Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020
Beloveds,
As expected, we do not know the results of the presidential election at the time of my writing — Wednesday morning. Don’t know about you, but it was a long nail-biting night, and I am still not at ease. I feel as if I have some sort of cognitive dissonance — how can this election be so close? Where is the moral compass of the populace? Do I really live in that much of a bubble? (The answer to that question appears to be Yes.)
And yet, here we are. No arguing with reality helps. Only keeping connected to my truest beliefs, my own center of love, reason, compassion and justice, and acting with clarity of purpose. I got an email this morning from someone who was having a crisis of faith. Understandable, for sure. It got me thinking that, for me, faith is not about a desired outcome, as much as it is about staying faithful in thought, word and action to my highest values. (with the occasional rant to get out the YUK that gets stuck in my body!)
On Sunday, we’ll all gather together to process what this election season has meant for us, and what our ongoing responses may be. Please do join in that service. We need one another now. (LINK to Sunday Service).
The pandemic third wave and use of our facilities
In the midst of all of this, the pandemic rages on, now in its third wave. We are in a critical time to slow the community spread. Last week, Governor Polis issued an executive order limiting gatherings even further — to no more than 10 people from no more than 2 households. And today, Boulder County Public health released a Media Advisory stating that County was required by the state to move to the more restrictive Safer at Home: High Risk.
In the press release about the executive order, Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, said this:
We ask all Coloradans to exercise extreme caution to reverse these troubling trends. Right now, the virus is spreading when people from multiple households attend meetings. We need to keep meetings smaller and with people from fewer households. We are asking everyone to ‘narrow their circle’ to reduce the spread. Please make every effort to reduce contact with members of other households. If you can work remotely, please do so to reduce contact with other people. Taking action now can prevent your loved ones from getting sick, and help us save lives and avoid stricter public health orders in the future. “
While you may be hearing of other congregations that are holding services, or having small indoor gatherings, the UUA is still recommending that none of us open up our buildings, except in the case of providing support for those in crisis.This is both a science and values based recommendation.
This puts any plans on hold to open up our building more and limits spiritual formation for children and you to Zoom. I know this is mighty disappointing.
Balancing the Boulder County data, UUA recommendations and our own Fellowship needs is the ongoing challenge before our Fellowship’s Covid-19 Response Team. We have developed this framework for our own Phased Opening of our building and recommendations for gathering. It, too, is based on science (the Boulder County data that correspond to the Colorado Dial Framework) and our desire to protect the health of the most vulnerable and remain an inclusive community.
Keep Going
Finally, Yasko Endo sent me this Keep Going Song to me, as one that supports her. I offer it to you now too. Sunday we’ll spend some time reflection together about what helps us ‘Keep Going On’
Please do feel free to reach out to me or Lisa Moore, should you find you need support in these challenging times.
You can reach me at at 720/272-8284 (for quickest response) or minister@bvuuf.org
To schedule some Zoom time with me, go to: calendly.com/lydiafr
or pop into my Upcoming Drop-in Zoom Office Hours:
Tues. 11/10 10:30 — 12
Wed. 11/11 7 — 8:30 pm
Thurs. 11/19 1-2:30 pm
Sat. 11/21 12:30 — 2
To schedule a time with Lisa Moore at (303) 946-5884 or internminister@bvuuf.org . . .