Dear Ones,

UUFM is opening! I know for some of you, these are the words you have longed to hear. Opening means you don’t need to wear a mask, that you don’t need to keep a physical distance, that you can go downstairs to the Fellowship Hall and enjoy coffee hour with companions you love and miss. A little heaven on Earth. I know for some of you, these are words you dread. Those of you who are immunocompromised, those of you with young children who cannot yet be vaccinated, those of you caring for fragile elders who are most at risk of break-through infections, even when fully vaxed and boosted. The risk sounds like a little hell on Earth.

I have been holding all of you and all of this tenderly in my heart, knowing how very differently the pandemic has impacted us. I want you all to know that Staff and leadership are aware of all this variation, and we will continue to do the very best we can to ensure as much safety and peace of mind as we can. What does this mean?

It means that you can continue to wear a mask if you want to, when you are in the Fellowship building. If you have a cold, by all means, wear a mask to protect others. You must do what feels right for you. And haven’t we learned how simple it can be to show care for others.

It means that before hugging or touching someone, you should ask if that is welcome at this time. Consent matters. And hand sanitizing ought to continue.

It means that we will continue services on Zoom, so that you can attend worship and meeting from your home if that works best for you.

It means that personal outreach from Macey and me will continue, so that you know that even if we do not see you in person we are thinking about and caring about you.

Have faith that in this caring community you can come as you, as you remember also that you are loved, you are worthy, you are welcome, and you are needed. May you feel it so, and may it be so.