Dear DuPage UU Church Members and Friends,

We find ourselves in an unusual moment as a faith movement. Unitarian Universalists across our nation are finding themselves with our values seemingly competing against each other as we begin to create new lives in the lessening (not ‘over’) pandemic. 

How can we hold our value to prioritize the most vulnerable among us and also hold our value to cultivate community to the fullest?

As we work to discern the right way forward with these values, the staff of DuPage UU Church - which is charged with determining our Covid safety protocols - has decided to update our procedures around mitigation efforts to better balance these two values. This means enacting changes to our protocols:
  • If you are a small, covenanted group (less than 10 members; must have a covenant on file with the Board or Minister) you may agree to meet in person without masks in the Church building.
  • Part of being a covenanted group means that you agree to respect someone when they ask the group to remain masked even if the rest of the group is okay without. One way to do this is by privately messaging the chair of the group to coordinate.
  • This excludes Kreves Hall, as the space is open and used to get to other rooms.
  • Masks are still required when moving about the building in other spaces (hallways, restrooms).
  • Air filtration devices must be on in the meeting room.
  • Multi-platform options will continue to be available for meetings as well.

  • Some larger events may be held indoors and maskless. 
  • These events must be pre-approved by the staff team and will be subject to certain protocols (found here). 

  • Our worship services, religious education classes, and events held in Kreves Hall will remain masked at this time.
During the pandemic DuPage UU Church has chosen to mask to protect those most vulnerable to safeguard the health of our community. Our principles have always called us a faith movement to be on the side of the most vulnerable. Church is a particular space that is, I believe, obligated to protect those among us that cannot speak for themselves, those who can but choose to remain silent - a right we protect, and those who are vocal but are the minority. I find within our principles no ambiguity about our responsibility to protect, uphold, and love those most vulnerable. This is why we will continue to mask on Sunday morning and in our religious education classes.

And there are some times that adapting to protocols still limits our ability to be with one another; such as sharing a meal after a memorial service. It is in this space that the conflict of our values can arise. This is why we have chosen to open some space to be maskless.

Balancing these two values in a time of pandemic is difficult. I know that we will not always get it right. I know we will make mistakes. I also know that we as a community will grow together, learn together, and become together…all of which will make us stronger as a community and more prepared to face our future together.

As always, we encourage and support you in making decisions about safety and masking that is best for you and your family.

Your staff team - Steve, Sheri, and myself - are working hard to hold our values, research the data, and to find ways that allow us to be safe, have fun, and build our community. You are always welcome to reach out to me about our protocols. You are always welcome to respectfully disagree - and I encourage you to come to me so we can work through the disagreement together.

Our beloved DuPage UU Church will be stronger for all we are doing to protect and engage with one another as we grow together in love.

In faithful service,
rev. mandi