Response to COVID-19 Updates

November 2, 2022

The Fellowship is fully open for worship and hospitality.  Children’s Programming and Nursery have resumed click here to find weekly news and updates of group meetings and events.

September 8, 2022

As of September 10, the Fellowship is fully open for worship and hospitality. Children’s Faith Development activities and Nursery will resume on September 25.Covid rates are low in the area, and UUFM leadership feels confident that we can protect ourselves and each other with a little care.

  • Please enjoy the service at home on Zoom if you are not feeling well
  • Masks are available if you feel more comfortable wearing one in while inside and singing
  • Plenty of hand sanitizer is available
  • Please be mindful of asking whether a person is open to handshakes and hugs

We look forward to seeing you in person.

June 16, 2022

Due to fluctuating Covid community transmission rates, be prepared for possible restrictions when attending upcoming services.  This would include masking, distancing, and no coffee hour or CFD as of now, rates are low enough to allow full participation as we have been enjoying for several months. Transmission rates are fluid, however, so we need to be prepared to adjust according to changing circumstances”

April 21, 2022

From the UUFM Board and the Minister

The Fellowship is now operating as Open and Unrestricted. This means that vaccination and hand sanitizing are recommended (though we do not ask), we do not require physical distancing or contact tracing, and masks are optional. Children’s Chapel meets starting at 10:15 am, and hospitality will be offered in the Fellowship Hall following worship. Small groups and scheduled events can meet as planned.

We make this decision using the guidelines recommended by the CDC and described on the COVIDACTNOW US Covid Tracker https://covidactnow.org/?s=32582081. Enter a 56001 or 56003, click the Mankato metro field, and you can see weekly new reported cases, weekly COVID hospital admissions, and percentage of patients with COVID (all beds). This metric is now more reliable than positivity rates. As you will see, the Community Level of COVID is low in the Mankato metro region. The Fellowship will remain Open and Unrestricted when the Community Level is Low or Medium. Contact Board President, Bob Finley or Rev. Rita with questions or concerns.

We are Open 3.20.22

 

From the UUFM Board and the Minister

The pandemic cloud is lifting, and brighter days are right around the corner. After two years of living & worshipping virtually, we are ready to the throw the doors open and welcome everyone in for Sunday services and coffee  hour. Based on Board action taken March 3, since the COVID positivity rate remains under five percent since March 4, we will be fully open on March 20. “Fully open” means no masks, physical distancing, or signing in will be required, and we will gather for coffee and conversation in the Fellowship Hall (lower level) after services.

Of course, people are free to wear a mask if that is most comfortable for them. And worship services will continue on Zoom. We will continue to watch the positivity rates and use of hospital beds in the region, and we will pivot to more restricted access as necessary to keep everyone as safe as possible.

When the pandemic struck with a vengeance in March 2020 forcing us to close our doors, few of us could have believed that we would be in the same situation in March 2022. It was simply unimaginable, yet it is exactly what transpired.  As uninvited & demoralizing as the isolation has been for many of us, it is remarkable how we have held together and sustained our small, but committed and resilient group of congregants.  We have rallied around one another in these times of uncertainly and given new meaning to the idea of a spiritual community—one we can carry forward when we are once again back together.

Indeed, we have come a long way since those dark days of 2020. For example, against all odds, last year’s pledge drive was a resounding success; this year’s is robust as well.  Although in the early days of the shutdown we relied on Reverend Rita Zooming from her home, we quickly shifted to multi-platform or hybrid services thanks to some skilled technicians and investments in new technology. And then, consider all the formal and informal groups– Board, Committees, Ministry Teams, Task Forces, Soul Matters, Faith Development for our children and youth, social groups, etc.– that adapted to our changed environment and carried on with their responsibilities and activities. This is no small accomplishment and one worthy of celebration when the time is right.

So, watch this space for further developments about our reopening plans, and feel free to contact the Board or Reverend Rita with questions or comments.

 

Bob Finley, Board President                        Rev. Rita Capezzi, Minister
finbob@charter.net                                      minister.uumankato@gmail.com
507-380-1869                                                 716-903-7935

Message to UUFM Community concerning Covid Exposure 1.16.22

Dear UUFM Congregation,

In consultation between Board and Minister, leadership has decided to close the Fellowship building to in-person worship and to Children’s Chapel for the next three weeks. We anticipate being in-person again on February 13 and will assess the situation as it develops.

At in-person worship on Sunday, January 16, we had exposure to someone who learned today they were positive for Covid. All the people who were in worship have been notified so they can monitor their health, and the Fellowship will provide resources as necessary.

The Mid-Year meeting will still be held on Sunday, January 23 after worship, on Zoom only. A positive side effect of our decision is that we can have a robust conversation in Breakout Rooms without the challenge of figuring out how to get the insights of one part of the congregation to the other (we will worry about that at the Annual Meeting!).

Small groups can continue to meet on the Main Level of the Fellowship, following all the protocols that are in place (scheduled in advance with contact tracing, masking, physical distancing, and Zoom options for those who prefer it). Our ventilation on the Main Level is very good (thanks to the work of Buildings and Grounds to get the fans running well), and we are instituting new cleaning protocols.

Friends, this is so hard on all of us. We wish that it were easier to know what to do. We wish it were easier to preserve a balance between the need to be in the physical company of each other and the way that disease moves through us. We wish this were all over. We are adapting as we can. We are trying our best. We appreciate your continued patience, as well as any thoughts or feedback you are moved to provide.

In faith and love,

 

Rev. Rita and Board President Bob Finley

 

Reopening Update 12.08.21

Good News! The Sanctuary on Charles Ave was open for worship last Sunday, December 5!  And we will be open again this Sunday, December 12!

Greeters and Worship Associates and Hearing Assist and the Tech Squad—we will all be ready for your entrance at 10:10 am, with worship at 10:30. And, Zoom worship will continue as well. We are finally truly multi-platform, though there are still kinks to work through.

First, entering will be different. Vaccination is expected, though no one will ask about your status. Masks—properly worn over the nose, mouth, and chin—are expected the entire time you are in the building. We use the main floor only that this time, so no access to the Fellowship Hall and lower level except by Building & Grounds folk. So, unfortunately, no in-person Coffee Hour yet. We will ask you to add your name and phone number to a “Contact Tracing” sheet, just in case someone lets us know they were exposed to or contracted Covid and they also attended service in-person. Elbow bumps and happy waving hands are encouraged, but hugging and hand shaking are discouraged. You can make use of the three hand sanitizing stations around the area. A baby changing station is installed now in one of the main floor restrooms. All these changes are meant to help you feel safe and welcome.

Second, there will not yet be an in-person Children’s Chapel or Youth Group. Children and Youth are welcome in the service, and they should bring something to keep them busy. We hope to bring in-person programming back in January.

Third, the sanctuary experience is changed. You will find a Sorrows and Joys table as you enter, with candles and paper to write your concerns, which Rev. Rita will read during that time in the service. If you need a hearing assist device, someone will help you with that (the Tech Squad in the Tech Booth are pretty busy at this time with set up, so please leave them to their tasks). Pews are marked off to encourage physical distancing and spacing between groups. Hymnals and informational pamphlets have been removed. There are no paper Orders of Service. You can bring yours from the Friday email if that is something you want to follow along with. You can access Zoom on your phone to better seethe slides, but you cannot use the Fellowship Wi-Fi to do so. That will disrupt the service. Screen and projector will be in use during the service. We have adapted the Order of Service to focus their use. Singing with masks on is permitted, which we have concentrated into the last half hour of the service, and words will be projected.

And finally, we have never done this before! Blending two parts of our congregation—online and in-person—into one single worshiping body. There are bound to be mistakes and missteps. There is bound to be some dissatisfaction. There is bound to be adjustment, to our practices and our feelings. You are right—the format will not be the same, and that can feel sad or troubling. But if we open our hearts to the generative, creative possibilities of love and full inclusion, we can together co-create the beautiful worship we have so often known together. You are encouraged to communicate with Rev. Rita and the Board about your feelings, experience, and needs.

 

Such hard and trying times these have been, a constant reminder that the world is ever this way for many of us. And we have come through to this new phase and new reality so strongly—with deepened connections and financially sound. May we continue to build this loving community—envisioned by so many founders—today and into the unfolding future.

 

Blessings, Rev. Rita

Reopening Update 12.01.21

Good News! The Sanctuary on Charles Ave will be open for worship this Sunday, December 5. Greeters and Worship Associates and Hearing Assist and the Tech Squad—we will all be ready for your entrance at 10:10 am, with worship at 10:30. And, Zoom worship will continue as well. We are finally truly multi-platform, though there are still kinks to work through.

First, entering will be different. Vaccination is expected, though no one will ask about your status. Masks—properly worn over the nose, mouth, and chin—are expected the entire time you are in the building. We use the main floor only that this time, so no access to the Fellowship Hall and lower level except by Building & Grounds folk. So, unfortunately, no in-person Coffee Hour yet. We will ask you to add your name and phone number to a “Contact Tracing” sheet, just in case someone lets us know they were exposed to or contracted Covid and they also attended service in-person. Elbow bumps and happy waving hands are encouraged, but hugging and hand shaking are discouraged. You can make use of the three hand sanitizing stations around the area. A baby changing station is installed now in one of the main floor restrooms. All these changes are meant to help you feel safe and welcome.

Second, there will not yet be an in-person Children’s Chapel or Youth Group. Children and Youth are welcome in the service, and they should bring something to keep them busy. We hope to bring in-person programming back in January.

Third, the sanctuary experience is changed. You will find a Sorrows and Joys table as you enter, with candles and paper to write your concerns, which Rev. Rita will read during that time in the service. If you need a hearing assist device, someone will help you with that (the Tech Squad in the Tech Booth are pretty busy at this time with set up, so please leave them to their tasks). Pews are marked off to encourage physical distancing and spacing between groups. Hymnals and informational pamphlets have been removed. There are no paper Orders of Service. You can bring yours from the Friday email if that is something you want to follow along with. You can access Zoom on your phone to better seethe slides, but you cannot use the Fellowship Wi-Fi to do so. That will disrupt the service. Screen and projector will be in use during the service. We have adapted the Order of Service to focus their use. Singing with masks on is permitted, which we have concentrated into the last half hour of the service, and words will be projected.

And finally, we have never done this before! Blending two parts of our congregation—online and in-person—into one single worshiping body. There are bound to be mistakes and missteps. There is bound to be some dissatisfaction. There is bound to be adjustment, to our practices and our feelings. You are right—the format will not be the same, and that can feel sad or troubling. But if we open our hearts to the generative, creative possibilities of love and full inclusion, we can together co-create the beautiful worship we have so often known together. You are encouraged to communicate with Rev. Rita and the Board about your feelings, experience, and needs.

Such hard and trying times these have been, a constant reminder that the world is ever this way for many of us. And we have come through to this new phase and new reality so strongly—with deepened connections and financially sound. May we continue to build this loving community—envisioned by so many founders—today and into the unfolding future.

 

Blessings, Rev. Rita

Reopening Update 11.30.21

The long wait is nearly over.  On Sunday, December 5 we will once again welcome people into our building to experience Sunday Services in person. It’s been a long time in coming. Though the experience will be different from what it was prior to closing—we ask you to be vaccinated, masked, and physically distanced—for some it will be a welcome change from Sunday mornings spent staring at a screen. Of course, the Zoom option will still be available as we expect it to be well into the future. The choice will be yours—Zoom or in person. Fortunately, we have a dedicated, trained technical support team working to ensure that whatever means of attendance you choose it will be a quality experience.

In other news, plans are underway for our annual pledge drive likely to begin in January or February 2022. You’ll recall last year’s effort exceeded expectations through the incredible generosity of our membership. This, despite being locked down and shut off from personal contacts. To continue the important work of UUFM & in furtherance of our shared mission, we are confident that we will rise to the occasion & exceed our fund-raising goal again in the coming year.  Watch for further details about the pledge drive on our website & in the Weekly Update in weeks to come.

-Bob Finley
UUFM Board President

 

Reopening Update 11.10.21

There is light at the end of the tunnel as we continue our march toward in-person Sunday Services. We’re not there yet, and we will not fully reopen until COVID infection rates drop significantly, but we are planning to allow for limited attendance under certain conditions beginning December 5.

We will ask that attendees be vaccinated, masked, and willing to maintain safe distances from one another. And, of course, there will be no “coffee in the basement”, but for those that feel comfortable, this will be an opportunity to once again attend Sunday Services in person. Though it will be exciting to have people back in the building on Sundays, those attending will be experiencing a much different service than they experienced pre-pandemic. In time, adjustments will allow for a fuller in-person experience, but in the short term it may seem a little odd with so much of the service happening via Zoom—music, videos, etc.– rather than in the building itself.

To help overcome this limitation, we have placed an order for a new projector that will greatly aid the transition to an integrated Sunday Service allowing those on Zoom and in the building to see & interact with one another. This won’t quite be like old times, but it will be an improvement.

Finally, we are always looking for volunteers to help in our reopening process. Maybe you have an interest in video & sound support, or perhaps you’re willing to be a greeter when we are back in the building. Whatever your interest please contact us at covidresponse@uumankato.org

-Bob Finley
UUFM Board President

Reopening Update 09.22.21

 

The Board met yesterday, September 21, 2021, for a special session to discuss plans for re-opening the Fellowship. As you are aware, COVID rates and hospitalization continue to climb in the Mankato region. The Board has voted, however, effective October 1, to allow small groups of 10 or fewer people to gather on the main level of the Fellowship building after 1:00pm.

Any such gatherings must be registered with the Communication and Office Administrator, who will let you know the protocols for meeting. Please call 507-388-5022 or email uumankato@gmail.com to get your meeting on the calendar.

The Board continues to monitor the COVID situation and will make determinations about in-person worship at a future date.

-Bob Finley
UUFM Board President

Reopening Update 09.03.21

 

Dear Unitarian Universalist Congregation,

The traditional time for Ingathering fast approaches; however, this season remains anything but “traditional” due to COVID.

It is after great deliberation that the UUFM Board, in consultation with Rev. Rita and the Re-Opening Task Force, has voted unanimously to keep the Fellowship building closed for worship at this time. This was a difficult and painful decision to make, but ultimately it was determined to be in the best interest of the congregation’s overall safety and equity.

The Board will be watching the infection, hospitalization, vaccination, and positivity rates in the Greater Mankato region as defined by the COVID Act Now – Mankato Metro website. When the seven-day average positivity rate is less than 5% for two consecutive weeks, leadership will consider re-opening the building. Additional details regarding re-opening procedures will be posted on UUFM’s website as they become available. Response to COVID-19 Updates – Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Mankato (uumankato.com)

The Rev. Rita and Board members all feel the sadness, disappointment, and frustration that this decision evokes. Rev. Rita has prepared a video message for us. Click the following link, or watch below: From Rev Rita Concerning Re-Opening – YouTube

Also, please feel free to reach out and email them at covidresponse@uumankato.org with your sorrow, your thoughts, and your suggestions during this time of continued distancing.

In community and care,

Bob Finley, Board President
Rev. Dr. Rita Capezzi, Minister

 

 

 

 

The Leadership at UUFM strongly encourages you to wear masks in public and practice physical distancing. This is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to ease the strain on our healthcare system and healthcare providers.

The virus spreads by droplets from breathing, and it is unclear how long the virus lives on surfaces. This is one reason we ask folks to stay out of the Fellowship. We just can’t keep everything sufficiently sanitized. For every one of us who stays home and away from others, we actively prevent unnecessary use of health care.

 

The Leadership at UUFM cares about you, so please:

  1. Stay at home, limiting trips only for essentials
  2. Wash your hands, cough into your elbow, keep your hands away from your face
  3. Call your healthcare provider if you feel sick
  4. Reach out to the Fellowship if you need material or spiritual and emotional support
  5. Follow the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/), the World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/), and the Minnesota Department of Health (https://www.health.state.mn.us/)

These are challenging times, and we will get through them using our trust in science and our rational minds, with our compassionate hearts and spirits open to new ways to connect and serve our community.