COVID Policy and Updates
Values Statement &
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March 23, 2021
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Dear LCUUC Community of Friends,
The Board of Trustees is happy to share our revised guidelines for outdoor property use during this pandemic, effective March 23, 2021. The original document was approved June 25, 2020. The COVID work group (Elisabeth Harrahy, Paula Hillmann, John Kuhn, Mike McNett, Cathy Mararri, Tracy Moraine, Lois Remeikis, Janis Tyler, and Greg Valde) are advisors to the Board. We are very grateful for their expertise and dedication to studying the spiritual, mental, and physical health factors in making their recommendations. This group will meet again in April to continue work on the Indoor Guidelines.
Following is 1) the Values statement that was created and endorsed by the Board and 2) The Board Approved Guidelines for Outdoor Property Use.
Please let any of the Board know if you have questions, concerns, or ideas.
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LCUUC Reopening and Regathering
Values Statement (March 16, 2021)
As we think about how to reopen, we want to consider shared values aligned with our UU principles: science, safety, community, and inclusivity.
Because we value science, we want to base our decisions to reopen on the infection activity in our community, on the advice and of public health experts and scientists, and on evidence-based medicine. We want to make reopening decisions based not on what might “feel safe” to some of us, but what science tells us is a low level of risk.
Because our community places a high value on safety, we want to take special precautions and consider the needs of our staff, congregants, visitors and the most vulnerable.
Because we value community, we want to find sound, enjoyable ways to socialize together outdoors and in person, and to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.
Because we value inclusivity, we will continue online worship services or other online opportunities to connect even after reopening so that there is something for everyone, including those who are not able to attend in person.
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The Board of Trustees is happy to share our revised guidelines for outdoor property use during this pandemic, effective March 23, 2021. The original document was approved June 25, 2020. The COVID work group (Elisabeth Harrahy, Paula Hillmann, John Kuhn, Mike McNett, Cathy Mararri, Tracy Moraine, Lois Remeikis, Janis Tyler, and Greg Valde) are advisors to the Board. We are very grateful for their expertise and dedication to studying the spiritual, mental, and physical health factors in making their recommendations. This group will meet again in April to continue work on the Indoor Guidelines.
Following is 1) the Values statement that was created and endorsed by the Board and 2) The Board Approved Guidelines for Outdoor Property Use.
Please let any of the Board know if you have questions, concerns, or ideas.
___________________________________________________________
LCUUC Reopening and Regathering
Values Statement (March 16, 2021)
As we think about how to reopen, we want to consider shared values aligned with our UU principles: science, safety, community, and inclusivity.
Because we value science, we want to base our decisions to reopen on the infection activity in our community, on the advice and of public health experts and scientists, and on evidence-based medicine. We want to make reopening decisions based not on what might “feel safe” to some of us, but what science tells us is a low level of risk.
Because our community places a high value on safety, we want to take special precautions and consider the needs of our staff, congregants, visitors and the most vulnerable.
Because we value community, we want to find sound, enjoyable ways to socialize together outdoors and in person, and to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.
Because we value inclusivity, we will continue online worship services or other online opportunities to connect even after reopening so that there is something for everyone, including those who are not able to attend in person.
___________________________________________________________
COVID-19 Update - LCUUC |
February 10, 2021
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Dear LCUUC Community of Friends,
As President of the LCUUC Board of Trustees, I wanted to briefly update you on where we are regarding re-gathering during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are all optimistic that we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel with the roll out of vaccines and recent declines in hospitalizations. However, uncertainties remain as to when we will attain “herd immunity” given virus mutations, vaccine efficacy against the variants, the impact of political efforts to lift mitigation measures, etc. So, we must be prepared for the possibility of a long journey back to the old normal and continue to embrace opportunities for a new normal. For now, things will remain “as is” with the building closed to regular activities.
Since May 2020, the LCUUC COVID-19 Work Group has been studying many aspects of our situation. The group has been working in association with UUA recommendations to use a science-based approach while remaining committed to LCUUC ideals and values in developing practical measures that help ensure the health and safety of our congregation, employees, and the greater community.
At the January 19 meeting, the Board requested more information from the COVID-19 Work Group. The Work Group met on February 8 and agreed to:
Thank you and be safe, healthy and happy. Please let me or one of the Board Members know if you have questions, concerns, ideas.
Paula Hillmann, LCUUC Board President
As President of the LCUUC Board of Trustees, I wanted to briefly update you on where we are regarding re-gathering during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are all optimistic that we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel with the roll out of vaccines and recent declines in hospitalizations. However, uncertainties remain as to when we will attain “herd immunity” given virus mutations, vaccine efficacy against the variants, the impact of political efforts to lift mitigation measures, etc. So, we must be prepared for the possibility of a long journey back to the old normal and continue to embrace opportunities for a new normal. For now, things will remain “as is” with the building closed to regular activities.
Since May 2020, the LCUUC COVID-19 Work Group has been studying many aspects of our situation. The group has been working in association with UUA recommendations to use a science-based approach while remaining committed to LCUUC ideals and values in developing practical measures that help ensure the health and safety of our congregation, employees, and the greater community.
At the January 19 meeting, the Board requested more information from the COVID-19 Work Group. The Work Group met on February 8 and agreed to:
- Study the most recent UUA materials (www.uua.org/safe/pandemics) and CDC/Wisconsin DHS guidelines on re-gathering
- Meet on March 1 to collectively review and recommend next best steps for LCUUC re-gathering
- Report back to the Board for its March 16 meeting
Thank you and be safe, healthy and happy. Please let me or one of the Board Members know if you have questions, concerns, ideas.
Paula Hillmann, LCUUC Board President
Board-Approved Guidelines for Outdoor Property Use
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August 26, 2020
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As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together, we continue to explore safe methods for connecting our LCUUC community. We do this out of concern for others and our acknowledgement of shared UU Principles.
Background: A special Work Group began collaborating in May to look at best practices using evidence-based research regarding COVID-19 precautions (Elisabeth Harrahy, Paula Hillmann, John Kuhn, Sue Lewis, Cathy Marrari, Lois Remeikis, Greg Valde). They studied the medical and psychosocial science research from the CDC, FDA, APA, State of Wisconsin, UW and other research institutions; and Regional, County and UUA recommendations for safe in-person gatherings.
The Work Group administered online surveys to LCUUC members, staff and committees regarding their needs and concerns for regathering. Survey data and recommendations were presented by the Work Group to the Board of Trustees in June and August. This resulted in our development of guidelines and procedures that help ensure the safety and health of members, staff and visitors of all ages.
The Board approved Guidelines for Outdoor Property Use effective June 25, 2020.
The Board reviewed existing Guidelines for Outdoor Property Use and the Work Group’s recommendations for Indoor Property Use at its meeting on August 18, 2020. Guidelines for Outdoor Property Use (approved June 25, 2020) remain in place.
The following initial procedures for reentry and Use of Indoor Property were approved. An addition for the inclusion of an outdoor portable toilet rental was made. The Board will continue to review evidence-based research regarding COVID-19 and change procedures and guidelines at subsequent Board meetings, as needed.
We do this out of loving kindness for our church family, our staff, our friends and visitors, and for our community. If you have any questions, concerns or ideas regarding our work, please contact our Minister, Reverend Carin Bringelson or any of the LCUUC Board Members.
Background: A special Work Group began collaborating in May to look at best practices using evidence-based research regarding COVID-19 precautions (Elisabeth Harrahy, Paula Hillmann, John Kuhn, Sue Lewis, Cathy Marrari, Lois Remeikis, Greg Valde). They studied the medical and psychosocial science research from the CDC, FDA, APA, State of Wisconsin, UW and other research institutions; and Regional, County and UUA recommendations for safe in-person gatherings.
The Work Group administered online surveys to LCUUC members, staff and committees regarding their needs and concerns for regathering. Survey data and recommendations were presented by the Work Group to the Board of Trustees in June and August. This resulted in our development of guidelines and procedures that help ensure the safety and health of members, staff and visitors of all ages.
The Board approved Guidelines for Outdoor Property Use effective June 25, 2020.
- Events must be scheduled on the church calendar along with the name(s) of the LCUUC member(s) in charge.
- Outdoor events not expected to exceed 100 people are allowed on the LCUUC grounds consistent with Waukesha County guidelines.
- All individuals are expected to follow CDC guidelines for reducing Coronavirus transmission, including at a minimum wearing face masks and practicing physical distancing of 6 feet from individuals not in their immediate household.
- Attendees are advised to bring their own portable chairs for events at which they wish to be seated.
- Attendees will not have indoor access to the LCUUC building and are advised to bring water and make arrangements for bathroom use ahead of time.
- Attendees who are not following these guidelines may be asked to leave.
The Board reviewed existing Guidelines for Outdoor Property Use and the Work Group’s recommendations for Indoor Property Use at its meeting on August 18, 2020. Guidelines for Outdoor Property Use (approved June 25, 2020) remain in place.
The following initial procedures for reentry and Use of Indoor Property were approved. An addition for the inclusion of an outdoor portable toilet rental was made. The Board will continue to review evidence-based research regarding COVID-19 and change procedures and guidelines at subsequent Board meetings, as needed.
- Entry into the building is limited to only staff and workers needed for essential LCUUC operations.
- Locks to the entry doors have been changed, and a limited number of keys have been issued.
- The coded lock box will be removed until further notice.
- A video camera has been installed at the front entry door.
- Those using the building other than staff are expected to notify the Office Administrator they will be in the building.
- Worship services, Religious Education classes, Committee meetings and other activities will continue online for the foreseeable future.
- A portable toilet will be rented for use during outdoor LCUUC scheduled events only. This will be locked when not in use by the group event.
We do this out of loving kindness for our church family, our staff, our friends and visitors, and for our community. If you have any questions, concerns or ideas regarding our work, please contact our Minister, Reverend Carin Bringelson or any of the LCUUC Board Members.
Mission Statement: LCUUC is a diverse religious community supporting one another in our spiritual search for truth, meaning and compassionate connection. Based on the Unitarian Universalist Principles and the transforming power of love, we strive for positive change in the world.
Find us at:
Lake Country Unitarian Universalist Church W299N5595 Grace Drive Hartland, WI 53029 (262) 369-1703 church@lcuuc.org webmaster@lcuuc.org Calendar |
Hours:
Business Office Hours: Tues, Weds, Fri. 8am - 4pm (Call for an appointment) Rev. Carin Bringelson, LCUUC Minister Tues, Weds, Thurs - Call for appointment Rev. Carin’s drop-in office hours are 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. each Thursday that she’s working. The Zoom link will always be: https://zoom.us/j/93906530079 You can also email her ahead of time to make an appointment: revcarin@lcuuc.org Director of Religious Education Hours: Tuesday 8am - 4pm (The DRE does not work in the month of July.) |
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