In preparation for our formal building reopening and return to two services (9 & 11 a.m., with a livestream option at 11 a.m.) on Sunday, Nov. 7, we’re hosting an open house-style “soft reopening” this Sunday, Oct. 31, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with an online option offered via Zoom at 10:30 a.m. If you’re joining us in the building, we invite you to drop in for a “build your own adventure” time of activities for all ages, tours, co-creation of an altar, and a short ritual (a mini worship service with a musical meditation at the center) in the sanctuary. You can be in any space for as long or as little as you like. If you’re joining us online, we’ll take you on a tour of our newly renovated spaces and then bring you into the 11 a.m. ritual in the sanctuary. 

Rituals

Instead of our usual hour-long worship service, we invite you to join us in the sanctuary for one of three 20-minute rituals—at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon—with a musical meditation by Franco Holder on piano as the centerpiece. Our hope is that this short meditative time will help you ease back into being in the sanctuary, allow you time to take in the changes (like new carpet and an accessible chancel!) that were made during renovations, and help us all navigate and adjust to what it means to be back in our sanctuary together while still navigating a global pandemic. Masks are required and we ask that you keep a distance of three feet from those not in your household (more on COVID safety measures and policies here). 

In the Cummins Room, Julica Hermann de la Fuente will share a sacred part of her heritage as we co-create an altar in the tradition of Dia de los Muertos. Together we will make a beautiful space that marks this season when the veil between the worlds is thin and many cultures honor their ancestors. You are invited to bring and leave on the altar a copy of a photo of a loved one you’re remembering. (If you do not have a copy you feel comfortable leaving, you can use the photocopier in the office.) The altar we create together during the Open House will be part of our Wednesday evening worship service on November 3. If you would like to participate but are not comfortable in a crowd, you can make a 15-minute private appointment between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. here.

Multigenerational Activities

In the Education Wing, we’ll have crafts and activities for preschoolers through 6th graders and their families (bring some colorful Fall leaves to contribute to a shared project if you can!), a dedicated space and activities for 7th–12th graders (in our lovely new Senior High lounge!), and board games. Families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are invited to gather, play, and acquaint themselves with our bright new spaces for our littlest ones. Rev. Karen Hutt will be leading active social games for all ages in the Social Hall.

For BIPOC Folks

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) folks of all ages are invited into the space that has been designated as “BIPOC priority space” (Room 201) to help articulate the vision for the space and to co-create what the space might look/feel/be like. We have a lovely blank canvas; how shall we honor our cultural heritages?

Tours

You are welcome to explore the spaces on your own between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. For those who would like a guided experience, tours will be offered at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. You’ll learn about the changes that were made during renovations to improve the accessibility, radical welcome, and sustainability of our building and have an opportunity to ask questions. 

We are looking forward to welcoming many of you back into our newly renovated spaces beginning this Sunday!