Important Update – 06.26.20
Unfortunately due to the surge of Covid-19 illness in the Austin area, we are suspending all public events on campus in an effort to help keep our community safe. Additionally, we have learned that Mayor Adler is expected to announce this weekend that gatherings within the Austin city limits will be limited to ten people for the time being. We know this decision to suspend “in person” services may be a disappointment for some and we deeply appreciate your understanding. Please join us for our livestreamed Sunday Services at 11:25am.
Dear Ones,
In May, we announced that the Board had appointed a team to develop a plan for reopening Unity Church of the Hills. These are unprecedented times, and never in the 25-year history of UCOH have we had to concern ourselves with the types of issues presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Your health and safety have remained our number one priority, driving all decisions that have been made. These decisions are greatly informed by your timely responses to our survey and we are grateful for your feedback.
After much deliberation and prayer, we are excited to announce that on Sunday, June 21st, we are inviting those who are eager and able to join us in person in the Sanctuary or Pavilion for our 11:25am Sunday Service. The Reopening Team, led by Linda Hancock, has been researching, planning and preparing for weeks. We strongly encourage those who are in high risk groups or ill to continue to join us for the online livestreaming of the Service. If you are uncomfortable joining us in person or more comfortable watching from your home, you are also encouraged to take advantage of our continued livestreaming.
The Service will be different than what we are accustomed to in many aspects. Please go to our website to read the complete list of safety guidelines and requirements. Here is a sampling of the things we want you to know:
- Wearing of face-coverings will be required throughout the entire Sanctuary Building. Face masks are optional in the Pavilion.
- Physical-distancing of 6-feet will be required in all areas.
- Seating in both the Sanctuary and Pavilion is limited and will require an RSVP for all who will be attending.
- There will be self-assessment questions each person will need to answer prior to a check-in.
- We will greet each other without physical contact (no handshakes or hugs).
The RSVP process will be online and will open at 1pm on Sunday one week prior to the service. For the June 21st Service, RSVPs will open at 1pm this Sunday, June 14. RSVPs are vital to make sure that we are able to maintain the physical distancing required for your safety. As we monitor the local medical data and find our way in the logistics, we anticipate that we will be able to accommodate more attendees as time goes by.
For now, the Sunday 11:25 Service will be our only public event. Online classes and events will continue. Phase II of the reopening plan will address classes and events and Phase III will address the reopening of our Youth Education. Please watch for additional information and updates through our weekly emails and on our website.
Thank you to everyone who has continued to support our ministry with your financial gifts, prayers and volunteering in this unusual time. We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you for the love we share for this beautiful spiritual community. We thank God daily for you!
Blessings,
Your Board of Trustees and members of the Reopening Task Team