Of Faith in the Holy Trinity: There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body, parts, or passions; of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the Maker, and Preserver of all things both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there be three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

(Articles of religion I)

One of the most difficult to explain, and often misunderstood concepts in the Christian faith is the belief in a Trinitarian God, one God with three aspects. Often characterized as the ‘Father,’ Son,’ and ‘Holy Spirit,’ the trinity represents God the Father/Creator, Jesus Christ the Son and Savior, and the Holy Spirit, or the creative, inspirational force at work in the world.

It is this ‘three-in-one’ characterization of God that some point to as contradictory to the doctrine of there being one and only one God, that somehow Christians pray to more than one god. Christian teachings and belief however are clear on this point: there is only one God, the Creator of the universe, who has three ‘persons’ or aspects, inseparable yet unique parts of the whole.

These three ‘persons’ integrate into the one that is ‘God’ who is beyond these distinctions. Just as we ourselves consist of body and mind and spirit (among many other ways of subdividing the parts that make up the whole) these three aspects of God in combination represent God to the world in general and to humans in particular.

(An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church)

Re-Opening plans for St. Michael’s Church: After consultation with the members of Parish Council, we are looking at two possible dates on the re-opening our church facilities to in-person worship. These dates are either on July 5^th OR July 12^th.

The plan is to take a ‘phase approach’. Details of this plan can be found on the Diocesan website  at:  https://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/news/documents-available-phased-re-opening-for-in-person-worship

Here are some of the requirements and recommendations that we wanted to share with you as we plan to move into Phase II: Beginning Re-entry.

• Before any re-entry, the parish must provide for a thorough cleaning of the entire church building, including pews, bathrooms, doorknobs, light switches, stair railings, and microphones. Please see the current cleaning guidelines from BCCDC.
• Recommend considering removing all non-essential items from rooms (church sanctuary) so that there are fewer surfaces to touch.
• Posting signs and making announcements about non-contact greetings and reminders to refrain from shaking hands and hugging.
• If there are sick or are of a vulnerable population, they should stay home and join online, if available, through your parish or another.

Requirements for In-person Worship

• During this phasepublicly sharing in the Holy Eucharist in person is prohibited.
  ·  There is no physical touching during any portion of in-person worship. This includes physical sharing the Peace if used at this time (although exchanging the Greeting of Peace, without physical contact, is encouraged).
  ·   There is no passing of an offering plate through the pews. To limit contact, parishioners may offer financial gifts online or to a stationary plate as they come in or during worship.

(more to follow)