From the Board

An Important Message on Gathering Safely

The Omicron Variant has become another COVID-19 challenge that has caused UUCP Leadership to reassess risks and formulate appropriate accommodations. We have monitored developments, public health advisories, and tracked the community infection rates as they rose exponentially. We are also aware of more positive trends, such as lower illness severity, the high immunity of fully vaccinated and boosted individuals, and, for those boosted people who do test positive but are asymptomatic, there is a very low likelihood of transmitting the virus to others.

We now find ourselves in a familiar – yet very different – place compared to the two previous times in which we have had to change operations. We know that COVID will be with us for some time in some variation or other, and we have learned the cost of isolation. We must, then, strike that delicate balance between living life with acceptable risks and protecting our most vulnerable people.

The Governing Board has acted on the recommendations of the Safer Congregation Team. Effective immediately, and until further notice: 

• Indoor Gatherings and Sunday Services will continue to take place in our church building.
• Participants must always wear face masks and practice physical distancing.
• Food and Beverage service is suspended.
• Rentals will be assessed on an individual basis.

Adjustments will be made to enhance physical distancing and fresh air ventilation. It now becomes a matter for each person to assess their own risks and make choices accordingly. 

Those who are immunocompromised, have underlying medical issues, are not fully vaccinated – and boosted – or simply not comfortable with indoor gatherings, should opt not to attend in person. The Sunday Services will be recorded and posted as usual and there will be many opportunities for Zoom interaction.

We are a caring community, and it is going to take this village to ensure that everyone is included,  with no one left out due to physical and virtual isolation. If you know of someone who needs an extra hand reached out to them, please notify the Caring Team or any Board Member.

Thank you.

Arnie Ondis

Governing Board President