We’re in this together, and we can’t do it alone. Some of you might have read that sentence in the closing line of the email that I sent to the congregation in mid-May after the UUA announced guidelines recommending that churches plan to continue virtual operations through May 2021. Most of us have heard the phrase “We’re in this together” used in reference to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit the world and united the global community in solidarity to care for ourselves and one another. However, I believe that the second part of the phrase – “We can’t do it alone” – is another important concept in our lives in general and in this moment in particular.
We at UUCP enjoy being together, nurturing Our Beloved Community while we Celebrate Diversity, Strive for Justice, and Inspire Love. While building our vibrant caring community, we see again and again that we’re in this together. And as we work on projects, including stewardship, we are reminded that we can’t do it alone. All of us play an important part of our congregation.
The sentiment rings so true during the current crisis. I may be just one person, and I may practice good hygiene and personal precautions and distancing to avoid the virus, but when I go to the grocery store and walk past other shoppers and interact with a cashier not wearing a mask, and then go near my co-worker, who goes home to her infant son and husband, then meet up with my friend, and then spend time with my family member who has gone to the post office – suddenly, I’m not just one person, but a person who has made contact with dozens of others who have made contact with dozens of others and on and on. Our UU 7th Principle highlights that we all are a part of an interconnected web of life, and what impacts one part of the web impacts us all.
That is why it is too risky for us to return to in-person gatherings at this time. The church leadership with Rev. Alice are planning to continue virtual Sunday Services for quite some time with videos being posted weekly. Rev. Alice with help has already done some amazing and inspirational services, and we expect more to come with creativity and love and beauty and wisdom all woven in. As has been noted, too, planning for virtual operations through May 2021 doesn’t necessarily mean that we will not gather at all in person or that we might not get together sooner than May, but it does allow us to focus on longer-term planning than we have been doing so far. We all wish this was over, but it will not be for some time, and I know we will be forever changed by this event as we are by so many of life’s experiences.
Our dedicated Building & Grounds Team Leader Gerry Donnelly has identified a checklist of items that must be done to maintain our building while it is not being used weekly. We have other issues to consider, including staying engaged as congregants and ensuring our needs are met emotionally, spiritually, socially, physically and mentally. As this is an evolving situation, you will hear details as they come available. One place to hear more will be our Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, June 14, at 12:30pm, in lieu of Coffee Hour that day. Refer to the announcement in this newsletter for info about the email or phone invitation that you will be receiving with all the necessary log-in details. I look forward to hearing from you and/or seeing you during that meeting as we continue to guide our church into the next year and beyond.
We’re in this together, and we can’t do it alone. I’m glad to be doing this together with you.
Until next time,
Lauren Anzaldo
President of the Governing Board