When Will We Return?: March 12, 2021

It has been a year since Covid-19 impacted our community in a tragic way. We closed our doors on March 12th, held our first virtual service on March 15th, and we lost beloved UCE member, John LaPlante, on March 21st. At the time, it seemed unfathomable that we would still be gathering virtually for a full year. Throughout the year, the overwhelming sentiment has been gratitude for the virtual services. We have only recently started to hear questions about when we will return to the building.

It is encouraging that vaccinations are becoming more widely available and accessible. The news of a third vaccine approved and the expectation that enough will be available to vaccinate every adult in the country by the end of May is exciting. For your well-being and the well-being of others, we hope that you will get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Although vaccines are becoming more accessible, we are not considering in person worship services before September. By that time, the expectation is that the adult population will have access to the vaccine and there may be a large enough percentage of UCE members who are vaccinated to ensure relatively low risk gatherings. However, it is important to understand our return to in person gatherings will not be sudden, immediate, or feel ‘back to normal.’ We will continue to need to wear masks and maintain physical distance for some time. We will not have food after services, at least not to start and singing will remain high risk for a long time.

The Covid Task Force is meeting and will be learning more in the coming months, listening to the science, and talking with interfaith community partners to determine safe, accessible, and meaningful gatherings. If you have questions, concerns or creative ideas for gathering, please reach out to Rev. Eileen, or one of the members of the Covid task force: Cathy Deamant, Sarah Iles, Ben Kornfeld, Sandra Robinson, Joe Romeo, Jessica Tomell-Presto, Matthew Snowdon, or Bridget Wild.

Here is the link to the guidelines for in person gatherings which remain in effect for now: https://ucevanston.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Guidelines-for-UCE-Small-Groups-10.22.2020.pdf