Update January 12, 2022 Covid Protocols
Regathering is a transition, and we continue to work to find safe ways to be together in worship and in fellowship. We strive to keep protocols consistent, simple to understand, and based on the latest medical advice. We will face this together armed with hope, love, faith, intellect, and understanding.
Our Regathering Committee takes the lead in setting protocols for building use, using data and directives provided by several sources, including the CDC, the Tri-Town Health Department, and the Southern New England UCC. As conditions are constantly changing, these protocols may be amended at any time.
The updated Covid protocols for use of the church building:Anyone coming to the church for worship, meetings, or other church activities are now required to be fully vaccinated. Definition of “fully vaccinated” (assuming Moderna or Pfizer):
- Adults ages 18 and over – three doses (this means having a booster shot)
- Young persons ages 5-17 – at least two doses.
- Consistent with CDC guidelines, children ages 2-5 are welcome if masked. Under age two, there are no masking requirements.
Proof of vaccination must be shown before entering. For convenience, the church office will maintain a spreadsheet listing fully vaccinated persons, so you do not have to show a card each time you visit. You may email hidden; JavaScript is requireda scan or photograph of your card, or bring in person, to Will at the office (after seeing it and adding your name to the list, he will delete emails). On Sundays, simply show your card to the Deacon at the door. Food and drink will not be consumed in the building, except by staff in their offices.
We continue to require that all persons in the church, except for children under the age of two, remain masked at all times. Masks must cover both mouth and nose. We continue to encourage social distancing.
Prior to these changes in the protocols, the church signed an agreement with the Berkshire Waldorf High School for use of the JE Room for a few classes. We are working with them to compare policies and to determine appropriate accommodations. In the meantime, please stay out of the JE Room when the students are in class. Their schedule is Monday 12:45–3:30; Tuesday 10:25-11:20 and 1:15-3:30; Wednesday 2:15-3:30; Thursday 11:35-12:30 and 2:30-3:30. Finally, while not part of the official policy, we ask for everyone’s help in making the church a safe place for everyone. If you see someone who needs help following these policies, please (lovingly) say something to them. Or please let the office know. Thank you!
Pastor’s Office Hours
Pastor Brent is in the office Monday – Thursday.
Meetings
All scheduled meetings and gatherings of the church and outside users are evolving to a combination of in-person and Zoom. If you need to schedule a meeting, please contact Will in the church office.
Office Hours
Will will be in the office from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Monday – Friday, to make sure that someone is in the building to answer calls and e-mails and receive any deliveries.
Weekly Virtual Bible Study
On Wednesdays at 1:00PM, you are invited to join Pastor Rick Floyd for a look at the scripture text for this week in advance of worship. To join via Zoom, click here
Wednesday Morning Prayer
Morning prayer will continue virtually, via Zoom on Wednesdays at 8AM. You are invited to gather starting at 7:45AM with a cup of coffee or tea in hand. To join via Zoom, click here
Giving
Financial support remains essential both to pay for regular expenses (staff, utilities, insurance, etc.) and to support the new ways we are ministering (e.g., online services, food assistance support, etc.). You may mail checks to the church office or give online.