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Look for information about a possible virtual gathering with the ministers this Friday, March 13.
Ways to stay connected and updated
If you are not feeling well or have doubts about your health, we encourage you to err on the side of caution and stay home. Here are some ways you can connect:
- Join in the experimental worship service on 3/15 at 11:15 am
- Watch the video of the sermon or past sermons on our Youtube channel
- Email, call or check in with friends and with ministers
Yesterday evening, March 10th, we learned a member of our congregation tested positive for COVID-19. That person is in the hospital and receiving good care and expected to fully recover. Our love and well wishes are with them and their family. They were in the UCE building on Sunday, March 1stwithout any symptoms. On the evening of Wednesday, March 4th they had begun experiencing symptoms and attended a meeting with 5 other people. All of those people have been contacted and are self-quarantined. None of them have experienced symptoms in the 7 days since the meeting, which is a reassuring sign because the incubation period for the virus is believed to be, on average, 3-5 days. In addition, the spouse of the person who tested positive, has tested negative for the virus and is in quarantine for 14 days.
After consultations with doctors and the Evanston and Chicago Departments of Health and the Illinois Department of Public Health we are closing, even though they did not suggest or require our doing so. We are doing this as an extra precaution. The suggestion from each of the departments and the medical professionals we've spoken to is for those who were in direct and sustained face-to-face contact with the infected person while they had active symptoms to self-quarantine and monitor themselves for any symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath for the next seven days (14 days from the point of contact). If any symptoms appear, they are to contact their doctor to be tested. The consistent view of medical professionals and the departments of health is that a person with the virus is most infectious when they have active, drawn out symptoms and in close contact (within 6 feet) of others for at least 10 minutes. It is possible that the virus can be spread from surface contact or by someone without active symptoms, but the likelihood is low.
We are continuing to thoroughly clean the building
- Our Sexton and Custodian are taking every precaution to disinfect all surfaces with CDC recommended solutions, including doorknobs, handrails, tables, chairs and washrooms.
- They will be able to do an even more thorough cleaning throughout the building while we are shut down.
- Hand sanitizer is fully stocked throughout the building.
This is the guidance for all of us
:
- Monitor your well-being, including taking your temperature every day
- If you have developed a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, isolate from others and contact your doctor immediately
- If you have tested positive for COVID-19, please inform Rev. Eileen so she can provide pastoral care and also allow staff to respond accordingly while maintaining confidentiality.
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds before and after touch food, surfaces or other people
- Cover a cough with a tissue and then throw the tissue out immediately
- Avoid touching your face
- If you are immune-compromised consider avoiding large gatherings.
- If you are over 60 consider avoiding large gatherings
- If you are over 80 definitely avoid large gatherings
- If you are impacted by closures either financially, medically, spiritually, or with childcare issues and need pastoral care, please reach out to Rev. Eileen, Rev. Karen G., or Rev. Karen M.
If you are deciding to self-isolate as a precaution or if you are feeling anxious and isolated in spirit, we want to support you the best way that we can. We will be exploring ways to check in on those who may be home-bound and need groceries.
When we reopen
(and we will reopen because this will pass) we will likely practice some new measure to continue to provide safety to those who are particularly vulnerable to contracting the virus by:
- Collecting the offering in a box at the back rather than passing the baskets
- Eliminating hymnals for a time and relying on the projected lyrics and words
- Discouraging handshakes and hugs and encouraging waves, bows, elbow taps and other greetings
- Eliminating fruit and bagels for a time
We hope you understand this decision was made with wisdom in consultation with many professionals and our hearts. It is our priority to ensure the well-being of our congregation, both spiritually and physically. We understand there will be need for pastoral care during this time. Please reach out to the reverends as unwavering resources.
UCE Ministers & Staff
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