Dear UCC Family,
Starts and stops are tough. I'm remembering the jerky acceleration and quick braking from when I was a student driver (many moons ago) or being in the car with one (much more recently). I'm thinking of being stuck in traffic that's slowed down for no discernable reason (ARGH), which suddenly speeds up for a good little bit, only to come to a standstill a minute later (WHYYYYY???). You're annoyed with being stuck, happy to be on your way again, and then frustrated that you're back in the traffic jam it seemed had just let up.
So it goes lately with our pandemic experience. We'd stopped, for so long, our "normal" ways of doing things, when, relatively quickly, the world started to return to a safer place, as vaccinations became more readily available and more and more people were protected from COVID. It was joyfully disorienting! However, the last couple of weeks, as the delta variant has become more dominant and infection rates have risen exponentially, have felt a lot like that sudden traffic standstill after finally being on our way again.
Please know that we are continuing to take precautions to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable people. The COVID Task Group is keeping an eye on the numbers and will keep you apprised of any changes to our life together as a congregation. We are asking that masks are worn at all times while in the building, no matter vaccination status. Previously, we required masks primarily in the sanctuary. Everyone is also strongly encouraged to keep social distance (even while outside). Remember that we are live streaming worship, so anyone who hasn't been vaccinated or who is immunocompromised is strongly encouraged to worship online until the numbers improve. Also: please get vaccinated. Help your loved ones get vaccinated, too. It's an action that could help save lives.
The starts and stops get old, it's true. But God's mercies are new every morning. Through the jerkiness and the jams, and through smooth sailing, we are held close in God's embrace. That's the best place to be, whatever is going on around us.
Love and peace to you,
Pastor Megan