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How a Mask Works

August 23
“Emmaus House” – Donna Clarke, Executive Director of Emmaus House, talks about the ministry of the Emmaus House in Saginaw and how it helps women transition from jail, prison, or rehab back to independent living.Donna Clarke, Executive Director of Emmaus House, guest speaking.

August 30 
"Stories from Nature" - Although life isn't as easy as a "walk in the park," spending time in a favorite outdoor place can be relaxing and rejuvenating. How can appreciating nature help us cope with the current state of the world? UUFoM members Jacob Guettler, Kathy Kinkema, Sarah Nuss-Warren, and Connie Ofori-Dankwa share their stories, photos, and insight.

Jacob Guettler is a member of UUFOM. He recently graduated with his Associates in Physical Therapy Assistance from Delta College. He has had a lifelong passion for nature, is an active member of the Chippewa Nature Center, and has been a birdwatcher since the age of 8 years old. Jacob currently lives in Billings Township with his boyfriend (also named Jacob). 

Kathy Kinkema is a retired high school counselor and is an active volunteer with Midland County Big Brothers Big Sisters and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense. She and her husband, John, reside on Sanford Lake and have been UUFoM Members since moving to Sanford in 2013.

Sarah Nuss-Warren has been a member of UUFoM since 2016. She acts as a fill-in volunteer pianist and currently leads the Worship Team. She works in R&D for the Savant Group during the week. In her spare time, she likes to read and play French horn and board games.

Connie Ofori-Dankwa is a UUFOM member. She is a CPA, who is an avid reader and likes to play tennis. She lives in Midland with her son/"fur-baby," Carson.

Gathering in Small Groups

Hello friends,  

After months of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Midland’s Board of Directors recognizes members’ desire to come together face to face.

While large-group gatherings are suspended and our building remains closed through at least the end of August, we’ve heard from members and teams about transitioning their Zoom meetings to in-person meetings. 

When considering the health (physical, mental and emotional) of our community, we want to do everything possible to prevent harm. We also realize that everyone’s situation and comfort with risk is different. This complicates the answer to the question, “Should we meet in person?” 

The board continues to refer to the following sources for guidance:

1. W.H.O. Religious Mass Gathering Decision Tree

2. W.H.O. Advice for Faith Based Organizations

3. Whitmer Report

4. CDC – Community and Faith-Based Organizations 

5. Church Mutual Webinar Notes

6. Church Mutual Safe Return Checklist

And we’ve recently added California’s Guidance for Places of Worship as a source.

Our greatest asset is our people and everyone’s safety is paramount.

We recommend that you continue to meet via Zoom or other no-risk methods. Should your small group or team (ten or fewer) decide to meet in person, we want to offer these expectations:

1. Communicate openly and regularly with small group members. If anyone in your group believes it is unsafe for them to take part in in-person activities, consider whether excluding them is consistent with your covenant. Respect their position and consider alternative arrangements.

2. Remember 4 pillars for safe reentry into communal spaces:

• Hygiene: Wash or disinfect hands before, at and after the gathering.

• Distancing: Maintain at least six feet social distance.

• Screening: Preferably before the meeting ask whether any member has experienced any sign of the disease—a new fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, nasal congestion, or a runny nose.

• Mask use: Always wear a mask -- properly covering both nose and mouth.

3. Understand that social activities such as flood cleanup, justice rallies, and the governor's "opening" of businesses will only increase the likelihood of further spreading the virus and increasing everyone's risk.

4. Report any confirmed cases among us to any member of our staff, pastoral care team, or board, so that we can take steps to improve the safety of our congregation.

Although you may meet outside at the Fellowship, the building is closed and there are no bathroom facilities available. If you decide to use the grounds for meeting, be sure to maintain a respectable and safe distance from other groups that may be meeting at the same time.

Meeting by Zoom will continue to be available over the summer. If your group needs access to Zoom (especially if you’d like to meet for more than 40 minutes without having to restart the meeting), please contact Wendy Altmeier.&nbs

We understand that the desire to get back to normal is huge. We’ve been living in isolation without in-person meeting for three months and it’s taking its toll. In addition, the information we’re learning about the disease is increasing all the time. One of the things we’re certain of is that COVID-19 is still threatening the safety of our community.

The Board of Directors will continue to use the above sources to guide our decisions. If there is a spike in cases and/or the government determines tighter guidelines, we will follow them. We realize we need to do a better job of communicating where we’re going and promise to offer more frequent updates. Watch the newsletter for more information.

Thank you to everyone for being part of this sacred community. Please be safe.

In service,

The Board of Directors

President: Shannon Sonoras
President Elect:  Beth Sperry
Treasurer: Vicki Rothhaar
Secretary: Marsha McDonald
Member at Large:  Chris Nakamura 
Minister: Eric Severson