Update from the Reopening Task Force |
The Reopening Task Force has continued to follow the Covid-19 monitoring data from the MA Department of Public Health (COVID-19 Response Reporting | Mass.gov) which shows that the mini-surge we saw in March and April is subsiding. As of 5/15, the 7 day rolling average of new Covid cases per day in MA was 416 and has been dropping since the recent peak in late March/early April. The average numbers of patients hospitalized (398) and deaths (5.9) per day have also been decreasing, and the percentage of positive tests is now down to 1.0% which is far better than it was earlier in the year. In addition, the vaccination program has made significant strides in the past two months. As of 5/13, 3,217,289 residents of MA (46%) have been fully vaccinated and an additional 966,301 (14%) have received the first of two shots.
You have no doubt also heard the welcome news that the CDC is easing restrictions and that, thanks in large part to the success of the vaccination program, the Governor of Massachusetts just announced that effective 5/29, all industries in the Commonwealth will be permitted to open. With the exception of remaining face-covering requirements for public and private transportation systems, schools and facilities housing vulnerable populations, all industry restrictions will be lifted, and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries. The gathering limit will also be rescinded.
These are all encouraging signs that we’ve turned the corner with this pandemic, and it’s a huge relief to think that we can start to get back to normal (if we can remember what that was)! But we shouldn’t underestimate the capacity of this virus to surprise us, and also recall that not all demographics in the congregation have been fully vaccinated (chiefly children). At the same time, the members of the Task Force recognize the intense hunger for in-person worship and community, and the huge benefits of being together.
The Task Force met twice in the past month, most recently with the clergy, John Finney, Sally Tomasetti, and the Senior Deacons to consider our options for worship services and other gatherings over the summer. After considering a number of alternatives, the Task Force is recommending a measured resumption of church activities, as follows. Note that the details for each of these gatherings, including the nature of safety precautions, will be communicated separately closer to the time of the events.
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Sunday, June 13
After the 10:00 am pre-recorded service, small groups will be able to visit with Matt and Betsy on the parsonage lawn for a farewell gathering, with additional outdoor meetings on the following days during their last week.
Sunday, June 20
This service, which will be Matt’s last one with us, will be the occasion for both a ‘Release of Vows’ service, as well as our first service together, in-person, since March, 2020! It will be held outdoors on the parsonage lawn at 10:00 am. A virtual version of this service will also be available to join from home.
Sundays, June 27 & July 4
These services will be conducted ‘live’ at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary by a limited number of worship leaders. Services will be streamed in real time and available to the congregation.
Sundays, July 11 & 18
These services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary with a limited number of worship leaders, and streamed live. In addition, up to 40 members of the congregation will be able to be present to worship in person, with appropriate precautionary restrictions. Registration will be required through Sign Up Genius. Details will follow.
Sundays, July 25 through September 5
These services will be held in the Sanctuary with up to 100 people.
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The guidelines for special services (e.g. baptisms, funerals) will be the same as for worship services.
Outdoor gatherings of fewer than 50 people will be possible. Please contact the Re-opening Task Force to discuss the details.
The Task Force is also recommending that we continue to limit other non-worship in-person activities to what we have been doing all along until June 3 when we will meet to see if we can ease these restrictions going into the summer. Our current guidelines call for:
- Small meetings in Board Room, Reception Room, Bell Room (≤ 5 people)
- Recording services or instrumental music in Sanctuary (≤ 5 people)
- Recording up to 2 vocalists or wind instrument players plus 1 accompanist in the Sanctuary
- Nursery School (Note that the children are segregated in class groups of ≤ 10.)
- AA and the Food Pantry, which have been deemed Necessary Services by the MA DPH.
Meanwhile, we will continue to be the Church, enjoy the unusually good Spring weather, and look forward to seeing more of one another in the coming months. The Ministers are working together with the members of the Faith Formation Support Board to create a series of in person and hybrid program offerings to provide many opportunities to reconnect throughout the summer.
Please check the ‘Events at the Hills’ May 27 edition for notices about the upcoming services and events.
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The Re-opening Task Force
Rob Andrews, Mimi D’Angelo, John Finney, Anne Marie Holloway, Christopher Stowell, Judy Swahnberg, Sally Tomasetti, Matthew Wooster, Elaine Vildzius
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