Revised UUFoM Reopening Plan

Updated April 29, 2022
Following two hard years of adapting to the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, UUFoM’s minister, board, and UUFoM COVID-19 Task Force are hopeful that the disease is becoming, instead, endemic — something we can cope with but that we need not be as concerned about as we have been.

We moved to completely online programming for the first year and multi-platform programming for the second year. So we know how to do this if we need to be more cautious again. We continue to encourage congregants to observe mitigation measures as they feel a need, for any reason. These include vaccination, testing, hand hygiene, social distance, ventilation, and masking.

We continue to be guided by scientists and public health experts in a “risk management” approach. We still draw on authorities and data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Michigan and Midland County health departments, the governor’s office, CovidActNow, and the Unitarian Universalist Association. We now take into account not only reported cases, but immunization, infection, and positivity rates and local hospital admissions in our five-county region.

At this time, 80% of members have reported receiving two doses; 30% have reported receiving a first booster; few have reported receiving a second booster. Because of this, fellowship members, friends, visitors, and groups may gather freely in the building and on the grounds. (Indoor rentals will be reconsidered for fall 2022.) We continue to encourage good ventilation of rooms, hygiene and respiratory etiquette. The following measures are optional as persons feel comfortable:

• Continued correct use of masks (now still required for singing)
• Social distancing as persons request

Guidelines for Sunday gatherings — worship, children’s religious education, coffee hour, and meetings — will continue encouraging the above measures.

Thank you for your continued trust and patience as we have endured and adapted to these times. If you have questions or concerns, please contact a member of the board or task force: 

UUFoM COVID-19 Task Force: Kathy Kinkema, Maxine Guettler, Becky Carlson, Rev. Eric Severson

Board of Directors: Sasha King, Tom Bailey, Chris Nakamura, Tim Wagner, Marsha McDonald, Lisa Janetski, Rev. Eric Severson

UUFoM Sunday Guidelines

• Vaccinations for COVID-19 and other illnesses still are strongly recommended if you are able.
  
• Masks will be optional, indoors or out, except required for singing. Food and drink are allowed in the building.
  
• Fans, open windows, and air filters are encouraged to provide air exchange.
  
• Online options will continue to be available to the greatest extent possible.
  
• Please attend in-person gatherings ONLY if you and members of your household are well. We trust that you will make the wisest choices for you and your family.
  
• Please respect congregants’ need for “personal space.”
  
• If you become ill with or test positive for COVID-19, please contact task force member Becky Carlson to determine the need for contact tracing. Depending on circumstances, we may return to online-only activities.
  
• If you or a household member want a COVID test, we recommend these providers: Pro-Health Urgent Care, 495-2050, or New Hope Urgent Care, 631-9900.

The Reopening Plan – September 7, 2021

After considerable research and discussion, members of the COVID-19 Task Force, the UUFoM Board and Rev. Eric finalized the following plan on September 7, 2021.

Please check out the new documents below and let us know if you have questions or concerns. We look forward to continued conversation as we “find our way” together this year.

CDC Guidance for Schools
Final UUFoM Reopening Plan

Final UUFoM Reopening Guidelines Sundays

UUFoM Board Announcement Regarding Building Access – May 21, 2021

Building Closure Through September 1, 2021

For everyone’s continued safety through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Directors has determined that the building will remain closed and in-person activities will remain suspended through September 1, 2021 at the earliest. 

Outdoor gatherings are now permitted, so long as they comply with the UUFoM COVID-19 Guidelines for Fellowship-Sponsored Outdoor Gatherings and Classes as of May 10, 2021.  The Board of Directors will continue to reassess based on all available information, and continue to regularly communicate updates as conditions evolve.  

Rev. Eric Severson shares more information about connecting and/or setting up outdoor meetings.

12/17/2020 – UUFoM Building Closure Update

8/22/2020 – Board Notice – Paycheck Protection

6/18/2020 – Gathering of Small Groups

3/20/2020 – Announcement of Closure Due to COVID-19