Friends,
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and I'm looking forward to worshipping with you in person or online as we welcome the Christ child into the world. However, the Omicron variant is a concern as it is causing a significant and alarming surge in COVID-19 cases in Austin and beyond. As has been our church's practice from the beginning of the pandemic, we are taking steps to protect and care for one another and our neighbors.
We are still learning about this variant, but we do know that is spreading rapidly and that there are more breakthrough cases amongst vaccinated individuals. Hopefully infections will be mild and we will not see a dramatic rise in hospitalizations and deaths, but we must be continue to be cautious.
When we first returned to in-person worship, we implemented COVID safety protocols, including masking in the sanctuary, social distancing, widely available hand sanitizer, and pre-packaged communion. We added congregational and choral singing when we came back the second time in November. These practices will remain in place.
Starting on Christmas Eve, we are implementing some stricter protocols for the time being:
Everyone will be masked at all times while in the building, including in Sunday School classes and other small groups
All singers will remain masked at all times (rather than our previous practice allowing soloists and choir members to remove masks for the anthems and other special music)
KN95s and N95s will be made available to anyone who doesn't yet have a higher-quality mask. Studies suggest that cloth masks and loose-fitting surgical masks are not sufficient, especially when it comes to Omicron.
In addition, we strongly recommend that anyone who is vulnerable, immunocompromised, unvaccinated, or more comfortable staying at home to join UCC for worship via live stream during this Omicron surge.
We are all ready to be done with this pandemic that feels never-ending, but it is so good to be in a community that places such an emphasis on taking care of each other, our neighbors, and the most vulnerable.
Christ is coming into the world, even amidst COVID variants, traffic problems, and whatever else brings frustration, worry, or grief. Tomorrow evening, no matter what, we will sing about the joy we know because of a vulnerable baby born in a manger (less-than-perfect conditions) who is Emmanuel, God-with-us, who is with us through it all.
Love and peace to you,
Pastor Megan