First Parish COVID Protocols for Summer 2022

Our First Parish COVID protocols are based on guidance from the CDC and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in concert with the current COVID community risk level for Middlesex County as reported daily by covidactnow.org:  https://covidactnow.org/us/massachusetts-ma/county/middlesex_county/?s=36352411

If you plan to attend worship in the building:

1) If you feel unwell or know you have been exposed to COVID, please STAY HOME.
2) We expect everyone who is medically eligible to be vaccinated. We do not require proof of vaccination but trust that our members, friends and guests will honor this protocol as part of our covenant of mutual care for one another.
3) We require everyone to wear a mask when the community risk for Middlesex County is HIGH, as reported by covidactnow.org. When the community risk is MEDIUM or LOW, masks are optional. We support anyone who chooses to wear a mask, no matter the community risk level. During the summer, Rev. Ellen will send an announcement each Friday with an update about the community risk level and masking protocols for worship on the upcoming Sunday.
4) During the summer, with low attendance and fewer volunteers and staff available, we cannot offer pre-registration or reserve socially distanced seating. We offer a livestream option. See the link below.

These protocols serve as guidance for when you are in the building in general.

If you prefer to attend worship from home:

We livestream our summer services if you are unable or uncomfortable attending worship in the building: https://www.youtube.com/c/UuchelmsfordOrg 

The COVID pandemic has presented us with an ever-changing landscape of information and guidance as vaccines and anti-virals are developed even as new variants of the virus emerge. The COVID Task Force and the Standing Committee are doing our best to support gathering for worship, mutual care, faith formation and service to the common good in the building and online, as we balance the wellbeing of individuals with the wellbeing of the community as a whole. Ultimately each of us has to make the best decisions we can for our physical, mental and spiritual health while supporting others in making those same decisions. As a covenantal congregation, we trust that everyone will honor these protocols, offering mutual care as we continue to nurture and sustain our beloved community. We are so grateful for the patience, support and generosity we have witnessed so far from everyone at First Parish.

In faith,

Tom Coffey, Chair of the COVID Task Force
Joan Coyne, Standing Committee Chair
Rev. Ellen Spero, Parish Minister