October 24th will mark another first in Beacon’s return.

It will be the first time we’ll gather in-person, indoors at 11:15 am for both worship AND children’s small groups (PreK through 5th grades) at 4 Waldron Avenue in Summit. Not to mention our outdoor concert at 12:15 pm Social Hour, featuring Dennis Manion and Ginny Johnston.

We’ve taken full advantage of the unseasonably warm Autumn days, allowing us to enjoy outdoor gatherings for worship, singing together, small groups (especially for our children and choir!), and social time. Beacon’s new property at 695 Springfield Avenue has already been a tremendous gift: outdoor space! It definitely helped get us through the Delta slump.

It’s getting chilly outside, Warren Storey shared with me on Sunday afternoon. Thankfully, the COVID rates have dropped along with the temperatures, returning Beacon to our yellow zone and in person, indoor groups larger than 30 people. A reason to celebrate!

Soon we hope to be celebrating vaccinations for our elementary school children. Until then (and beyond), we’re maintaining our Sunday safety protocols to ensure their ability to safely gather with their UU facilitators and peers. Children and adult guides are asked to use the side stairwell by the ramp and head downstairs.

Important Information for in-person communities:

There’s no advanced registration or morning check-in. However, at 50% capacity in the sanctuary, we have 80 seats available at 11:15 am. Overflow guests will be invited to watch the service on a screen from the library. Once we’re consistently over 80 congregants and/or COVID rates continue to drop, our Safety Team will determine whether we can add seats or a second service at 9:30 am. Wear your mask. If you forget, we’ll have one ready for you! Children and adult guides are asked to use the side stairwell by the ramp and head downstairs Social Hour will continue outdoors at 695 Springfield Avenue ending on October 31st’s Trunk or Treat at 12:15 pm.

For our virtual communities:

We hope to see you at 9:30 am on our website, YouTube and Facebook in the chat. Seeing your name in the comments always brightens our days. It’s even better when we can connect with you personally at 10:15 am virtual Social Half Hour.We want to thank our fantastic teams of volunteers who show each and every Sunday to create a sanctuary for us all. Be it outdoors. To all of you who showed up to set up tents and chairs and music equipment; helped guide parking; served as greeters, ushers, social time coordinators; facilitated small groups for children, youth and adults; chaplains one another through good times and bad, we say a tremendous and heartfelt thank you.

You are what makes Beacon a beacon.