March 14, 2020

Dear Church Family,

We are indeed in challenging times as we join the rest of the world in facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Your church Board Executive Committee and Senior Staff, with the advice of the TJMC UU Medical Advisory Committee, carefully considered our need to close the church building and stop all church activities for the time being. It is our hope and prayer that the closures and social distancing underway will help flatter the curve, stop the spread of the virus and save lives.

Your church staff is actively exploring ways to help us all stay connected with each other during this time of social distancing, self-isolation and for some, sheltering in place. As we learn more and develop our capacities, we will look to connect as a congregation via online avenues. We are also exploring phone trees and other ways to be in touch and check in with one another. Some covenant groups and other committees and groups are planning to meet online.

I hope that as many of will meet virtually until we can be together again in person. Now more than ever, I want each of us to feel held by this community and one other. Just knowing we are part of this loving faith family can help us stay grounded and remind each of us that we are not alone.

There are many complicated facets to this time—health, justice, economic and environmental concerns to name a few. May we acknowledge and hold these concerns as we navigate the coming days while living in ways that reflect our deepest UU values. May we each be mindful of and guided by the needs of the most vulnerable among us. If you are need of support or you are able to offer assistance during this time, there is information below in this email that shares how to connect with our congregation’s CareNet.

During the month of February, there were several hymns we sang at church—both in Children’s Worship and in the Sanctuary. I am including the lyrics here for you to read or sing as a way to offer ease, comfort and a sense of connection to you and those around you.

We will be in touch with you again soon.

In faith and with love,

Leia

From the service in the Sanctuary: “When I am Frightened”

When I am frightened, will you reassure me?
When I’m uncertain, will you hold my hand?
Will you be strong for me, sing to me quietly?
Will you share some of your stories with me?
If you will show me compassion,
then I may learn to care as you do,
then I may learn to care.

When I am angry, will you still embrace me?
When I am thoughtless, will you understand?
Will you believe in me, stand by me willingly?
Will you share some of your questions with me?
If you will show me acceptance,
then I may learn to give as you do,
then I may learn to give.

When I am troubled, will you listen to me?
When I am lonely, will you be my friend?
Will you be there for me, comfort me tenderly?
Will you share some of your feelings with me?
If you will show me commitment,
then I may learn to love as you do,
then I may learn to love.

From Children’s Worship: “Woyaya”

We are going,
Heaven knows where we are going,
But we know within.
And we will get there,
Heaven knows how we will get there,
But we know we will.
It will be hard, we know,
And the road will be muddy and rough,
But we’ll get there,
Heaven knows how we will get there,
But we know we will.
Woyaya, woyaya, woyaya, woyaya.