Dear First Church Members and Friends,
We are delighted to announce we will return to in-person worship services and religious education beginning on March 6, 2022.
Our current in-person church plan relies on proof of vaccination or a negative COVID PCR test to keep people safe, instead of a low Milwaukee County COVID incidence rate on which our previous plan was based. Masking with Kn95 or better masks is required for everyone above the age of 5. Here is the current policy.
At this time, the Omicron surge has decreased enough that our hospitals are out of the danger zone, and our safety plan will allow us to gather and celebrate!
What time are services? What about online worship services?
In-person worship services will take place at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. Limited to 100 adults per service by reservation (reservation links will be on each service web page and announcement).
Online worship services will continue at 10:00 a.m. on our First Church YouTube channel. This shorter service will include the Worship Associate story, sermon, and music selected by our music staff, as well as the opening and closing.
In-person Religious Education (RE) will be at 9:00 a.m. Connect with Rev. Kimberlee for more details.
How long will we be able to gather in person for worship and RE?
We anticipate being able to gather for a significant period of time—unless and until another surge threatens our health care system, or another variant of concern shows up. We will keep you posted if anything changes. You can check the status on our home page at any time.
What about small groups?
Small groups of staff-led teams can continue to meet in person at church. Also in March, small groups of member-led ministries who have been trained on vaccination-checking systems and new technology can meet in person while others join you online. Leaders of member-led ministries were contacted by email in January about dates of training sessions.
We cannot wait to see you.
With love,
Rev. Jennifer Nordstrom, Senior Minister, and
The FUSM COVID Team
Erik Alexander, MD, COVID Team Chair
Jean Johnson, Director of Administration, FUSM
Lisa Koneazny, RN
Stacy Koenen, Healthcare Administrator
Trudy Watt, Professor of Architecture