Many lives are being upended by the spread of the virus known as COVID-19. I would like to share with you how the UniLu leadership is currently planning for the days and weeks ahead.
The Council has formed a “preparedness task force,” following guidelines for congregations facing mass emergencies of this kind. Task force membership, as of the writing of this note, include members with relevant expertise and/or who represent the wide array of mission partners and users of our building:
- Dr. Jennifer Brown, MD
- Julie Wilson, president of the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter Corporation*
- Evelyn Bonander, Cambridge Interfaith Sanctuary Coalition
- Susan Worst, deacons and worship planning
- Chris Pollari, UniLu Cares Team
- Kiefer Hicks, technology consultant
- Jayms Battaglia, staff
- Kathleen Reed, staff
By the time the UniLu community gathers for worship on Sunday morning, the task force will have had its first videoconference meeting to consider congregational life and building usage in light of COVID-19. Communication is a major responsibility of this team, especially among the many users of the building, e.g. the shelter and sanctuary.
The Thursday Lenten Evening Program has been put on hold. In general, further use of the building for church-sponsored meetings and programs is curtailed until further notice.
No food or drink will be served before or after worship. (I know, this is a tough one!) Also note one more adjustment to distribution of communion: no intinction, i.e. “dipping” bread in the cup.
On Sunday, March 15, 2020, you are urged to attend one of the gatherings that will be held after each service so that together we can receive information and share concerns. In this way, we will faithfully be the church for such a time as this.
*Julie Wilson will serve on the Preparedness Task Force through April 1, 2020.