Reopening Update

We’ve missed you! 

The Executive Team is excited to share with the community our reopening update. Our Reopening Task Force consisted of Erica Lavine, Safety Specialist, Beth Cooper Zobott, Professional Meeting Organizer Certified in Safety, and Mila Brinker, Church Administrator. The Executive Team relied extensively on the Task Force’s recommendations.  

In-person services

We have continued with online services, following the guidelines of the UUA to protect the most vulnerable in our community. We are hoping to welcome everyone back to in-person services after Labor Day in early September.  We are watching the statistics on local community spread and vaccinations to judge whether this reopening will be feasible.  We have also budgeted for the equipment necessary to livestream our services so that those who will not be comfortable attending in person will still be able to join us.  There has been some discussion regarding outdoor services, but it’s been determined that outdoor services are logistically difficult and present inclusiveness challenges.  

Library

At a recent meeting of the Committee on Ministry (COM) it was decided to reopen the library to in-person visitation. We hope this will promote engagement of the UUCE community and provide a way for members to visit the church in a safe manner for the first time in many months.  If you would like to visit the library and don’t have a key to the church, please contact the church office to arrange for a visit. 

 Small Groups

The task force recommends small groups resume meeting at the church building with the following caveats:  

1. 10 people or fewer per group.
2. One group per day.  At least 24 hours between each group meeting. Please schedule with Mila Brinker, Church Administrator.
3. Groups will be expected to sanitize Fellowship Hall and bathrooms after themselves, disinfectant spray will be furnished by the church. This includes tables, chairs, and all surfaces touched. Windows must be closed after use.
4. Groups will be restricted to Fellowship Hall (first floor room adjacent to kitchen).
5. Tables and chairs have been pre-set. Please do not rearrange chairs or tables.
6. A window on the north and south side of the room is to be opened to facilitate ventilation/air flow.
7. Approved church groups, team, and committee work only.
8. There will be no childcare offered.
9. No food or drink served during meetings. Own personal drinks may be brought in with attendee.
10. Masks must always be worn inside the building. Social distance rules must be followed.

Building Use Procedures

Recommendations for business held at church for both staff and volunteers.       

1. Everyone entering the building must sign in at the table outside the offices.
2. Everyone entering the church must wear a mask covering their mouth and nose in public spaces, e.g. vestibule, hallways, restrooms, kitchen, meeting rooms, sanctuary.
3. If a member/staff is working alone, they may elect to remove their mask. If so, they should be working in a room with a door that closes. If someone enters the room, they are to don a mask.
4. Anyone entering a room with a closed door should knock to announce themselves, and then wait until the room’s occupant gives the “all clear” (i.e. tells them that they have donned a mask) before entering.
5. It is suggested that staff and volunteers work alone if possible or limit time working together.

Please contact the Executive Team with questions or concerns.