(Archive) With the positivity rate in Minnesota at the highest it has been at any point in the pandemic, we have made the difficult, but necessary decision to move to online worship and programming for the rest of January. Religious Education leaders are in conversation about how best to help students stay connected through virtual RE. Read below and view Rev. Lisa’s 1/12 Mid-Week Video Message for more details. 

For the past two years, we have been guided by the values of safety, inclusion, and consent in our COVID policies for our congregation and community. We have followed the science and the recommendations of the CDC and MDH. While we have rejoiced in the ability to offer an in person option and to pursue hybrid church, we must also consider the changing context around us in light of our values and care for one another. 

Looking ahead to when we return to in-person gatherings and hybrid programming, we will build on all we have learned since our successful return to the building in September. Our new video system is serving us well and allowing our Zoom attendees to feel they are “in the room”. Our CYRE program is well supported by our volunteer teachers and all positions for the second semester are filled. We continue to look at ways to nurture connection and community, both in-person and online, after worship and throughout the week. 

The UUCM Board of Trustees and Rev. Lisa Friedman continue to strongly recommend the COVID-19 vaccine and booster for everyone that is eligible. This is the most important action we can all take for the safety of our community, especially our youngest children, and to address the strain on our health care system. We continue to require masks for all staff and key volunteers when they are in the building and recommend following the CDC updated mask guidelines for the most effective mask use.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if we can be of support in any way. Thank you all for your ongoing support and care for UUCM and our community! 

Rev. Lisa Friedman & Fred Hulting, Board President