 · Miscellaneous Non Op Expenses 0.00 590.00

208 · Special Restricted - Other

208-05 · Memorial Fund 0.00 421.00

Total 208 · Special Restricted - Other 0.00 421.00

Total Expense 69.38 35,127.50

Net Ordinary Income 7,545.9

7

-16,753.99

Net

Income

7,545.9

7

-16,753.99

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Appendix B

Gathering Again at Trinity Church

The plan toward reopening for worship and other activities

In the past three months we have made numerous sacrifices for our own protection and that of our friends

and our community. They have taken a heavy toll, but we have endured them because we are committed to

caring for one another’s wellbeing. As the weeks passed, we watched the rate of infection climb, peak and

decline. We have listened to the guidance of our public officials and leaders about safe social practices and

tried to gather as much information as we could related to the specific situations of our own lives. This

information has been constantly progressing as research and experience have given us new insights.

Now we are at a point where we feel that we can take cautious steps back into the most essential pattern

of church life – worship. Though it came as a great shock back in March when everything came to an abrupt

halt, that decision was relatively straightforward. Beginning again will not be so simple. Not every person

will be in the same place of readiness to do this, nor be in complete agreement about every protocol that

should govern our re-gathering. But we need to have one set of protocols consistently in use so that

everyone who comes to Trinity Church knows what to expect and can make their own decisions about

gathering with us based upon that expectation.

The initial protocols below are our starting place. They are not “the new normal” forever. They are based

on the best science we can currently find, the most up-to-date mandates of our state and local officials, the

guidance and mandates of our Diocesan Bishop Andrew Dietsche, and our own reason. As our knowledge

about the channels through which COVID-19 spreads, the methods for best controlling risk factors, and the

number of cases in our area at any given time evolve we will adjust. We hope that those adjustments move

in a steady progression of easing restrictions. But we also know that there is a possibility of a second wave

of rising infections, and, if that were to occur, we must be prepared to re-impose stricter precautions or even

suspend in-person worship again. Ultimately, safeguarding the wellness of all people in the church will be

our first priority, and when the best information at any future time leaves some room for uncertainty, we

will error on the side of caution.

Protocols for Resuming In-Person Worship

Our current target for the first worship service at Trinity that will be open to public attendance is

Sunday, July 5th. On that day we intend to conduct a single outdoor (Morning Prayer / Eucharist) service,

weather permitting, at 9 a.m. The service will take place according to the following protocols:

1) All surfaces that may be touched by more than one person will be cleaned and disinfected prior to

the beginning of the service and again after the service.

2) The number of people who can attend the service will be limited to twenty-five percent of the

capacity of Trinity’s sanctuary or not more than can sit at least six-feet apart within the area of the

gathering space, whichever is the lesser number. Should more people be expected that the space can

accommodate an opportunity for advance reservation will be given.

3) All in attendance will be required to wear a covering over their nose and mouth. Masks will be

provided at the entrance to anyone who does not have one. Worshipers will be asked to leave their

face coverings in place throughout the service.

4) Ushers will direct people to designated seats that are pre-spaced and arranged for both individuals

and families.

5) An electronic form of the worship guide will be available at www.trinityfishkill.org for all who wish

to use their own device to follow the service. Paper copies of the worship guide will still be available

for anyone wishing to receive one.

P a g e 12

6) All individuals not related by family will be asked to socialize without physical contact. This will

apply to greetings at the entrance, passing of the peace, the eventual reception of communion, and

any other occasion where people have been used to physical touch.

7) Congregational singing will not be a part of our worship experience in the beginning. Instead music

will be offered instrumentally and vocally by a soloist or very limited number of singers if their

projected airflow can be shielded or directed away from other worshippers.

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/06/choir-practice-during-pandemic/612868/

8) The Eucharist will be administered in the form of the bread only. Communion wine is not to be

distributed by mandate of Bishop Dietsche. Directions for coming forward and receiving the

Eucharistic bread will be printed in the worship guide and spoken at the appropriate time in the

service.

9) The priest and any other person having a leadership role in the service that requires extra movement

or contact with materials, surfaces, or elements used in common during the service will sanitize their

hands before the service begins and again before handling common items. In addition, all leaders

will leave their face coverings in place as often as practically possible.

10) So far as technology makes possible, worship services will continue to be either streamed live or

recorded for individuals and families who are not able or not yet ready to gather in-person.

Regarding the Resumption of Other Church Activities

1) Coffee hour, as we have known it, presents too many opportunities for potential infection that cannot

be completely mitigated. Creative alternatives may yet emerge but attempting to replicate a

gathering whose complete purpose is socializing without being able to share food-in-common and sit

close together for conversation seriously undermines the point.

2) Nursery care, likewise, is not possible without exposing both the caregiver and cared for children to

close contact with non-family members. Therefore, nursery care will continue to be suspended. All

parents are welcome to have their children with them during the worship service.

3) We will continue to prohibit the use of Trinity’s buildings and meeting rooms from all non-religious

services. Meetings of groups of Trinity leadership and members will be given first priority for

resumption after at least one month of continuous worship services. Consideration of re-opening to

use by outside groups will follow.

These protocols have emerged from careful and deliberate discussion by Fr. Garrett and the Vestry. They

are the practices that all who come to Trinity Church will need to abide by. Their purpose is to provide

clarity and give confidence to every attendee that we are resuming in-person worship with as many practical

precautions as we can take. We take no joy in the restrictions of practices that have been deeply sacred to us

for centuries. But we choose to make our primary focus, not the restrictions, but the opportunity to make a

collective covenant to safeguard one another while continuing to praise and pray, hear and reflect on

scripture, and be uplifted by sacred music once again at Trinity Church.

P a g e 13

Appendix C

Columbarium Work

Three beds:

• Pull all weeds and leave ground cover

• Reinstall lattice under stairs

• Trim and reshape all bushes

• Discard all pulled material

P a g e 14

North Property Line Work

• Remove and clear sidehill from bottom of property to sidewalk at top of property. Prepare area for

grass. Leave all marked trees.