Survey Results are in!
Click here for a comprehensive report on our San Diego COVID-19 Congregational Priorities and Recommendations

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Meeting House Circulation System

For a complete description on how the circulation (air flow) system works in the Meeting House, click here.  

An Update from your Reopening Team 5/6/2022

​The Reopening Team would like to share some changes we're making.  But before getting to the practical changes in our COVID policies and procedures, we’d like to take a moment to share a little of what we learned from our recent survey and frame the work that we’re doing in the context of our UU Principles and Values.  
 
We’re overjoyed to report that 292 people responded to our survey and that the responders accurately represented the demographic makeup of our congregation and both of our campuses.  It is fair to say that this is the largest response and most accurate representation of any survey at First UU in recent times.  Thanks to church member Dr. Rebecca Fielding-Miller for the masterful work done in creating it and analyzing the data! Please watch the Window for an upcoming forum to discuss survey results.
 
A few key takeaways:

• About half of our congregation at each campus identifies as “high-risk.”  And the highest priority named out of all the options given was a desire to protect children and the immunocompromised, and a desire to practice an affirming welcome for all.  It was notable that, despite a strong desire by many to move away from safety practices that can be inconvenient and bothersome, the vast majority of survey responders put the safety needs of others ahead of their own comfort and convenience. 
• Despite increasing pressure (especially felt by staff) to end all mask and distance protocols, the clear majority (roughly 3/4 of responders) said that they were willing or extremely willing to continue masking outdoors, and almost everyone (roughly 90%) reported a desire to wear masks indoors.  It is worth noting that this surprised many of us.  The anecdotal evidence could easily lead one to believe that “everyone is tired of wearing masks” or point to fears that “everyone will leave if we continue masking.”  While these frustrations and fears are not to be dismissed (more on that in a moment), the data shows that most people are willing to wear a mask if it helps protect those people we say we want to protect.  
• Finally, the data shows that we are an extremely well-vaccinated congregation (only two responders report being unvaccinated) and we live in extremely well-vaccinated households.  We have often been asked why we aren’t mandating vaccines or checking for vaccination status. The reality is that it would create quite a lot of additional work (not to mention time at the check-in table) to simply confirm what we already know. 

 
So what does this have to do with our values and mission? We recognize that our church policies are looking less and less like what we experience in the rest of our worlds.  Theaters, schools, other churches and even airplanes have loosened or eliminated protections that we continue to practice.  We know that this can feel frustrating, uncomfortable and maybe even infuriating.  We can’t help but note, however, that if we’re living our values, we should be different from “the outside world.”   As a church, we are called to be a sanctuary in more than name only.  And if we say that we want to protect the most vulnerable among us and dismantle systems that oppress those most marginalized, we should expect our community to be different than other communities and even, in some cases, be uncomfortable.  
 
We also recognize, however, that it is often extremely challenging to balance factual realities with the desires of our hearts.  And these desires themselves are not trivial.  We need the emotional and spiritual nourishment we get from seeing each other face-to-face, and we crave the security and certainty of familiar things - even more so in times that are filled with fear, stress and uncertainty.  And please believe us when we say that those voices that have asked loudly and clearly for a speedier return “to normal” have been heard, and that many of us feel the same yearnings.  We have tried to keep everyone safe knowing that some would think it was too much, and others think it was not enough. This has not been easy for any of us and we greatly appreciate your empathy, patience and grace.  
 
 
So with all that in mind, we have decided to make the following changes in our COVID response policies:

• Effective immediately, masks will now be optional for outdoor activities on both our campuses.  This means that we will no longer require masks for outdoor worship and other outdoor activities, but that individuals are (and always will be) welcome to continue masking.  
• Small groups, including musical ensembles, will soon be able to meet indoors with masks.  Please note that some indoor spaces may take longer to become available than others because they have been used for other purposes during the pandemic and we’ll need time to get them ready for public use again.  Also, the definition of what constitutes a “small group” will be different depending on the size of the space.  For groups that prefer to continue meeting outdoors, those space will remain available for use.  
• Indoor Worship is slightly more complex.  At Hillcrest, we will be working diligently to return to worship in the Meeting House by early July.  We will, however, continue to offer outdoor spaces where people may choose to gather for worship. This timeline is based on the staff’s estimate of how much time it will take to both prepare the space for use and to transition all of the technology from the outdoor tech table to a more permanent indoor space. Like all other indoor activities, worship in the Meeting House will require masks. At South Bay, we will return to indoor worship with masks as soon as spaces are ready.  

 
Finally, we have decided that the Reopening Team no longer needs to function as such.  The responsibility to continue monitoring the situation and adapting policies and procedures in response will now rest solely with the Interim Committee (Exec), though individual members from the Reopening Team may continue to be called on from time to time for their expertise and input.  
 
We appreciate all of you who continue to journey with us in community as we continue to navigate these unprecedented times.  And we look forward to worshiping, celebrating and struggling and growing with you as we continue to make our mission evident and alive in the world.  

Important Survey! (Survey is now closed.)

Our Reopening Team is developing plans for a future in which COVID-19 will likely be endemic and cyclical for the foreseeable future. We are asking members to complete a brief (<5 minute) survey to help us clarify congregational priorities and ensure that our plans are holistic, evidence-based, and grounded in the needs of our community. We will share preliminary results back with the congregation approximately two weeks after the survey closes.   Please only take this survey one time; as we have posted this request in several places. Thank you!
Click here, or copy and paste this link into your browser: https://ucsd.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2rvAFYc2N4HembA

Updates

Reopening Team Statement for March 10, 2022
 PROGRESS: The reopening Team met on Saturday March 5 to review together what we currently know about Covid in our area and the direction things are trending. Based on our discussion we are ready to recommend the following:
 — Worship services should continue to be outdoors and masked at least through the rest of March.
 — Based on steadily shrinking Covid cases and changed recommendations nationally and in our area, we are comfortable expanding our worship services to include singing and social hour following the service.
 — Based on all that we know about Covid transmission and our awareness that some among us still cannot be effectively vaccinated, we recommend that singing outdoors continues to be masked, and that social hour follow “airplane rules,” that is, we remain masked except when actively taking a sip or a bite.
 — We recommend that our staff begin working toward an eventual return to indoor worship by reviewing all the infrastructure and staff needs to do so, knowing that after two  years away from what was once “normal”, there will be considerable logistical efforts involved in returning inside.
 — Knowing that there are multiple levels of vulnerability among us and widely varying perspectives on risk, we will continue to offer livestreaming as an option even after our eventual return to indoor worship. At that point, we will also offer a third option of viewing worship services from the patio for those wishing to remain outdoors.
 — We support our South Bay campus in moving forward at the same pace as the Hillcrest campus, knowing that there are also additional logistical concerns having to do with the Food Pantry. Our staff and volunteers have these issues well in hand.
 — On a key point about infrastructure, skilled people have set up a complex facility outdoors to livestream our worship services. Deciding to move indoors will involve rebuilding all of that in the meeting house. That's a huge effort, hard to undo if an upsurge were to force us back out again. So we're working first on more and more happening outdoors before services move indoors. We'll continue with the livestream option open to everyone, no matter what.
 — We're a solid, loving community. This is a time of trauma recovery, but we're in this together and definitely continuing to make progress.

Reopening Team's Recommended Changes - Sept. 2, 2021
UCSD Health this week published a new study on the effectiveness of vaccines and the high transmissibility rate of Covid's Delta variant. The data are very concerning. Even in a more than 80% vaccinated workforce, vaccine effectiveness appears to be waning, down in July to 65% from 95%. This likely comes from the Delta surge combined with the end of indoor mask mandates. Read More. 

Meeting House Ventilation System - How it works
Find out more about how our Meeting House Ventilation System works here.

First Words - Special Reopening Issue Summer 2021!
Click here for all sorts of good information to have before you return to campus in person this weekend!

Reopening Team Update ─ Aug. 12, 2021
The Delta variant of the coronavirus is causing increased cases everywhere. We no longer have any true "no risk" situations. Fortunately, the vaccines are highly effective, though slightly less so among the elderly and those immuno-compromised. The variant is as contagious as chicken pox and can hit the not vaccinated really hard, including children. Vaccinated persons are FAR less likely to face possible hospitalization or worse. The disease can surely be spread by those not vaccinated who pick up the virus, but also by fully vaccinated people who may become infected even without showing symptoms. Getting vaccinated is the primary responsible thing we can do, for ourselves and others. We surely don't want to help perpetuate health disparities among those who are marginalized in any way, who may face more crowded living conditions and fewer work options than some do. Read the rest of the Update.
 

Reopening Team Update ─ July 22, 2021
     This is a time of hope and looking forward. Our team's "reopening" label isn't quite the right word. We as a community are more like turning a corner, embracing the challenges of a new future for First Church.
     First, we recognize new concerns about Covid variants being more powerful and easier to pass on, about vaccines being our great savior but not quite 100% effective. With an eye on science and faith in human resilience we're willing right now to say OK to certain future plans, knowing anything and everything can change. If so, we'll just have to deal with it.
      "Soft reopening" is a phrase being used for where to start. It means in-person worship service, but not Religious Education, youth group, or social hour just yet. Our beloved Rev. Kathleen's final service will be on August 22. We've okayed the worship planning people to prepare for in-person worship on that day, in the Meeting House, with all of us wearing masks. (Services are open to the public and we can't assure everyone will be vaccinated.) On August 29 we've okayed a similar plan for in-person worship but no other "normal" aspects of gathering together. Rev. Arvid Straube has graciously agreed to lead this service. Masking will be required for everyone.
      We do encourage families to come, we'll have some activities available for youngsters who want to play while the adults worship. (Or the other way around!) Families, please come.
      We'll have more to say about any additional protocols. For now, consider the dates, and consider whether you might want to come: a survey will be forthcoming later this week.
      On September 5 we've given the green light to a "grand" reopening service, led by our Social Justice Ministry Team. This will include an in-person meet-and-greet with our transitional minister, Rev. Michael Brown. This will be a coffee and socializing Sunday, pretty much the whole deal (with some protocols).
      While we'd love to give the go-ahead to South Bay for a similar start-up, this can't happen until October when the Food Pantry is relocated and space is freed up for services. In September, the plan is to meet for services at a park in South Bay; details will be announced in August.
      A survey about interest in attending in-person services will be reaching you. More details about times, on-line alternatives, how we'll continue to stay safe, plans for Rev. Kathleen's going-away, all of that will be coming. For now, please enjoy the moment, and enjoy the steps forward we'll all be taking.
 
Reopening Team Update ─ June 10, 2021
     Our experiences with small group meetings are going well. No major issues have arisen, and we feel more confident about how other meetings may go. Any other small groups that wish to begin to meet on campus should apply for permission through Robie Evans. 
     Church groups are free to meet off campus. Vaccinations are recommended. Mask wearing should continue. Of course anyone with symptoms should not participate. Each group leader should keep track of those who attend. 
      Larger groups, up to about 30 people, will now be permitted to meet on campus. Please apply through Robie Evans to get the okay. The on-campus mask "mandate" continues, along with the other recommendations set out for small groups. The church has acquired a portable sound system which could help facilitate large group meetings. 
       About outdoor worship services: Sites such as the park in the South Bay area where the farewell for Rev. Tania will be held may be suitable for South Bay services. This is being investigated. For Hillcrest, renting a large enough canopy and other requirements and costs are being looked into. 
       About indoor worship services: Improved meeting house air circulation may allow for Hillcrest services while the weather remains warm enough. Heating work remains to be done before services in colder weather can happen. A possible target date of sometime in September is being looked at but no decision has been made.
       Budget constraints remain with respect to holding any in-person worship services, inside or out. The church budget is up for approval at our general meeting on June 20. Passage of the budget will help clarify these considerations.
        A red-yellow-green system of personal badges is being looked at. Red badge: for whatever reasons I request appropriate social distance please. Yellow badge: approaching me is okay but please no physical contact. Green badge: I'm comfortable interacting as we did before the pandemic.

FUUSD Reopening Team Update: April, 2021
Your team studying how to safely resume in-person activities at church realizes full well how anxious everyone is to return. The team continues to look at government regulations, agency guidelines and scientific details. Much care lies behind any recommendations... Read More

12-30-20 Update from Your First UU Reopening Team
As vaccines begin to roll out and we mark the longest nights of the year, many of us are celebrating our first hints of future light and hope at the end of what has been a long and lonely ten months... Read More.

12/9/20 Q&A with the Reopening Team
​​The Reopening Team has been researching and responding to your questions as our region continues to experience fluctuating and sometimes confusing COVID guidelines. As San Diego is currently in Tier 1 (Purple) on the state's infection scae, gatherings of any size are considered unsafe. However, we have been sharing ideas and we invite you to read the questions and answers so far. Steve H. sent in this one "I agree that we cannot get back to “normal” for many, many months, maybe years. But that does not mean that we must have no in-person activities. Please tell me if you think this suggestion is not advisable, and why." Read the full Q&A and add your own questions.

10-8-20 Update from Your First UU Reopening Team
The team is studying how and when we might safely come together again in person. The following is an example of the thinking we believe is worth sharing. Here is the beginning of a recent article by an Indiana physician. Read More.

​Overall Purpose and Goal of the Team

While First UU Church of San Diego (First Church) has curtailed in-person activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we remain an open, mutually supportive community, actively adapting to meet the needs of our congregation and the larger community.
 
The "Reopening Team" will act as a facilitator in providing new ways of carrying out church activities under the conditions and restraints of the pandemic.
 
The team will provide recommendations to the First Church board and congregation regarding the safe, gradual resumption of in-person participation in Sunday services and other gatherings, at both the Hillcrest and South Bay campuses.
 
The Reopening Team acknowledges the complexity of health and safety risks involved with returning to in-person services, as well as the personal value and health benefits gained from meeting in community.
 
The Reopening Team will try to find and recommend the best balance between these.

General Procedures

(a) Gather and synthesize the best available evidence-based information about how the novel coronavirus which causes Covid-19 is spread, and about best practices for minimizing transmission in group settings.
 
(b) Engage with as many members of our diverse and multigenerational congregation as possible in trying to determine which potential scenarios and practices are best suited to their safety, comfort and dignity in the reopening process.
 
(c) Exchange information and collaborate with other faith-based organizations developing best practices for reopening their sites.

Overall Approach

(a) Acknowledge the complex health and safety challenges posed by returning to in-person services, but also value the personal and health benefits gained from a return to communal gatherings.
 
(b) Prioritize the physical well-being and safety of congregants and visitors over factors such as the speed of reopening. Be more cautious than aggressive. Proceed gradually, and assess the consequences of incremental steps taken before taking additional steps.
 
(c) Be aware of and draw upon the reopening efforts of local health agencies, other churches and certain other organizations, and adapt their planning and practices to meet the specific needs of our own congregants and visitors.
 
(d) Acknowledge the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on People of Color and other vulnerable populations in our community. As new data consistently confirms this we will communicate to the board and congregation ways in which we can support those who have endured job loss, eviction, loss of a loved one or otherwise suffered during the pandemic.

Initial Outlook

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) has issued guidelines that say in-person gatherings will not be appropriate through May, 2021. (see https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/message-uua-president-updated-guidance-gathering.)  While this date at first may have seemed like a stretch too far, it now appears it could even be optimistic, as no one can foresee the pandemic’s future path and impact in the months to come. We will continue to reassess which strategies will minimize risk of transmission of the coronavirus while allowing for interpersonal and spiritual connection.

Online Worship Services

​Our online services and group meetings will continue indefinitely. They provide opportunities for worship, fellowship and communication. They create opportunities to offer and receive support and to address pandemic-related challenges. And they increase access for new people not already connected with our community. As some in-person gatherings and services are gradually judged safe to resume, online services will continue for those who for any reason are not able or do not wish to be physically present. It is possible, perhaps likely, that online services will evermore constitute a part of what this church offers to its various members, friends, and welcome newcomers. While we cannot fully replace the value of in-person gatherings as we once knew them, we are confident First Church can adapt to the new circumstances and continue to live our values in new ways throughout these challenges. We are no less interconnected spiritually while we are physically separated, and we will seek to engage and grow during our online worship with the same fervor in the future that we brought to First Church’s campuses in the past.

Team Members

Chair: Cora Pendergast, Board Vice President

Stephanie Webber, PhD, Biological Sciences - Chair
​Formerly Vice President, Head of Development Pharmacology, Agouron Pharmaceuticals. Responsible for pre-clinical pharmacology, toxicology and virology studies to support clinical trials and FDA approval of drugs for HIV and cancer. 

Rebecca Fielding-Miller, PhD, Behavioral Sciences and Health Education
Assistant Professor at UCSD's Division of Infectious Disease and Global Public Health and the Center on Gender Equity and Health. Former Peace Corps Volunteer in South Africa (2006-08), and Fulbright Scholar in Swaziland (2013-14).

​Harry Griswold, MFA, Creative Writing
Career experience was in computer science. Taught at Xerox, SAIC, UCSD Extension, others. Now leads writing workshops. Helping the team as a writer, editor.

Julie Forest, Board President

Rev. Dr. Omega Burckhardt, Assistant Minister

Robie Evans, Director of Operations

Tony Bianca, Program Director

Who to contact

Questions for the Reopening Team? Please email Robie Evans, our Director of Operations at robie@firstuusandiego.org.