As we come into spring and out of hibernation from this DECADES long pandemic, we are facing lots of questions and challenges as we try to cope with a “not so new anymore,” normal. At our board meetings each month and as we look to and at each other through the ZOOM gallery screen we try very hard to answer them.

At every board meeting and since the beginning of the end (I hope) of the pandemic, there is that one constant we always ask each other. That one question we all and you want to know the answer to.

But let’s start with what we do know. We know it’s not over. We know we have to keep ourselves and everyone around us safe. We know, at this point in time, not everyone is vaccinated. We all know we are living in a time of great uncertainty. We know too well, in one way or another, we are also dealing with enormous pain, loss and grief. We know we want to get better and stay better to put this dreadful thing behind us. We know we are all looking forward to that day when we can all be physically and inclusively together.

Now, from all that we know, come the questions. When will it be over? Will we be able to keep each other safe? How? What if I’m ready but the church isn’t open yet? What if when the church opens, I’m still not ready? I like being able to go to church without “going” to church, will I be able to still do that?

The UUSR Board, I can assure you, is diligently working and have been all along to find answers to these and many other questions and challenges. As we approach the upcoming warm and welcoming summer months, we will continue to research and monitor the ever-changing situation for more answers and solutions.

Finally, our hope is that we can all be together at UUSR, safely and inside, under our own one beloved roof, sometime in the fall.