September 15, 2021
Hello All,
For the past few months we have been discerning when to open our pews again for Sunday worship. We’ve been listening to you and following the science closely, and I write to you with good news! At our latest meeting, our church board has discerned that it is time to gather again physically at 5655 S. University Avenue. The plan is to make the in-person option available beginning September 26, with a few notable safety measures (in addition to more regular building cleaning, which is already happening) listed below:
- Masks over the nose and mouth to be worn at all times while in the building, regardless of vaccination status.
- If you are not feeling well or are experiencing known Covid symptoms, we ask you to stay home and participate in worship online.
- Specially marked seating to respect 6’ physical distancing.
- Frequent hand washing and sanitizing.
- All church staff have been vaccinated.
- If you are traveling out of state, a 14-day quarantine period is required (per city guidelines).
- Congregational singing, passing the peace, offering, communion and other parts of the service will be adjusted to limit known risk factors.
- Liturgists during service may unmask while speaking, but will immediately re-mask after, and all equipment will be sanitized regularly during service.
Please note that we will continue to gather online and will reformat the service for a hybrid model that allows for those not in the building to still participate in meaningful ways. Also note that we are figuring out separate protocols for our children’s program, so families will need to remain together in the sanctuary in the meantime.
We understand and appreciate that not all parishioners will feel comfortable or be physically able to join us in person on Sunday, September 26, or at any point in the near future. We respect you, we love you, and we consider you no less a part of this church family regardless of how you show up.
I want to thank the board, staff and volunteers for their faithful work over the past several months, continuing to be the church while our pastor was on sabbatical.
We want to welcome everyone and enjoy fellowship safely on September 26 and moving forward.
If you have any questions or concerns, or if you want to help us realize this plan, please be sure to reach out. We will continue to listen and adjust as needed, as we strive to ensure that everyone is comfortable and feels safe during worship.
Peace be with you all,
Deidre Searcy-Long
University Church Board Moderator
Posted 09.15.2021
Please read Denise Hill’s reflection on this time of sacred pause.
