[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A couple months ago, when I needed to schedule a (virtual) gathering, it was easy. No one was going anywhere, and all the usual plans had been cancelled or postponed. But in the last few weeks, this has started to shift. Restrictions have lifted, and many of us are finding ways to get “away” for the summer, even if it isn’t quite what we’d originally planned. Once again we’re talking about doodle polls and “squeezing it in.”
Similarly, I have noticed that many small groups of folks in the church have started to talk about getting together in person. And like all of us, these groups have been trying to figure out what the risks are, how to mitigate them as best as possible, and whether it’s worth it.
With all this in mind, we’ve decided to issue some guidance for small, outdoor gatherings. You can find them here. We’ll call these a draft for a now, as I’m sure there will be questions we haven’t addressed. Let me know what we didn’t cover, or where you aren’t sure we’ve got it right.
You’ll notice right at the top, we still encourage you to remain at home and with your own household. We also encourage you to find ways to be as inclusive as possible, for all the members of your group. And, you’ll notice that we conclude by acknowledging that we must be gentle with ourselves, and with each other, because we’re all trying to figure this out with insufficient information.
However you are navigating this summer, and this time of pandemic, this time of uprisings, this time of letting go, and of new beginnings, know you are not alone. You are held in community, in love, and in a tradition of hope.
Join us this Sunday as we light our chalice once again, and kindle that light of hope. We’ll be finishing up our series on loving where you live with a service about the front porch, and the way to heal our broken democracy.
With love,
Rev. Gretchen[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Katie believes the best things in life are the result of collaboration and diverse perspectives coming together to produce something greater than any individual could. She is passionate about systems, efficiency and collaboration for better community outcomes. She loves dreaming up the big picture and drafting the roadmap to make it happen. She has a background in operations, fundraising, communications and program development, as well as over a decade of nonprofit management experience in Northern Colorado.
Her greatest joy in life comes from her family. Her husband, Steven, a principal at Wellington Middle School, and daughters Emmaline and Esmae are the lights of her life. Together they love mountains, music and all kinds of food. She is passionate about women supporting other women in all stages of life and especially through the critical moments that make or break us. She believes that one of the most important things in life is to be kind.
Being outdoors makes her soul come alive. It always roots her in gratitude and is one of the reasons she loves living in Fort Collins.
