At the last COVID Task Force meeting we voted ourselves out of existence. The public health news is so good that the Fellowship has now removed all COVID strictures—including the requirement that people attending UUFCM events be vaccinated. This task force, currently composed of Steve Gellman, Laura McBride, Penny Swart and Jodi Fisher along with the minister, has been meeting once or twice per month during the pandemic. We have monitored the public health situation, and we have balanced the health needs of the congregation—especially those more at risk—with the benefits of meeting together in person. As we all know, the COVID situation has been slowly and steadily improving in recent months. The graphs and charts that I used to follow with such dread and hope, with the tall spikes of illness and death, now show low risk everywhere and the lowest number of monthly deaths since the pandemic began. In the COVID meeting our decision was unanimous and clear. As we were affirming the decision, I had to stop us for a moment just to contemplate and remember and appreciate where we are. A year ago, we were masking and distancing in worship. Two years ago, we didn’t know if or when this pandemic was going to end. Three years ago, we had no vaccine. I’m pausing again right now for gratitude. It’s so easy to take good news for granted. The good news on COVID has been slow and steady for many months now. Most of us, even those who used to wear masks consistently, don’t wear masks anywhere anymore. And let’s remember: we almost died from this pandemic. Collectively and individually our health was gravely threatened by COVID. We lost loved ones. Our children lost a year of schooling. The pandemic changed all of us in ways that remain below the surface. We didn’t know if we would ever make it to this point, and now we are here. The task force is advisory to the Board of Trustees, and the Board quietly made this decision official on Sunday: the COVID Task Force is now suspended, and the Fellowship policy that “anyone attending UUFCM events must be vaccinated unless exempt” is now rescinded. Yes, people can and do still get COVID. Yes, we will continue to have worship services and committee meetings on Zoom for health and safety (as well as convenience). And we should all be grateful for the progress we’ve made and the good health we now collectively enjoy. PRAYER: Unfolding Life and Nature, divine spirit of the air and water, breath of life within us: hear this prayer of gratitude. We have survived the COVID pandemic so far. Beyond hope, we have lived to see a day when effective vaccines are available and when the disease has receded farther than we imagined. Let us embrace this moment. Let us embrace one another and rejoice in our ability to gather in large and small groups. And let us remain vigilant, careful, and wise to protect our own health and the health of the vulnerable among us, today and in the face of public health challenges yet to come. Blessed be. Rev. Drew Frantz |
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Rev. Andrew FrantzUUFCM Minister Office hours:
In-person and via Zoom: Tuesday 10-noon Wednesday 1-3 & 8-9pm Office Hours Zoom Link Outside of Office Hours, Drew is reachable at any time via text, phone, or email. Day off: Monday Contact for emergencies only minister@uufcm.org Phone/text: 440-935-0129 Pastoral Care Concerns
For support with life’s challenges, please contact Drew during his office hours or make an appointment with him. For specific needs such as rides to medical appointments or meals for people recovering from illness or surgery, please contact the Caring Team (formerly Arms Around) via Jen Prout at 989-400-3130 or poutyprouty66@gmail.com. Every effort will be made to lessen the burden on the individual or family who is dealing with a difficult circumstance. Archives
April 2024
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