A LETTER FROM THE UUCO PRESIDENT: SUSPENSION OF CHURCH ACTIVITIES

In light of recent developments with the corona virus pandemic, after consulting other church leaders, after reading a timely letter from the President of the Unitarian Universalist Association recommending the suspension of group activities at church (including worship and religious exploration), and considering the level of risk especially to our elders, we are suspending all group activities at UUCO, starting immediately, Friday, March 13th, and extending through Sunday March 22. During this period, we will monitor the situation and will support those who have been infected or otherwise adversely affected. The Worship Team has been hard at work to put together offerings for virtual worship services. Please stay tuned for more information; we expect to release details later today.  On March 22nd, we will make another decision about the resumption of Sunday worship services in the sanctuary, and other activities, based on the spread of the virus in northern Utah and its impact on our congregation. The corona virus is a very threatening respiratory infection for older people, in both duration and severity. The potential human costs of continuing UUCO services and other group activities far outweigh the benefits. Suspension of church activities is also consistent with recent public-health recommendations to cancel large-group community functions (school closures) as well as the closures by commercial organizations in Utah and nationwide (sporting events, etc.). This is a time for us to remember our covenant with each other, and to help each other as members of a caring, inclusive community. Please reach out to others as you are moved. Please look for future messages from church leaders about our plans for coping and caring as the saga unfolds. Although technology allows us to keep in touch, it is unfortunate that when we need each other most, we cannot grasp a warm hand of friendship, worship together, or converse over coffee. But this too shall pass. Until it does, please remain engaged, supportive, and strengthened by the truth of our principles and our mission. Namaste, Bill Hackett President, Board of Trustees, Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden