Read this week’s newsletter in full here: The Weekly Liberal March 5

In this week’s newsletter, Rev. Ruth MacKenzie, Lauren Wyeth, and Arif Mamdani write:

Dear First Universalist Community, 

As we read and watch news about the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has spread to multiple countries including the United States, many of us are experiencing worry and concern. Some of us live with weakened immunity, and we all know and love people in “at-risk” groups. These are understandably frightening times.

While there are no confirmed cases in Minnesota as of this writing on March 5, we want to assure you that First Universalist leadership is paying close attention to the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the MN Department of Health (MDH). As a place where people gather regularly in community, we take seriously our responsibility to stay informed and to take precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if and when necessary.

The Minnesota Department of Health has these recommendations posted on their website:

• Based on what we know now about COVID-19 and what is known about its spread, MDH is not issuing a recommendation at this time to cancel community events such as concerts, parties, or church gatherings.
• Individual organizations and community members will want to make their own decisions about specific events based upon many considerations.
• As always, we recommend that people stay home when sick, cover their cough, and practice good hand hygiene.

Small acts of self care and community care, when done with attention and intention, are a form of spiritual practice. Covering my cough becomes a way of acknowledging the web of life that connects me to all, acknowledging that life is fragile and precious. Washing my hands offers a pause in a busy day, a moment devoted to safeguarding the health and wellness of my own body and the bodies of others, known and unknown, who share and cross my path. Signing up to prepare and deliver meals to church folks who are ill is a way to express my compassion and give life to our covenant. Smiling in greeting, rather than touching a hand, allows us to share a glance that says: We are connected. We depend on one another. What we do matters.

Church will continue to hold Sunday services, religious education classes, and regular groups and meetings in the building so long as public health officials do not recommend against it. When at church, you’ll find hand sanitizer available around the building – please make use of it! There are dispensers mounted in the upper and lower hallways of the education wing, in the social hall, in the sanctuary, and in the lower narthex outside of each coat closet.

We will continue to monitor the situation and the guidelines provided by health professionals and will adjust or cancel activities if that should become necessary.

Regardless of what unfolds and which avenues of communication we use, we will stay connected. Your ministers, church staff and religious community are here and available to provide companionship, pastoral care and practical support. 

Please feel free to reach out to one of us if you have concerns, needs, or questions.

In faith,
Rev. Ruth MacKenzie, Lauren Wyeth, and Arif Mamdani