Beloveds of God:
We will return to in-person worship on Sunday, November 7. The UCC COVID Task Group has closely watched the local trends. Earlier this week, Austin-Travis County shifted to Stage 3. The Task Group's recommendation is for us to worship via live stream for the next three Sundays to ensure that the downward trend continues, and then return to in-person worship on 11/7.
It was frustrating, difficult, and sad to go back to online-only activities earlier this summer when the Delta wave hit, but I can't overstate how proud I am of our congregation for the patience and compassion UCC has shown during this period. Concern for the most vulnerable has guided our actions; we have followed Christ's call to tend his sheep. Good job, Church!
Many of the precautions we had in place over the summer will still be our practice when we return to in-person worship this time, too: checking in at the breezeway, individual communion packets, universal masking at all times while in the building, socially distanced seating, visiting in the courtyard immediately after the service, and asking anyone who feels sick or has been exposed to COVID to worship from home.
There is one major difference this time around: we will have congregational and choral singing once again! We are excited about this development and look forward to hearing everyone's voices. The congregation will still be masked during the hymns, but the fully-vaccinated choir will remove their masks during the anthem.
As always: if you aren’t comfortable with in-person worship, that is okay! We will continue to live stream worship services, and Sunday morning education will be shared via Zoom for those who aren't physically in the building.
Please share your gratitude with the COVID Task Group which has taken their responsibility very seriously. It was no small task, and I am thankful to each of them for the diligent care they took to see us through this season.
By the grace of God, UCC has actively lived out the love of Jesus Christ through thoughtful worship, compassionate service, and spiritual growth throughout the pandemic. And God is still calling us to that vital work within this life-giving community! I'm so eager to see you in worship on November 7. Until then, I hope to see you at Walnut Creek Park this Sunday, October 17, for our park gathering from 2-4 p.m., and on Zoom for the 10/21 book group discussion of Rachel Held Evans' book Inspired. Reach out to us at admin@ucc-austin.org for more ways you can worship, serve, and grow with University Christian Church.
Love,
Rev. Megan Peglar
