The  Board of Governors, Rev. Beau Rivers, Joan McDonald and David Bousquin have been closely monitoring the CDC/WHO/UUA guidelines for group gatherings.  After careful deliberation, we have decided to suspend in-person worship services until further notice.  We will be holding online worship services.

Events with large numbers of people such as the History and Visitor Program Tour for the congregation (March 22) and the Festive Brunch (March 28) are also postponed.  

Small gatherings (fewer than 25 people) such as Soul Matters, Book Group and Committees can decide among the participants whether to meet virtually, or in person.  The UUA is also encouraging congregations and groups in areas with COVID-19  outbreaks to suspend in-person gatherings of more than twenty-five people.

As we begin to implement this strategy to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the Commonwealth and at UFPC we want to reframe this as an Act of Love based on scientific observation, not as an act of fear.  Historically, we have seen human beings self-organize to provide disaster relief more quickly than government agencies in response to  floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. In response to this virus, we are self-organizing to care for each other and develop create ways to remain  connected without putting our community at risk.

We are working quickly to implement creative ways that we can care for one  another during this time via email, phone conversations, Skype, Zoom, Facetime, Google Duo, Slack, family-time at home, dancing to our favorite song  or anything else that may inspire us to share our love for one another.

We  are sure you have all been keeping up with the latest information from  the CDC about how to keep yourself safe, but there are links to some of  the general information and best practices below:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/what-should-i-know-about-flu

Our  primary goal is to nurture our community through this uncharted  territory.  We will continue to be in touch with information regarding how we will continue in fellowship during these difficult times, and how we can all work together to stay connected.  Please reach out to us if you have ideas, questions or concerns. 

In Community and Love,

The Rev. Beau Rivers, UFPC Sabbatical Ministerbeau.rivers@yahoo.com

Joan McDonald, Director of Religious Educationdreufpc@gmail.com 

Lisa Howe, UFPC Presidentlisahowejp@yahoo.com 

UFPC Board of Governors:

Bill Westland – Vice President

Erwin Schaaremen – Treasurer

Liz Regan – Clerk

Jim Petosa – Stewardship Chair

Brenda Reed – Pastoral Care

Jamie Grassman – Worship Committee

Marie-Louise Jackson-Miller – RE

Wiley Cox - Communications