Covid-19 Response at UCH
January 13, 2022
Covid Update from UCH Leadership
We would like to update you on our current thinking on reopening. As we have continued to monitor the situation a few things are coming into focus. The high rate of transmission even among those who have been vaccinated requires us to stay virtual in order to reduce the spread at this critical time. The good news is that the data is showing that infection has a relatively low risk of serious illness for those who are vaccinated and particularly those who have received a booster shot. When considering our response, we need to keep in mind our friends and neighbors who have medical conditions which reduce the effectiveness of vaccination. As you are probably aware the increased cases are driving a significant loading on area hospitals which potentially puts all of us at risk in a medical emergency. Taking all of this into consideration we are currently hoping for a late January or early February return to church. Our decision will be based primarily on seeing the number of hospital admissions and available hospital capacity return to a manageable number. Thanks for your patience, your compassion and kindness to those around us, and your work to stay safe.
We love you and are looking forward to being together again soon.
Blessings,
Rev Pam, Bob Daniel-Wayman & UCH Board of Trustees
Covid Update from UCH Leadership
We would like to update you on our current thinking on reopening. As we have continued to monitor the situation a few things are coming into focus. The high rate of transmission even among those who have been vaccinated requires us to stay virtual in order to reduce the spread at this critical time. The good news is that the data is showing that infection has a relatively low risk of serious illness for those who are vaccinated and particularly those who have received a booster shot. When considering our response, we need to keep in mind our friends and neighbors who have medical conditions which reduce the effectiveness of vaccination. As you are probably aware the increased cases are driving a significant loading on area hospitals which potentially puts all of us at risk in a medical emergency. Taking all of this into consideration we are currently hoping for a late January or early February return to church. Our decision will be based primarily on seeing the number of hospital admissions and available hospital capacity return to a manageable number. Thanks for your patience, your compassion and kindness to those around us, and your work to stay safe.
We love you and are looking forward to being together again soon.
Blessings,
Rev Pam, Bob Daniel-Wayman & UCH Board of Trustees
In the spirit of loving care for our community, we will continue having Sunday services online only through the end of January, 2022.
While it is hard to be apart, community spread continues to accelerate in our communities with the highly transmissible Omicron variant. In addition, we are aware of breakthrough infections among vaccinated members and the low availability of tests. While we are saddened to not be physically together, we feel that ensuring the safety of our community is the loving response.
We will continue to monitor the situation throughout January and hope to return to in-person services when case rates moderate and risks become clearer.
If you haven’t already, please get a booster shot and wear a mask in public at all times.
This too shall pass and we look forward to being together as we have been.
There is some good news about where we find ourselves today:
https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/there-is-good-news
Don't despair - we'll make it through this and create a strong and loving community in whatever reality we find ourselves.
Watch our weekly News & Notes and the monthly Touchstone for updated information.
While it is hard to be apart, community spread continues to accelerate in our communities with the highly transmissible Omicron variant. In addition, we are aware of breakthrough infections among vaccinated members and the low availability of tests. While we are saddened to not be physically together, we feel that ensuring the safety of our community is the loving response.
We will continue to monitor the situation throughout January and hope to return to in-person services when case rates moderate and risks become clearer.
If you haven’t already, please get a booster shot and wear a mask in public at all times.
This too shall pass and we look forward to being together as we have been.
There is some good news about where we find ourselves today:
https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/there-is-good-news
Don't despair - we'll make it through this and create a strong and loving community in whatever reality we find ourselves.
Watch our weekly News & Notes and the monthly Touchstone for updated information.
As a church community our first priority is the safety of our members and the communities they live in. The spread of the COVID-19 has presented us with a serious and unique challenge that none of us have experienced before. Over the last few days we have gathered wealth of information from reputable sources including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the DuPage and Cook county public health departments, the Chicago Department of Public Health, thoughtful news sources, and denominational resources. Our conclusion is that the risk is real and imminent. While the official case count seems low right now all reputable information points to it growing quickly. We want to ensure that we take action now in order to stay ahead of the virus’s spread. This is the only prudent approach to ensuring the safety of our congregants and our local communities.
Our conclusion is that we must significantly reduce our physical interactions (social distancing) to prevent the spread of the virus amongst ourselves and in the communities we live in. At the same time we want to continue the life of the church, the connections, support, and perspective that it provides. We believe this will be even more important in these challenging times. To do this we will be taking the following actions:
We will all be learning together how to navigate this new challenge. We ask for your great ideas and your support as we learn together how we can maintain our important connections overcome this challenge.
Our conclusion is that we must significantly reduce our physical interactions (social distancing) to prevent the spread of the virus amongst ourselves and in the communities we live in. At the same time we want to continue the life of the church, the connections, support, and perspective that it provides. We believe this will be even more important in these challenging times. To do this we will be taking the following actions:
- Services after Sunday, March 15th, will be conducted on line through streaming at https://tinyurl.com/UCH-WorshipLiveStream
- We have created a 'phone tree' utilizing our Hospitality Teams to stay connected with one another and offer help and support in the days to come.
- Volunteer to take a lead in any area by contacting Pam Fodor, Mary Getty, Rev Pam.
- We are encouraging everyone to conduct necessary meetings over video or audio conferencing services utilizing Zoom, Webex or Google Hangouts. Contact the office so we can connect you with other members for help in using these.
We will all be learning together how to navigate this new challenge. We ask for your great ideas and your support as we learn together how we can maintain our important connections overcome this challenge.
Message from Rev Pam, Liz Reyes & Pam Fodor- March 11, 2020
There is a lot going on in the world.
In the interest of full transparency and community care,here are three communications from Rev Pam Rumancik,
Liz Reyes, President of the Board of Trustees and Pam Fodor, Director of Programs.
In the interest of full transparency and community care,here are three communications from Rev Pam Rumancik,
Liz Reyes, President of the Board of Trustees and Pam Fodor, Director of Programs.
My dear ones,
Working closely with church leadership we have made the difficult decision to follow recommendations for social distancing and ask our members and friends to begin meeting virtually when at all possible.
As this article, Cancel Everything by Yascha Mounk, indicates, the best way to get ahead of the steep curve coming toward us is to keep distance between us in the short term. This is a very hard choice as our natural tendency is to come together in times of trial. But our end goal is to keep everyone safe, healthy and able to attend church long after this pandemic has become a distant memory.
To that end we are advising everyone to postpone gatherings larger than 5-6 people or to meet virtually. The church has a Zoom account which you can use. Contact the office for more information. There are also options such as Webex or Google Hangouts which work well. If you need help with technology, let us know. We are asking for volunteers to help other members get connected to the web.
We are also urging everyone who falls within the CDC's 'at risk' group to stay home and refrain from coming to church this Sunday. This includes:
We are also looking to create strong connections throughout the church by utilizing our Hospitality Team structure to create a modern version of a telephone tree. If you would be willing to head up a group to stay connected with folks who have not been on one of our teams, please contact Pam Fodor or Mary Getty. While we may not be able to gather in person, we fully intend to stay connected in care for one another during this challenging time.
It may feel like an overly-anxious response but we believe that preventing the spread of Covid-19, which can have deadly consequences for some of our population, is our highest priority. If we get to the end of this time with everyone intact we will celebrate joyously. In the meantime, wash your hands. Find a church buddy and stay connected and reach out to the church if you need any help or support. Love will hold this community together - come what may!
Rev Pam
Dear UCH Family,
We’re writing to provide a few updates in regards to church logistics, the pledge drive, and our ministerial transition process. So, in reverse order:
The Board of Trustees continues to work on a transition plan. We’ve met virtually with a UUA transition team member, Liz has had several conversations with the UUA transitions team, and at our March 11 board meeting we met with members of our last search committee to learn more about the transition and search process. We have another call planned with the UUA and then we will decide on our path forward. Please continue to reach out with questions and ideas.
As you all hopefully know, this weekend is our Pledge Drive Sunday. Please make every effort to submit your pledge by Sunday. You can bring it to church, mail it to church, or simply call or email Linda or Pam F. with your pledge amount and they will fill out a form for you! Every pledge drive and pledge is important but I think this year’s is extra important. We need to be on solid financial ground as we enter this period of ministerial transition.
Also, due to the COVID-19, we may have to reevaluate our UUnder the Big Top Gala and Raffle event plans and in the short-term, we may lose some rental income. We are a strong, active and involved community and I’m grateful for the love and support we offer to one another.
Liz
My dearest families,
The thought of not being able to connect one on one with you is hurting my heart, however we need to keep each other safe and healthy. We will have this Sunday to be together to say “See You Soon” and plan our celebration for when we come back together.
In the meantime, Rev. Pam and I will continue to offer a wisdom story as part of the virtual service and I will follow up with an e-mail to the families that will include wondering questions and ideas for activities you can do at home.
We will send off our Coming of Age youth to contemplate their own beliefs and truths and to finalize their faith statements. Our Senior High Youth Group will continue to be connected as always through group texts and social media.
It feels sad to say we may not see each other for a while but we are connected in spirit. Send out love into the universe, and treat the others in your family well. We will get through this and be healthier and stronger when we come back together.
Much love to you all,
Pam
Working closely with church leadership we have made the difficult decision to follow recommendations for social distancing and ask our members and friends to begin meeting virtually when at all possible.
As this article, Cancel Everything by Yascha Mounk, indicates, the best way to get ahead of the steep curve coming toward us is to keep distance between us in the short term. This is a very hard choice as our natural tendency is to come together in times of trial. But our end goal is to keep everyone safe, healthy and able to attend church long after this pandemic has become a distant memory.
To that end we are advising everyone to postpone gatherings larger than 5-6 people or to meet virtually. The church has a Zoom account which you can use. Contact the office for more information. There are also options such as Webex or Google Hangouts which work well. If you need help with technology, let us know. We are asking for volunteers to help other members get connected to the web.
We are also urging everyone who falls within the CDC's 'at risk' group to stay home and refrain from coming to church this Sunday. This includes:
- the elderly (>65 years)
- people with underlying chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer and high blood pressure (hypertension).
- people with autoimmune disease
- people who smoke also have a possible higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19-infection.
- anyone with cold, flu or even allergy symptoms
- anyone who had been in contact with someone exhibiting symptoms
We are also looking to create strong connections throughout the church by utilizing our Hospitality Team structure to create a modern version of a telephone tree. If you would be willing to head up a group to stay connected with folks who have not been on one of our teams, please contact Pam Fodor or Mary Getty. While we may not be able to gather in person, we fully intend to stay connected in care for one another during this challenging time.
It may feel like an overly-anxious response but we believe that preventing the spread of Covid-19, which can have deadly consequences for some of our population, is our highest priority. If we get to the end of this time with everyone intact we will celebrate joyously. In the meantime, wash your hands. Find a church buddy and stay connected and reach out to the church if you need any help or support. Love will hold this community together - come what may!
Rev Pam
Dear UCH Family,
We’re writing to provide a few updates in regards to church logistics, the pledge drive, and our ministerial transition process. So, in reverse order:
The Board of Trustees continues to work on a transition plan. We’ve met virtually with a UUA transition team member, Liz has had several conversations with the UUA transitions team, and at our March 11 board meeting we met with members of our last search committee to learn more about the transition and search process. We have another call planned with the UUA and then we will decide on our path forward. Please continue to reach out with questions and ideas.
As you all hopefully know, this weekend is our Pledge Drive Sunday. Please make every effort to submit your pledge by Sunday. You can bring it to church, mail it to church, or simply call or email Linda or Pam F. with your pledge amount and they will fill out a form for you! Every pledge drive and pledge is important but I think this year’s is extra important. We need to be on solid financial ground as we enter this period of ministerial transition.
Also, due to the COVID-19, we may have to reevaluate our UUnder the Big Top Gala and Raffle event plans and in the short-term, we may lose some rental income. We are a strong, active and involved community and I’m grateful for the love and support we offer to one another.
Liz
My dearest families,
The thought of not being able to connect one on one with you is hurting my heart, however we need to keep each other safe and healthy. We will have this Sunday to be together to say “See You Soon” and plan our celebration for when we come back together.
In the meantime, Rev. Pam and I will continue to offer a wisdom story as part of the virtual service and I will follow up with an e-mail to the families that will include wondering questions and ideas for activities you can do at home.
We will send off our Coming of Age youth to contemplate their own beliefs and truths and to finalize their faith statements. Our Senior High Youth Group will continue to be connected as always through group texts and social media.
It feels sad to say we may not see each other for a while but we are connected in spirit. Send out love into the universe, and treat the others in your family well. We will get through this and be healthier and stronger when we come back together.
Much love to you all,
Pam
Links in this Message:
Letter to Religious Professionals and Congregational Leaders from the Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray: https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/updated-recommendations-your-congregations-response-covid-19
Link to Resources on UUA.org for Planning and Addressing Pandemics in Your Community: https://www.uua.org/safe/pandemics
Link to the Registration for the Online Regional Assembly: https://www.uua.org/midamerica/ra/2020/register
Link to the MidAmerica Region Events Calendar: https://www.uua.org/midamerica/events
Link to the MidAmerica Region “Who to Call” page: https://www.uua.org/midamerica/contact-us/who-call
Letter to Religious Professionals and Congregational Leaders from the Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray: https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/updated-recommendations-your-congregations-response-covid-19
Link to Resources on UUA.org for Planning and Addressing Pandemics in Your Community: https://www.uua.org/safe/pandemics
Link to the Registration for the Online Regional Assembly: https://www.uua.org/midamerica/ra/2020/register
Link to the MidAmerica Region Events Calendar: https://www.uua.org/midamerica/events
Link to the MidAmerica Region “Who to Call” page: https://www.uua.org/midamerica/contact-us/who-call
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