Dear First Parish Community,
After eighteen months of adapting to the arrival of the Coronavirus, we all continue to learn and relearn how to both meet our needs for being with others and for reducing the risk of illness for ourself and others.
In late March, a group of congregants (the Re-entry Task Force) began meeting via Zoom to plan for a time when we could safely return to in-person services at First Parish. Much has changed in the intervening months, with the availability of vaccinations for adults (but not yet children under 12), the fluctuation of positivity rates, and the arrival of variants. This has made decision-making challenging, as we try to keep pace with evolving guidance from the CDC, the State, the Town of Wayland, the UUA, and the scientific community.
Below are protocols approved by the Parish Committee based on the Re-Entry Task Force’s recommendations. These protocols are also informed by the results from the Spring 2021 survey of congregants.
We are in active conversation regarding music, sign-up systems, and other details. To help us plan, please respond to another brief survey in the coming weeks.
As these past months have taught us, our expectations must often shift as circumstances and evolving knowledge change. We anticipate that our approach to re-entry will require an iterative process; none of our policies are cast in stone. During the year, updates may be made to accommodate changes in infection rates, public health metrics, reactions to technology, UUA guidelines, and the health of the congregation and staff.
With gratitude for this community,
Annie Stubbs, Co-chair, Parish Committee
Deb Stubeda, Co-chair, Parish Committee
Rev. Dr. Stephanie May