We are accepting that we’re in this COVID-19 reality for the long haul, preparing to lead virtual worship and virtual church programming through at least the spring of 2021, and perhaps even longer. As a whole staff team, part of the preparation for the year to come means catching our breath, and ensuring that we have some sustained down time before we really dig into the new church year and continue to imagine and roll out programming that helps us meet this moment – and the needs of our congregation – in a virtual space. 

To that end, church will be “closed” for one week plus Labor Day, Aug. 31 through Sept. 7, to allow for a break for staff after what has been an unusually intense several months. 

On the Sunday that falls during this time – Sunday, Sept. 6 – we invite you to take a virtual “road trip” and visit one of our neighboring congregations, or a congregation you’ve always wanted to check out, for worship. We’ve connected with our colleagues at First Unitarian Society, White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church, and Unity-Unitarian Church and they’ve already extended a warm welcome to join them for worship on Sunday, Sept. 6.

While our church staff won’t be leading worship (Wednesday or Sunday) or programs, responding to email, or attending meetings during the week between Aug. 31 and Sept. 7, we will still be available to you for any urgent pastoral care needs you may be experiencing. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you are in crisis or struggling in any way: call the church office at 612-825-1701 and follow the prompts for “pastoral care” to be connected to a minister. 

We’ll be back after Labor Day, on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and will “see” you again for worship as we launch the new church year on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m.