September 15, 2020
As I sit down to write yet another coronavirus-related message to you, I realize that exactly six months ago today — March 15 — we held our first on-line service. On that Sunday, I would never have imagined that we’d still be dealing with this now, let alone not be able to see clearly to the end of our largely self-quarantined lives. This is getting old!
I know that as the days get shorter and the colder weather approaches, the desire to be able to use our building is increasing. I, too, am longing to be in your physical presence, and mourn the dimming of summer sun. I am concerned about our emotional and spiritual health as the pandemic wears on.
Staff and leaders at the Fellowship are simultaneously planning for a phased return to meetings in our building while closely monitoring the data. As much as all of us want to be able to meet in person, our answer still has to be “not yet.”
Boulder County has seen a tremendous spike in covid cases these past couple of weeks. The five day average number of cases has more than doubled its previous highs. [Boulder County Public Health] Just today, the Boulder Department of Public Health recommended that all CU students self-quarantine for 14 days to stem the spread of the virus. [Daily Camera, 2020/09/15]
The Board is creating a phased-in approach to meetings at the Fellowship, based on criteria for who will meet there and the purpose of the meeting. The COVID-19 Response team is using data and the state COVID-19 dashboard to recommend when we can begin having meetings at the Fellowship. They are also developing protocols that will need to be followed when we do meet there. We hope you will take this brief survey to let us know your willingness to meet under these protocols.
In the meantime, we will be able to catch glimpses of each other this Sunday, September 20 for our Water Ceremony. (Rest assured, moving through indoor spaces for short periods of time is far safer than meeting with even a small group of people over a longer period of time.) All are invited to watch a pre-recorded abbreviated Sunday service on our new Sunday Service Zoom Link [link] at the usual 10 a.m. time. The weather promises to be beautiful, so feel free to come with your own chairs and portable device, and have an outdoor watch party with your friends! Starting at 10:30, you can come into the sanctuary and pour your water into our common vessel. Sign up here for a time slot. [link].
Beloveds, this is a very challenging time for all of us. In addition to the pandemic, we have the fires, the on-going struggles for racial justice, and an upcoming election that could decide the fate of democracy. We can do our part to improve the state of the world, but the only thing we can really control is our response to those forces that are much bigger than us. And to remember that even in these most challenging times, there lies the gift of life itself. As a little gift to you, I offer you this video “A Grateful Day with Brother David Steindl-Rast.” May it add perspective to your days.
May you be well, and stay well,
Rev. Lydia