News from Community UMC

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Special Reopening Information ~ April 16, 2021

Dear <<First Name>>

As Community UMC begins to re-open the building to the various internal and external small groups that desire to return to in-person meetings, there are concerns and questions on the HOW do we safely return.

If it were not for the work of the Healthy Church Team (HCT) last year in developing the Stage 2 Reopening Plan we would have to begin from ground zero in trying to figure out the HOW part. Their studied and carefully outlined plan has provided a framework ensuring as much as we can, the safety of all who decide to meet in the church for their small groups.

The HCT plan as it exists (with the additional guidance of the Technical Assistance Manual TAM & CDC) provides a deliberate and measured re-opening guidance. I do not expect that everyone will begin to meet and there will be some who will continue to either meet virtually or not at all.

We began last Sunday with an in-person traditional service at 9AM and were excited to see approximately 70 faces, many of whom we have not seen in a year or more, except on a screen.

Our Office Manager and Small Groups Coordinator (Melissa and Andrea) have been in communication regarding what groups are interested in returning to CUMC for in-person meetings. Andrea has been in touch with the small groups and with the information she gathers they will determine where the various small groups can meet to meet the safety protocols.

The HCT Plan states: “A successful reopening in line with the “Stage 2” requirements of the bishop and conference will hinge on individual responsibility and personal accountability.”

Every person, visitor, small group member MUST take personal responsibility and be accountable to the group leader(s) or we can see rates of transmission increase which will walk our reopening backwards.

The TAM states that “it is very important that all prospective volunteers and service attendees self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms (e.g., fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, gastrointestinal issues, chills, and new loss of taste and/or smell) and complete a Health Acknowledgement Form.”

Anyone who presents with any of these symptoms or feels sick will not be able to volunteer and must not attend worship.

All persons desiring to participate in a small group or attend In-person worship must be able to answer the below four questions in the affirmative.

1) I confirm that I (we) have NOT have 2 or more of the following symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 14 days:

*Fever
*Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
*Chills
*Persistent cough
*Flu-like symptoms
*Diarrhea or intestinal upset
*Fatigue
*Sore throat
*Headache
*Muscle pain
*Recent loss of taste or smell

2) I confirm that I (we) have not been in contact with anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (identified above) in the past 14 days.

3) I confirm that I (we) have not tested positive for COVID-19, nor am I awaiting test results, nor have I tested positive and have not subsequently had complete resolution of COVID19 symptoms.

4) I will immediately notify my pastor if after attending In-person worship I develop 2 or more symptoms of COVID-19, will avoid contact with others and will seek medical attention.

If I might provide an example. Gary Lupton asked about the Boy Scouts beginning to meet in the fellowship hall. I outlined to Gary the requirements which included the following:

No more than 50 persons
Everyone must be able to answer in the affirmative the 4 questions relating to COVID
Everyone must wear a mask
Everyone must maintain social distancing
There will be no food provided or eaten
Scout leaders must record who is in attendance and provide the list to the church office following the meeting
Scout leaders are responsible for cleaning the areas used prior to leaving
Only one person at a time in the restrooms

I am sure I may have left something out, but they and all small groups are required to follow all the guidance of the HCT Plan and TAM as is currently in place.

This Sunday, April 18^th we will have an in-person and live streamed traditional service at 9AM. Our 11:15AM Modern Worship will be live streamed only this week.

Then beginning April 25^th we will welcome everyone to attend in-person worship at both the 9AM and 11:15AM worship services.

All our services will continue to live streamed to the churches Facebook and YouTube pages for those not able or ready to join in-person worship.

Check the church website for additional information https://cumcvb.org/home

Click graphic links below can be utilized to access those liver streamed services:

I hope that this helps everyone to feel better about the measures being taken to mitigate any exposure and reduce as much as possible the possibility of any transmission.

If there are questions, please feel free to contact me directly.

+ Grace and Peace +
Pastor Jim

Current CUMC Contact information

To help keep everyone safe, the church is now working with minimal staff, uncertain office hours, and limited operations. If you have a need during this time, please note the following contact info:

Pastor ~ Jim Ullian: 757-650-4266
Minister of Congregational Care ~ Jannette Clavez: 757-633-1843
Leadership Team Rep ~ Liz Griffin: 757-621-9795

If you need to reach the leadership team, please email them at leadership@cumcvb.org

To submit announcements to the e-newsletter please email them to
msnow@cumcvb.org or cumc@cumcvb.org thanks!

Follow the link to “How to submit items for this newsletter” for more information

Church Office Business Hours

Office Hours: 9:30am-3:30pm Monday-Thursday
9:30am-12:00pm Friday

To contact a pastor, call the church office at (757) 495-1021

Links to the United Methodist connection

Follow this link to the latest events and announcements from the Elizabeth River District

Follow this link to the latest news from the Virginia Conference

Follow this link to the General Conference for the latest United Methodist News

Copyright © 2021 Community United Methodist Church, All rights reserved.

Telephone:
(757) 495-1021

Web Address:
www.cumcvb.org

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