Dear Congregation,
We have some exciting news! CUCC will open for in-person worship on Sunday, August 15, with a hybrid online option for those who want to worship with us remotely. We know that within our congregation there are different perspectives on how best to gather — some are comfortable without masks, others are not quite ready to unmask. Some of our members are immunocompromised, others are children not yet eligible for vaccination, and each of us has a spectrum for what we are comfortable with. We honor each of your experiences and choices. In order to provide worship that is safe and enjoyable for as many people as possible, here is what Council has advised:
- We encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated.
- We encourage that only vaccinated people enter the sanctuary. We understand that children under 12 are unable to be vaccinated at this time; therefore, we are expanding our Sunday school programming for the full hour of worship 10:30-11:30am. All children participating in SS will be required to wear masks. Anne Bailey is excited to welcome the kids back in person! She has lots of activities planned both indoors and outdoors when weather permits.
- We will have a Zoom/ hybrid option for those who are not comfortable returning to the sanctuary.
- Masks are required in worship. If you don’t have one when you arrive, you will be given a mask along with your worship bulletin.
- There will be no congregational singing; however, our fully vaccinated choir will sing our hymns.
- We ask that everyone use the hand sanitizer located at each entrance.
- When possible, please maintain a social distance of three feet or more.
- We will require registration ahead of time. Right now, we feel comfortable with 45 family units, or a max of 60 people, based on the measurements we took. These numbers could change. Registration will take place on our website and be included in our weekly eNews. Jeff Cole will manage registration.
- After worship, our fellowship with refreshments will take place outside when weather permits. Masks are not required for outdoor gatherings.
- If you are sick, or any member of your household is sick, please stay home.
- All volunteers working with children will be fully masked and vaccinated, that includes our nursery workers.
- We will not pass the offering plate. A basket will be left at the back of the sanctuary so that people can drop their donations there. We also encourage giving online or texting.
- The doors to the sanctuary will be left open at all times to increase airflow and ventilation.
- For communion, we will put bread and juice in individual disposable cups. There will be no distribution from the deacons or pastor.
We want to respect the Delta variant and be as cautious as possible. We are going to pull back when necessary and push forward when it feels right.
We celebrate that throughout the last 16 months, we have remained a strong, connected congregation, united by the love of Christ.
We pray that you stay safe and healthy — and we look forward to seeing you on August 15!
With hope and excitement,
Pastor Lacey Brown and Mike Cline, Moderator