RE: Worshiping In Person
March 16, 2021

*UPDATE 4/15/21:
The Policy Governance Board has revised the target date to June 13 for in-person worship at the church.

On March 15, the Policy Governance Board discussed the issue of returning to in-person worship. The main consideration of the board was finding a time when we could safely return to church in a way that protected the health of the congregation. The board recognizes that vaccine availability in the area is increasing and that some attendees have already been vaccinated against the virus. However, widespread vaccination of the population in mid-Michigan is still months away. Thus, the board decided to set a target date of *May 30 to return to in-person worship provided that virus case levels and vaccine availability continue to move in the right direction. The board also recognized the desire of many in the congregation to gather and left it to the church staff to plan outdoor events prior to *May 30, as weather permits.

At University United Methodist Church, we affirm that as disciples of Jesus Christ, we are an open and inclusive congregation and welcome all persons into full participation regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic situation, age, ability, education, background and whether single or partnered.