Dear Members and Friends,

There is much uncertainty around the Covid-19 (coronavirus), but we are certain that our ethical responsibility as a religious community is to do whatever we can to reduce harm and limit exposure to those who are most vulnerable. Both the CDC and the UUA are recommending people practice social distancing, and the UUA is now encouraging all congregations to avoid in-person gatherings of more than 25 people, including Worship and Religious Education. Gov. Tom Wolf has announced mass closings in Montgomery County, one of our neighboring counties, local Berks County schools and colleges are closing, and many local gatherings are being postponed.

Based on the guidance and all these consideration, the Board of Directors has made the decision to move our Worship to an online/phone format. Beginning this Sunday, March 15, we will hold Worship online beginning at 10:30 am. There will be no in-person worship at UU Berks this week or in future weeks until further notice. 

The Board has also voted to cancel all in-person activities at the church effective March 14 with the only exception of essential business approved by the Board.

Please join in on Sunday. We need each other now. For Sunday’s worship, we are using the Zoom conferencing platform. It is easy to Zoom from a computer, tablet, or phone! Here is how you do it:

• With a computer, smartphone or tablet, click on this link to participate: https://zoom.us/j/562036166. (If it’s the first time you’re using zoom you may be prompted to download a launcher app.) 
• With a land-line, cell phone, or smartphone (audio only)
  • dial this number to participate: 1-646-558-8656.
  • When prompted, enter the Meeting ID: 562 036 166.

Please plan to log on by 10:20 or 10:25 am so that you can establish a connection before worship is scheduled to begin. Please note that your mic will be muted when you join this Sunday and will remain muted for the service. For future services, we will be offering more interactive options including breakout rooms for small group sharing.

We will be continuing to work to find ways to connect as a spiritual community without being able to be together in person. I will be hosting weekday drop in times online/phone by Zoom beginning next week for those who would like to check in. You can find that information here. Meanwhile, we will be conducting committee meetings online and exploring more opportunities for small groups to gather virtually.

Yours in love and faith,

Rev. Dr. Sandra Fees