November 19, 2021 Update
November 19, 2021
A note from Hillhurst United's Board of Directors.
Dear friends,
We are excited to announce that we have developed a 3-phase plan for returning to the building. We know many of you have been eagerly awaiting an update and we're thrilled to let you know about these upcoming changes.
This email outlines the details of Phase 1. We will communicate the entire 3-phase plan at the November 25 congregational meeting, including a proposed date for resuming in-person services. Register for the meeting here.
Following November 25, you will receive a link to a recording of the meeting and a written version of the plan. It would be extremely helpful to us if you could fill out this survey before the meeting to help us fine-tune important details.
Phase 1 began this week with the choir and youth group meeting in-person. We anticipate that this phase will run until February.*
Phase 1: November 18 - February, 2021*
Small Group Ministries in the Building
To minimize risk, we have installed HEPA air purification systems and increased sanitization throughout the building. In addition, small group participants must:
wear a mask indoors at all times
socially distance
show proof of double vaccination
complete a COVID check-in questionnaire
In Phase 1, the choir, worship band, youth group, and knit-or-knot will begin meeting in the building. These groups were selected because they are relatively small and not well-suited for gathering online.
Access to the Sanctuary
In late December, the sanctuary will be open for quiet prayer and reflection. We will communicate more details about this in the coming weeks. Safety precautions will be in place, including masks and social distancing. To properly space out visitors, registration will be required. Congregants will also be required to show proof of vaccination or complete a free rapid test on-site, which can be scheduled beforehand.
We have done our best to create a plan that is thoughtful, kind, and safe. We hope you agree that this approach aligns with our values while prioritizing the safety of all, especially our most vulnerable congregants.
Thank you to John, Anne, and the entire staff team for their ongoing efforts and you — our congregation — for your continued support, flexibility, and understanding.
Information on Phases 2 and 3 will be outlined at the November 25 meeting which you can register for here.
May we continue to be God's love in the world!
With gratitude,
Hillhurst United Board of Directors
P.S. When we resume in-person services, will you be in the pews or staying online? Fill out this quick survey to help inform important details about our return to the building!
*An earlier version of this letter incorrectly stated that Phase 1 would run until the end of December. This version has been updated to reflect that we anticipate Phase 1 ending in February, 2022.