At its meeting on June 23rd, the Congregational Council approved the members for an Advisory Reopening Committee. The committee will be playing an advisory role: the decision on a reopening plan will rest with Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown. The members are Robin DeCook, Betty Eberharter, Michael Gordon, Sue Jones, Barb Laski, Jonathan Maher, Michelle Sarju, Charles Torres, and (chair-convenor) Ruth Williamson. Rev. Kevin Bechtold and Jennifer Castle will be the committee’s clergy advisors. Parish Nurse June Hayakawa-Fung and Interim Operations Manager Wendy Blight will be resources on which the committee can draw.

Those who have agreed to serve on the committee are an all-star group. They bring to this project gifts of experience, healthcare expertise, curiosity, wisdom, and a commitment to the church. In the coming weeks and months, the committee will inform itself as to current medical guidance on COVID-19 (including the rate of spread and the rate of vaccination in the community), the unique characteristics of our building, the vulnerabilities of our congregation, and UCC and interfaith resources.

Naturally, we miss worshipping in the pre-pandemic mode. We miss in-person preaching and in-person music. We miss seeing each other in the flesh. However, our reopening plan will be informed by the best science and will be crafted with caution and care. In the meantime, watch the Herald for occasional progress reports.

       -- Al Bentley and Nan Macy

       Moderator and Vice-Moderator