Friday, March 13, 2020

Beloved Community,

Today, the MUUF Board of Trustees met and voted unanimously to suspend all Sunday services and other in-person Fellowship meetings, events, activities, etc., until the first Sunday in May. We knew we’d have to take this action eventually, and the hour is upon us.

Additionally, your leadership has been inundated with information and recommendations about the coronavirus pandemic, and a number of sources, including the Unitarian Universalist Association, recommend the actions we’ve taken. UUA’s Boston headquarters is essentially closed, with employees working from remote locations.

Do not despair. We will be spending a great deal of time working out ways to keep in touch virtually throughout this period. More as we figure it out. We are a community in relationship, and we intend to maintain those relationships, come what may. Love may not cure all, but it sure helps boost the immune system.

Here’s some information I’m stealing from State Rep. Mick Devin’s latest email blast:

211 Maine: Get answers at any time by dialing 211 (or 1-866-811-5695), texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or emailing info@211maine.org.

Maine CDC Coronavirus Website: Sign up for email updates, learn more about the coronavirus and get the latest status in Maine at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus.

U.S. CDC Coronavirus Website: Get nationwide and global updates and learn more about the coronavirus at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/.

Here are some things we encourage you to do at home:

Social Distancing: Follow guidance to avoid large group gatherings, limit physical contact such as handshakes and, if you’re an employer, consider instituting work from home or paid time off options.

Avoid Travel: Postpone any unnecessary out-of-state travel.

Keep Healthy: Practice the same preventive measures you would to prevent catching a cold: wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home if you are sick.

Call Your Doctor: If you are exhibiting any cold or flu symptoms or believe you may have been exposed to the coronavirus, call your medical provider.

Information is also available at UUA.org.

We likely will be sending out more emails than normal. Don’t forget to check our website, uumidcoast.org. We will be relying on it more during the pandemic. Our Facebook page will carry updates as well.

Relax, breathe. Practice some of that meditation Courtney taught us last Sunday. You are not alone. We’re all in this together, even if we have to keep our distance. And if you need anything you can’t handle, please don’t hesitate to contact our Caring Team, co-chaired by Sandy Barth, 207-563-5565 and Joan Whitmire, 207-350-6954, or email careteam@uumidcoast.org.

And finally, on a lighter note, today is Blame Someone Else Day, which falls on the first Friday the 13th of the year. Be creative.

Respectfully in faith,

Bob Whitmire, President,

MUUF Board of Trustees

He/Him/His

Nurture Spiritual Growth, Engage in Justice, Love Joyfully Without Limits