Dear FCCW Congregation,

As we come to the end of our regular church year, we know the thoughts of many are turning to the question of what the fall 2020 church season will look like for First Congregational Church of Winchester. We do not have the answers to that question yet, but we do want to assure you that our Regathering Team is in frequent discussions and planning.

As we have communicated before, we will continue to worship virtually through the summer. As we work through the uncertainty around the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be back in touch with an update by August 21.

Our Regathering Team is guided by the following principles:

• The well-being and safety of our congregation will always be our highest priority. While the CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health have established protocols and guidance for houses of worship, we are taking a very cautious approach to reopening. We recognize that a majority of our congregational members, leaders, and staff members are in higher-risk categories. We will make our decisions based on how it will affect the most vulnerable among us. We are also aware of—and trying to take into account—mental, emotional and spiritual needs and vulnerabilities, as well as physical considerations.
• Religious gatherings are considered highly contagious events. The acts of singing, the familiarity of people across households, the multigenerational community of children, youth, adults and seniors—the things that make our congregation special—create more risk for spreading the virus.

To date, the Regathering Team’s virtual discussions have focused on understanding the guidance from the CDC, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Council of Conference Ministers United Church of Christ and the National Officers of the United Church of Christ. We want to understand how their guidance around in-person meetings and cleaning protocols relate specifically to us and our building, including staff, congregants and tenants.

• Our building remains closed, with controlled access by a small number of people.
• Anyone needing to go into the sanctuary to see the space is required to wear a mask, use hand sanitizer or wear gloves, and disinfect surfaces afterwards.
• For our steeple renovation project, the contractor and our FCCW staff are following strict protocols for limiting contact and maintaining a clean environment.
• We are educating ourselves on cleaning approaches and protocols so we can be prepared for any regathering scenarios.

No matter what we decide in the coming weeks, even if it means worshiping virtually for a while longer, the gospel will be preached and the realm of God will grow through our efforts. Our ministries are essential services.

These are most certainly unfamiliar and uncertain days, but we can be reassured that God is ever-present. Pray often. Listen for the comfort and guidance God’s Spirit has to provide. Steep yourself in the love of God at all times.

Feel free to reach out to any members of the Regathering Team if you have questions or ideas.

Yours in Christ,

The FCCW Regathering Team
Ed Banzy, Will Burhans, Regina Campbell, Kate Carpini, Jane Ring Frank, Sarah Gallop, Maggie Keeler, Jessica McArdle, Bill McCarter, Kathy Mortensen, Elizabeth Rozmanith, Susan Rozmanith, Jennie Ryan, Doug Taylor, and Kathleen Zagata

Sarah Gallop, Moderator

Will Burhans, Lead Pastor

•  After four years on the job I should not be surprised at the generosity of our congregation, but I am! We have seen both a strong pledge response in the form of early pledge payments which has created a solid cash flow cushion for the near term, and we are seeing an incredibly generous outpouring of support for our Easter offering COVID-19 Financial Response fund. As of this writing, over $45,000 has been received for the fund.

•  We are the beneficiaries of numerous resources intended to help churches navigate the financial uncertainty associated with the pandemic. Our Southern New England Conference of the UCC, as well as our church insurer (the Insurance Board), and other non-UCC national groups have been offering both updates on legislation which affects churches and free webinars on everything from moving collection plate offerings on-line to how local churches can apply for Payroll Protection Program loans. FCCW is grateful for and taking advantage of many of these resources.

• Speaking of the Payroll Protection Program, which was rolled out as part of the recent $2.2 trillion government CARES act, the UCC strongly recommended that local churches consider applying for loans under this program. Our Financial Resources Ministry carefully and thoughtfully considered whether it makes sense for our church and they recommended to our Leadership Team that we apply to protect our employees. Based upon that recommendation, the Leadership Team voted to approve going forward with an application. Last week I filed the paperwork with our local banker, Winchester Cooperative Bank. There is no guarantee that we will receive a loan, but there is a strong feeling among our church’s finance leaders that the uncertainties we face in the coming months relative to our planned income streams warrants the effort. I will keep everyone informed as this process plays out in the days to come.