Throughout the summer, UUCM has worshipped with 7 other congregations in MidAmerica. This week’s message shares the wonderful music “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” by Bob Dylan that Paul Winchester and the UUCM Band shared in July. Enjoy!
Click on the picture above to view this week’s video message.
INVITATION Let’s brainstorm together how to serve our community! We need your input as we plan and implement our new monthly Multigenerational Day of Service schedule. Contact Lori Arnold if interested, and with any questions.
In this week’s message Rev. Lisa shares her gratitude as she begins her second year of ministry with UUCM. Each of us has had our own unique experience of church during the pandemic. What are our hopes for the new church year?
Click on the picture above to view Rev. Lisa’s video message.
(Archive) Fred Hulting and Rev. Lisa Friedman
In May, we shared an update on the phased reopening of the church during summer and fall. At that time we were full of optimism given increasing vaccinations, lower infection rates, and a loosening of restrictions in Minnesota. In July, we moved into Phase 2 and began allowing small groups to use the church with fewer restrictions. It has been fun to see people gather in the church and to reconnect after such a long time. Now, as September approaches, we continue to work towards Phase 3, which would allow us to return to regular building use, including Sunday worship.
At the end of our May update, we wrote “Current trends with the pandemic are encouraging, but forecasting the path forward is difficult and we will adapt as needed.” And so here we are, trying to navigate a difficult path forward as the Delta variant creates new challenges for our community.
For now, our Phase 2 protocols remain in effect, and small groups and priority events (e.g. memorial services) may continue in the building. However, the Board has given Rev. Lisa authority to enact additional restrictions – such as requiring masks for all persons in the building – whenever she feels it is necessary for the safety of the congregation and our staff. For example, at memorial services we are asking all those attending to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. So, if you are coming to the building, thank you in advance for adhering to the posted policies and guidelines. To request event space, please fill out this form.
The Board will meet with Rev. Lisa in mid-August to discuss the situation in Hennepin County and review the necessary steps that will allow up to move to Phase 3 and begin to hold in-person services in September. But even as we welcome you into the building, we will continue to offer virtual options for Sunday services and for many church events. The successful fundraising for our new audio and video system in the Sanctuary is making that possible.
Please watch the church communications for continued updates on the progress of the reopening, and please reach out to us with questions at boardpresident@uucmtka.org or revlisa@uucmtka.org.
During the summer months, the Minister’s Message will become the UUCM Mid-Week Message with inspiration provided by members of UUCM’s staff team.
This week’s message reflects on the spiritual process of discernment when change is moving in our lives. Rev. Lisa shares a poem and a practice she learned to help us listen to the voice of our future self.
Click on the picture above to view Rev. Lisa’s video message.
UUCM Happenings 