Throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have followed a plan guided by public health information and our shared values. In response to the most recent science-informed guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Evangelical Reformed is taking the next steps into the New Normal. Masks may be worn at any time, but will no longer be required during most activities at ERUCC.
Adults and youth may participate in worship, fellowship, and activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing. We respect those who wish to continue wearing a mask and ask that everyone have a mask available should it become helpful in bringing comfort or protection to you or others. Our children decided to continue wearing masks at this time.
Whether you are cautious or comfortable, we pause to acknowledge and affirm the range of feelings you might have about the easing of restrictions that have supported our health and safety throughout the pandemic.
We continue to offer opportunities for worship, education, and fellowship through virtual platforms. Details about our 10:30am Sunday worship service available through livestream and on demand, our online Bible Study offerings, and other opportunities to engage virtually can be found at erucc.org.
The Values Guiding the ERUCC Plan for Reopening
Love for Neighbor– We proceed cautiously to protect the safety and health of our community.
Access and Equity – We create opportunities to participate how you feel comfortable, online and/or in-person, and will work to ensure experiences in both spaces are in harmony.
Social Justice – We know COVID-19 disproportionately impacts people of color and other marginalized populations. We believe our plan has helped protect our vulnerable neighbors.
Service to Others – We acknowledge that helping to keep our neighbors healthy is a part of our service to our community and how we can be a face of God’s love.
Radical Hospitality – We continue to welcome you no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey and we will welcome you literally wherever you are!
Connection and Relationship – We value being in community together. We commit to continuing and expanding opportunities to worship, learn, and fellowship together.
Transparency – We, as a team of ERUCC members, consulted scientifically-based documents, trusted public health officials, and ecumenical leaders to develop our plan for reopening and will continue to do so.
ERUCC Reopening Work Group
Chuck Baldree, Cliff Barr, Peter Brehm, Linda Coyle, Tom Frazier, Barbara Kershner Daniel, Marc Kline, Sue Pinner, Kim Sexton, and Tyler L. York
A Full Copy Of March 3rd Thursday Thoughts Can Be Found HERE
Dear Congregation:
During the Season of Lent, I will share one of the poems included in our worship materials, “Full to the Brim.” It is the hope of our Worship Design Team that this layering of art, poetry, and the language of prayer will enhance your faith journey in these weeks ahead.
From Here in the Sand
You’ve ben here before I squeeze that truth like an orange in my hands, Willing some form of comfort to run out, roll down my wrists,
You’ve been here before– in the wilderness, in the desert, in the place where nothing is what it seems and everything is sharp.
You’ve been here before so surely you know how hard it is to hold tight to what is real in the middle of a storm.
But because you’ve been here before, I will stand tall. I will sing songs of the river, from here in the sand. I will sing sons of the river, into the wind.
(written by: rev. sarah speed | sanctifiedart.org)
The Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel Senior Pastor Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ bkdaniel@erucc.org 15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21702 301-662-2762
