Hello, all,

We want to express our thanks for everyone’s willingness to flex together to meet the challenge and disappointments of uncertainty, changing expectations and interrupted plans. Each of us understands and shares the desire to gather together as soon as possible. We all know the strength it takes to keep moving forward while holding in place.

We have had recent guidance from the UUA president, and are doing our best to honor these principles which she has shared with us, as we make decisions about how to keep ourselves and each other safe, strong, and secure. We also know that we are all doing our best as a congregation to support and keep our community together, even when we are apart.

The four main guiding principles underpinning decision-making regarding gatherings seem straightforward, but they are not necessarily simple, and their application can be complex:

1) ROOT DECISIONS IN THE VALUES OF INCLUSION AND CONSENT.
2) FOLLOW THE SCIENCE.
3) GO SLOW AND BE FLEXIBLE.
4) BE REALISTIC WITH EXPECTATIONS OF OURSELVES AND OTHERS.

Part of her closing words acknowledged that though we may need to change our past rituals, we still need these rituals to celebrate being held in a wider circle of love and care. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating together in all the ways we continue to connect.

As always, please feel free to reach out to any of us for any suggestions, questions or concerns..

Yours,
Kim Hall and David King, on behalf of The Board of Trustees