Dear First Congregational Church Members and Friends,
The Covid Safety Team continues to monitor the situation in Boulder County and elsewhere in order to provide safe avenues to gather and worship. The 20% increase in Covid cases in Colorado in the last two weeks is worrying, and we have determined that masks will continue to be required inside our church buildings, in worship and in other church-related gatherings.
Our church family has been very successful in keeping everyone safe, and wearing masks is a small gift that we give each other in order to maintain that trend. We recognize that not every member of the First Congregational church family lives in Boulder County, and that many people are traveling to and from places that are not as “safe” as Boulder County. We know that there are members of the congregation who cannot be vaccinated, who have compromised immunity or live with those who do, or who just want the extra protection for themselves or those around them. Our children are not vaccinated and to be welcoming and inclusive we hope to maintain an environment where parents feel comfortable bringing their unvaccinated children.
Moreover, there is evidence that even those who are fully vaccinated can still become infected or transmit the virus to others. Masks provide an extra measure of safety. We ask that everyone be respectful of each other as we navigate this continuing pandemic together.
Other safety requirements are modified beginning this week, with services on Thursday, July 29 and Sunday, August 1, and afterwards, as follows:
- Pre-registration for services will be replaced by a sign-in practice to allow notification if necessary. You are welcome to attend as often as you like.
- Capacity limits will be increased to 100 in the Sanctuary and 15 in the chapel for Contemplative Services. If the Sanctuary limit is exceeded for Sunday worship, livestreaming will be provided in the chapel for overflow.
- We will provide a designated area in the Sanctuary to accommodate those who wish to maintain physical distances from others.
- While we will continue to refrain from congregational singing when indoors, we welcome singing outdoors on the Plaza during our Thursday evening Music and Meditation services (please bring a chair and wear a mask).
We rejoice in being able to gather with you for worship and other community activities and are committed to offering both online and in-person activities that consider the diverse health and safety concerns of our intergenerational congregation.
Our church’s COVID-19 Safety Team continues to review current U.S. and local data and guidelines regarding group events, monitor the situation in other faith communities, and listen to the members of our church family. Recommendations will change over time based on emerging developments. In the meantime, we are grateful for your patience and your commitment to our life together as we navigate this pandemic and move together as a congregation.
Faithfully,
First Congregational UCC, Boulder, Covid-19 Safety Team
Chris Braudaway-Bauman, Jean Abbott, Karen Cumbo, Julie Griffitts, Kelly McDevitt, Peter Oakes, Pedro Silva, Charley Rastle, Jill Schaefer, Kajsa Teitelbaum, Deborah Voss
