As a spiritual community, we strive to be intentional in keeping one another safe and healthy to whatever degree is within our control. When we first began gathering together after COVID kept everyone apart for a couple of years, we had a QR code in each week’s order of service for contact tracing. We are no longer following this practice.

Our new practice, which I hope you will all wholeheartedly embrace, is for each of us to take responsibility for reaching out to those with whom we spend time in close personal contact if we become aware of illness. You can use your membership directory for this purpose, and you can decide whether it will be best to email, call, or text one another when you realize that you may have unintentionally exposed another community member to COVID or another contagious illness. We also hope that you will take care to stay home if you are feeling unwell and join us in worship online.

Other practices from our building use guidelines will remain in place, including having windows open and fans on to circulate air during worship services. Adequate ventilation is a recommended preventative measure for a wide range of illnesses beyond COVID. The sanctuary will be prepared for service by 10:00 AM on Sundays. People using the sanctuary prior to 10:00 AM may adjust the area to their comfort level. We also have air purifiers appropriate to our gathering spaces. It is the current policy to turn on the air purifiers the day before sanctuary usage and adjust them just prior to usage to reduce the ambient noise they generate.

We will also continue to have some pews designated as “social distancing” pews for those who prefer this level of safety. These pews will be clearly labeled and continue to be available on the left side of the sanctuary. Masks will remain available in these pews. We have returned to the rituals of breaking bread indoors together, including our monthly meals and potlucks. We will continue to do so as long as the incidences of COVID and other illnesses remain at current levels. Our hope is that we will all continue to care impeccably for one another as we continue to learn and adjust our practices regarding health and safety.