4/29/2022  Covid Protocol Updates

 

Thank you to everyone for your diligence as we have continued to navigate through this pandemic. Thankfully, the covid environment in our area has continued to improve. We continue to be patient and faithful to allow God to lead us through this process.

Based on that, we are happy to announce that starting this Sunday, May 1, we are moving into the next phase of our S.A.F.E. Plan.

Updated protocols:

Masks are optional once you are inside any facility on campus and seated. Masks must be worn upon entry. If you are comfortable with those seated around you, you are allowed to remove your mask.

The social distancing requirement has been formally removed.

If you or anyone else in your household is feeling sick and/or experiencing cold-like symptoms, we encourage you to stay home and watch service via Livestream.

Thank you and God Bless

12/30/2021 Update: Covid Protocols Strictly Enforced

As you know, covid cases are on the rise due to the most recent highly transmissible Omicron variant. We will continue with In-Person worship but the covid protocols will be strictly enforced. We have a structured framework in place and we ask for your adherence so that True Vine is safe, secure, and spacious for your family and all worshippers. Below is a reminder of our protocols. Please review and follow starting Sunday morning. Thank you for your support as we navigate through this time. Stay safe and God bless.
 
Current protocols:
  • If you have tested positive in the last 1-10 days, please stay home and watch service via Livestream.
  • If you or anyone else in your household is feeling sick and/or experiencing cold-like symptoms, please stay home and watch service via Livestream.
  • Sanitize upon entry.
  • Masks must be worn at all times covering your nose and mouth.
  • Social distancing will be enforced. In the new sanctuary, only sit where there is dot on the back of the pew. In the old sanctuary, maintain distance beside and in front/back of others.
  • No congregating before or after service in the sanctuaries or foyers. 
  • No handshaking or hugging.
  • Dismiss by section.
  • Tithes/Offering – Boxes at each entrance/exit. The tithes and offering box will be in the foyer during the week. Also you can give via www.truevine.org/give or the Vanco Faith app.
  • Worship Service will continue to be Livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.
  • Facilities will be cleaned before and after all services. 
 
 

11/9/2021 Update: Current Protocols

Thank you to everyone for your support as we have continued to navigate through this pandemic. Thankfully, the covid climate is continuing to improve and we continue to adjust as a result. We have had a structured framework in place throughout, but we have been in constant prayer and have allowed the Lord to direct every aspect of this process. Our focus is to ensure a safe worship experience for all. We continue to step out on faith and let God lead us back to safe normal operations.
 
Based on that, we are adjusting the covid protocols. The changes include:
  • Masks and social distancing will remain in place.
  • Temperature checks will be eliminated. If you or anyone else in your household is feeling sick and/or experiencing cold-like symptoms, please stay home and participate virtually if applicable.
  • We will return to In-Person Sunday School (Adults and Youth) starting December 5 @ 8am. More details to come.
  • We will return to In-Person Youth Activities beginning with the kickoff on the 4th Sunday this month – Youth Sunday. This includes resuming the Arts (AOV and MIME).
  • Youth Bible Study will resume on Wednesday, December 1.
  • Children’s Church will resume in January 2022.
  • The Family Life Center and Group Meals are open and events will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
  

In-Person Worship Service Protocols:

  • If you or anyone else in your household is feeling sick and/or experiencing cold-like symptoms, we encourage you to stay home and watch service via Livestream.
  • Due to social distancing guidelines, we will cap worship service attendance to 250 people.
  • Doors open at 8:30am.
  • Last name A-M: Enter through West Entrance (small lot) | Last name N-Z: Enter through East Entrance (large lot)
  • Masks are required to be worn at all times.
  • Households must sit together.
  • No handshaking or hugging.
  • No congregating in foyers or sanctuary.
  • Dismiss by section.
  • Tithes/Offering – Boxes at each entrance/exit. The tithes and offering box will be in the foyer during the week. Also you can give via www.truevine.org/give or the Vanco Faith app.
  • Worship Service will continue to be Livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.
  • The Food Pantry will continue with drive-thru pantry. No entry into the fellowship hall. All Food Pantry volunteers are fully vaccinated.
 
Sanitation and Facilities:
  • We are disinfecting and sanitizing the sanctuary and facilities between each service.
  • Sanitizing stations are located at the East and West entrances.
 

Upon Arrival: Our Security, Medical, and Hospitality Ministries will be placed at both entrances and exits, ready to guide you through a contactless experience.

  • Hospitality Ministry personnel will guide you to the sanctuary to meet an Usher.
  • Ushers will guide you to your seat to ensure appropriate space between you/your family and other guests. Households must sit together.
 

Sunday School:

  • Return to In-Person on Sunday, December 5, 2021. Sunday School will continue to be virtual starting at 7:30am until then.

Wednesday:

  • Prayer Service and Bible Study continue In-Person for Adults. Youth will resume Bible Study on Wednesday, December 1.

 

9/28/2021 Update: October Protocols
Thank you to everyone for your patience as we continue to navigate through these uncertain times. As previously communicated, we are monitoring the covid climate and will adjust as the situation changes. We continue to be prayerful and safe as we return to more In-Person services. To ensure that True Vine is safe, secure, and spacious for your family and all worshippers, we are taking every precaution, and more, in accordance with state and federal guidelines. Based on the current status of the covid climate, we have adjusted the protocols for October. This includes the elimination of the fully-vaccinated status and the covid questionnaire for the congregation starting Sunday, Oct 3, 2021. Masks and social distancing are still required. Volunteers and those serving in front-line ministry roles must be fully-vaccinated. We will also return to In-Person Prayer Service and Bible Study on Wednesday, Oct 6, 2021.
 

In-Person Worship Service Protocols:

  • If you or anyone else in your household is feeling sick and/or experiencing cold-like symptoms, we encourage you to stay home and watch service via Livestream.
  • Due to social distancing guidelines, we will cap worship service attendance to 250 people.
  • Doors open at 8:30am.
  • Last name A-M: Enter through West Entrance (small lot) | Last name N-Z: Enter through East Entrance (large lot)
  • Masks are required to be worn at all times.
  • Households must sit together.
  • No handshaking or hugging.
  • No congregating in foyers or sanctuary.
  • Dismiss by section.
  • Tithes/Offering – Boxes at each entrance/exit. The tithes and offering box will be in the foyer during the week. Also you can give via www.truevine.org/give or the Vanco Faith app.
  • Worship Service will continue to be Livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.
  • The Food Pantry will continue with drive-thru pantry. No entry into the fellowship hall. All Food Pantry volunteers are fully vaccinated.
 
Sanitation and Facilities:
  • We are disinfecting and sanitizing the sanctuary and facilities between each service.
  • Sanitizing stations are located at the East and West entrances.
 

Upon Arrival: Our Security, Medical, and Hospitality Ministries will be placed at both entrances and exits, ready to guide you through a contactless experience.

  • Medical Ministry personnel will complete a temperature check. If Temp > 99.0, for the safety of others, you will be not allowed in and encouraged to attend worship virtually.
  • Hospitality Ministry personnel will guide you to the sanctuary to meet an Usher.
  • Ushers will guide you to your seat to ensure appropriate space between you/your family and other guests. Households must sit together.
 

Sunday School:

  • Sunday School will continue to be virtual starting at 7:30am.

Wednesday:

  • Prayer Service and Bible Study will resume In-Person in the new sanctuary beginning Wed, Oct. 6.

 

Services to remain closed:

  • Youth Activities – includes AOV, MIME, or other in-person gatherings
  • Children’s Church
  • Family Life Center
  • Group Meals

 

8/30/2021 Update: September Protocols – Return to In-Person Worship Service

We are excited to announce that we will be returning to LIMITED in-person worship service starting Sunday, September 5. We continue to be prayerful and safe during this unprecedented time. To ensure that True Vine is safe, secure, and spacious for your family and all worshippers, we are taking every precaution, and more, in accordance with state and federal guidelines. Based on the current status of the covid climate with the delta variant, we have adjusted the protocols for September. We will continue to monitor and adjust as the situation changes. This includes requiring proof of FULL VACCINATION, socially distanced seating, and requiring our church family and all guests to wear a mask to on campus gatherings.
 

In-Person Worship Service Protocols:

  • MUST show proof of vaccination to enter. The date of the 2nd vaccination should be more than two weeks prior..
  • Review and Complete the COVID-19 QUESTIONNAIRE  1 day prior. Required for entry. The questionnaire will ask for confirmation that you are fully vaccinated.
  • Due to social distancing guidelines, we will cap worship service attendance to 250 people.
  • Doors open at 8:30am.
  • Last name A-M: Enter through West Entrance (small lot) | Last name N-Z: Enter through East Entrance (large lot)
  • Masks are required to be worn at all times.
  • Households must sit together.
  • No handshaking or hugging.
  • No congregating in foyers or sanctuary.
  • Dismiss by section.
  • Tithes/Offering – Boxes at each entrance/exit. The tithes and offering box will be in the foyer during the week. Also you can give via www.truevine.org/give or the Give Plus app.
  • Worship Service will continue to be Livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.
  • The Food Pantry will continue with drive-thru pantry. No entry into the fellowship hall. All Food Pantry volunteers are fully vaccinated.
 
Sanitation and Facilities:
  • We are disinfecting and sanitizing the sanctuary and facilities between each service.
  • Sanitizing stations are located at the East and West entrances.
 

Upon Arrival: Our Security, Medical, and Hospitality Ministries will be placed at both entrances and exits, ready to guide you through a contactless experience.

  • Medical Ministry personnel will review your covid vaccination card to confirm vaccination status.
  • Medical Ministry personnel will confirm that you have completed the covid-19 questionnaire.
  • Medical Ministry personnel will complete a temperature check. If Temp > 99.0, for the safety of others, you will be not allowed in and encouraged to attend worship virtually.
  • Hospitality Ministry personnel will guide you to the sanctuary to meet an Usher.
  • Ushers will guide you to your seat to ensure appropriate space between you/your family and other guests. Households must sit together.
 

Sunday School:

  • Sunday School will continue to be virtual starting at 7:30am.

Wednesday:

  • Prayer Service will continue to be via teleconference at 6:30pm.
  • No Bible Study in September.

 

Services to remain closed:

  • Youth Activities – includes AOV, MIME, or other in-person gatherings
  • Children’s Church
  • Family Life Center
  • Group Meals

 

7/30/2021 Update: In-Person Worship Service

As we continue to monitor the rising cases and the information issued by the CDC and the Mississippi Department of Health regarding COVID-19 and the delta variant, we want to give you an update in regard to ongoing measures that True Vine is taking. Please be assured that the safety and well-being of every person who comes on our campus are high priorities. As a result, the following changes are effective immediately and will be in place until September 3, 2021.

  • Worship Service – No In-Person Worship Service. Worship Service will be via LIVESTREAM Only (Facebook and YouTube).  
  • Personnel/Ministries – Only essential personnel from Audio/Visual, Medical, Ministerial, Music, and Security Ministries will be onsite for worship service. All onsite personnel must be fully vaccinated and show their vaccination card to enter.
  • Protocols – All previous protocols are back in place. COVID questionnaire, Temperature Checks, Sanitize upon entering, and Masks.
  • Sunday School – Continue Virtually.
  • Prayer and Bible Study – No Prayer Service and Bible Study during this time.
  • Ministry Meetings – No face-to-face ministry meetings. Transition to electronic communication.
  • Tithes/Offering – The tithes and offering box will be in the foyer during the week. Also you can give via www.truevine.org/give or the Give Plus app.
  • Food Pantry – Continuing with drive-thru pantry. No entry into the fellowship hall. All Food Pantry volunteers are fully vaccinated.

Please help spread the word to everyone. Let’s continue to pray for God’s protection around our entire True Vine family, our community, our state, and our country. We strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated to help slow the spread. To schedule a vaccination appointment, please contact Sis. Stacia Dunson at (601) 715-0395.

As a faith organization, we are called to always maintain a posture and presence of faith. We are to let our light shine in the darkest of hours. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but power, love and a sound mind. We will follow the recommendations of our community professionals but we must never lose trust in our Almighty God. King David said, “Except the Lord watch the city they wake in vain” (Psalms 127:1).  

We will keep you updated.

Thank you,

Pastor James
 

7/13 Update: Prayer and Bible Study Update

Due to the impact and uncertainty of the COVID Delta variant, we have decided to suspend Prayer and Bible Study for the next two weeks. We will assess and communicate at that point when we will resume. Thanks
 

7/9/2021 Update: MSDH Recommendations and COVID-19 Protocol Reminders

As we communicated previously, we continue to pray, monitor the COVID-19 situation, and communicate.

We want to make you aware of recommendations released today by the Mississippi Department of Health related to indoor gatherings due to the delta variant. Specially, MSDH recommends that all Mississippi residents > 65 years of age avoid all indoor mass gatherings (regardless of vaccination status). MSDH recommends that all Mississippi residents with chronic underlying medical conditions avoid all indoor mass gatherings.

True Vine continues to ensure that the worship environment is safe, secure, and spacious for your family, and more, in accordance with the state and federal guidelines. A reminder of our protocols that are in place:

  • Masks are required at all times. (Covering the nose and mouth)
  • Seating is marked to ensure proper social distancing.
  • Hand sanitizing stations positioned at each entrance for everyone’s use.
  • Disinfecting and sanitizing the sanctuary and facilities after each service.
  • No handshaking or hugging.
  • No congregating in the sanctuary or foyers.

We will continue both In-Person and Livestream services, but we remind you to be mindful of the situation, follow all protocols, and not let your guard down.

Thanks and God bless!

 

6/1/2021: Update to Wednesday Night Services and Covid-Questionnaire

LIVE/In Person Bible Study has been pushed to start on next Wednesday, June 9th. Reminder to purchase your book by John Hannah “Let’s Talk”. It is a very practical, relevant and vibrant book about prayer and talking “with” God, not “to” God. The link to purchase the book is here – Let’s Talk
 
Starting this Sunday, June 6, it is no longer required to submit the Covid Questionnaire or to have a temperature check. Masks and Social Distancing are still required for all campus worship services and events.
 
We will continue to pray, monitor the situation, and communicate. God Bless!
 

5/19/2021: Update to Wednesday Night Services

There will be no Prayer Service, Adult Bible Study, or Youth Bible Study for the remainder of this month.
 
Starting June 2, 2021 (first Wednesday in next month), we are excited to announce that we will resume Prayer Service, Adult Bible Study, and Youth Bible Study LIVE/In-Person on campus. Prayer Service and Adult Bible Study will be in the new sanctuary and Youth Bible Study will be in the Family Life Center. Both locations allow for great social distancing. We will follow similar protocols to Sunday worship but will share more details soon.
 
Adult Bible Study will be based on a book by John Hannah “Let’s Talk”. It is a very practical, relevant and vibrant book about prayer and talking “with” God, not “to” God. Oh, it is powerful. The link to purchase the book is here – Let’s Talk
 
Reminder to all that God is our refuge and strength. Let’s continue to pray for our community and nation during this recovery time.
 
Thanks and God Bless,
 
Pastor James
 

2/19/2021 UPDATE: Return to In-Person Service on March 7, 2021

To ensure that True Vine is safe, secure, and spacious for your family, we are taking every precaution, and more, in accordance with state and federal guidelines. This includes socially distanced seating and requiring our church family and all guests to wear a mask to on campus gatherings.
 

In-Person Worship Service Protocols:

  • Review and Complete the COVID-19 QUESTIONNAIRE  1 day prior. Required for entry.
  • Due to social distancing guidelines, we will cap worship service attendance to 250 people.
  • Doors open at 8:30am.
  • Last name A-M: Enter through West Entrance (small lot) | Last name N-Z: Enter through East Entrance (large lot)
  • Masks are required to be worn at all times.
  • Households must sit together.
  • No handshaking or hugging.
  • No congregating in foyers or sanctuary.
  • Dismiss by section.
  • Tithes/Offering – Boxes at each entrance/exit.
 
Sanitation and Facilities:
  • We are disinfecting and sanitizing the sanctuary and facilities between each service.
  • Sanitizing stations are located at the East and West entrances.
 

Upon Arrival: Our Security, Medical, and Hospitality Ministries will be placed at both entrances and exits, ready to guide you through a contactless experience.

  • Medical Ministry personnel will confirm that you have completed the covid-19 questionnaire.
  • Medical Ministry personnel will complete a temperature check. If Temp > 99.0, for the safety of others, you will be not allowed in and encouraged to attend worship virtually.
  • Hospitality Ministry personnel will guide you to the sanctuary to meet an Usher.
  • Ushers will guide you to your seat to ensure appropriate space between you/your family and other guests.      Households must sit together.
 

Sunday School:

  • Sunday School will continue to be virtual starting at 7:30am.
 

Services to remain closed:

  • Children’s Church
  • Family Life Center
  • Group Meals
 

Wednesday, 4/1/2020 Update:

Thank you to all who have joined us for Worship and Sunday School online. What a blessing it has been to connect with our church family online during this time. As you know the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation is fluid. We are continuing to monitor and as previously communicated, we will keep you updated. The president has extended the social distancing guidelines until April 30. Today, the governor issued an Executive Order for Mississippians to stay home starting Friday at 5pm through April 20 to help to slow the spread of COVID-19.   As a result of these updates, the following changes have been made regarding our April events:

  • Sunday Services will continue to be delivered via Facebook and YouTube. (including Easter)
  • Sunday School on Wednesday will continue to be delivered via Facebook and YouTube.
  • Tithes and offering continues via truevine.org/give.
  • Ministry Meetings will continue to be conducted via tele/video conference. No face to face meetings.
  • Spring Revival has been cancelled.
  • Worship on Wednesday (WOW) has been cancelled.

Please continue to do the following:

  • Follow all guidelines established by the CDC and MS Department of Health.
  • Check on your church family. Don’t let a day go by without reaching out to another member to encourage        them and find ways to help them during this time.
  • Contact your deacon team if needed. If you need any help during this time, contact them who are able to pray with you and provide spiritual guidance through technological means.
  • Continue your giving to the church. Thank you for the ways that you have faithfully continued your giving via our online or in person. Your continued faithfulness helps us to maintain our day to day operations and obligations during this season of limited gatherings. 
  • Stay engaged with our church ministry. Whether it be through the online Sunday services, weekly virtual fellowships, social media, phone calls, etc., do what you can to stay engaged with our church family.
We are certainly praying to this end—that lives will be saved, health will be restored, and our community can return to normalcy. 
 
God promises to be our “refuge and strength” (Psalms 46:1). That means he is both our protector around us, and our comforter within us. He promises never to leave us nor forsake us. Our recovery may be long but we will get through this. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy is coming in the morning.
 
Be blessed, keep praying, and stay safe!
 
Pastor James
 

Monday, 3/16/2020 Update:

As previously communicated, we are monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation very closely and will communicate updates as the situation changes. Given the latest updates from the CDC and the MS Department of Health, the following changes have been made regarding Sunday Services.

  • No live/in-person Sunday School or Worship service for the next two Sundays (March 22nd and March 29th). We   will deliver the Word/Sermon via video on truevine.org and Facebook.
  • Transition to online giving at truevine.org/give. Use this link to pay your tithes and offering.
  • Pastoral Anniversary is postponed to a later date.
  • All Cancellations communicated on Friday, 3/13 are still in effect.
Reminder to all that God is our refuge and strength. Let’s continue to pray for our community and nation during this time.
 
Thanks and God Bless,
 
Pastor James
 

Friday, 3/13/2020 Update:

Dear True Vine Church Family, As we continue to see the news regarding the coronavirus, we want to give you an update in regard to ongoing measures that True Vine is taking. We are monitoring the information issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Mississippi Department of Health. Please be assured that the safety and well-being of every person who comes on our campus are high priorities. As a result, the following changes are effective immediately and will be in place until March 31.

  • Sunday School – Sunday School will begin at 8:30am. It will be a Sunday School Review Only in the new          Sanctuary.
  • Worship Service – Normal schedule at 9:30am.
  • Cleaning – Increased frequency of cleanings in high touch areas.
  • Hand Sanitizer – The Medical Ministry will be positioned at the main entrances of the church with hand sanitizer      and coronavirus information.
  • Ministries – no face to face ministry meetings. Transition to electronic communication.
  • Food Pantry – Transitioning to drive-thru pantry. No entry into the fellowship hall.
  • Programs – No printed programs.
  • Cancellations (these events will not take place)
    • Breakfast at McClain Lodge on 3/14
    • Travel to Burning Bush in Grenada for revival
    • Bible Study (Noon and 6:30)
    • Face to face ministry meetings (transition to electronic communication)
    • Children’s Church
    • Anniversary Service Dinner

We are closely following the recommendations of the Mississippi Department of Health to help prevent the spread of the virus.

  • If you have traveled to a European country (see CDC link below), mainland China or South Korea or been in close contact with some who has, if you have been on a cruise ship, or if you have flown in the past 14 days, we are asking you to self-quarantine and remain home during church services. The service will be posted on Facebook and on truevine.org.
  • To prevent illness to the most vulnerable – older adults and those with chronic illness such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease, are encouraged to not attend church services.
  • If you feel sick, have fever or exhibiting flu-like symptoms, please stay home and watch the recorded service online.
Helpful links with detailed information on preparedness and prevention:
Please help spread the word, especially to our seniors. Let’s pray for God’s protection around our entire True Vine family, Rankin county community, and the entire nation as a whole. We will continue to monitor this situation. We will be in constant communication as things change.
 
As a faith organization, we are called to always maintain a posture and presence of faith. We are to let our light shine in the darkest of hours. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but power, love and a sound mind. We will follow the recommendations of our community professionals. But we must never lose trust in our Almighty God. King David said, “Except the Lord watch the city they wake in vain” (Psalms 127:1).   I look forward to seeing you Sunday as we continue our series, ‘Discovering Your Spiritual Inheritance’.
 
Thank you,
 
Pastor James