Dear UUCB friends,

Due to unprecedented poor air quality in our area, we regret to announce that all congregational activities for this Sunday, November 18 have been cancelled. Sundays are the most important day of the week for our community to connect, and this Sunday in particular is one we know many of you have been preparing for and looking forward to. This decision was a difficult one, and was made after consultation with Board President, Jack Duggan, and careful consideration of the air quality projections available at https://airnow.gov/.

Until the smoke passes and air quality improves significantly, we urge everyone and especially the elderly, young children, and anyone with a health condition to stay indoors with windows closed as much as possible. If you must go outside, please consider wearing N95 respirators or P100 masks, both of which are recommended by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the California Department of Public Health.

Air conditions inside the church are not great, but the main church building will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday and Rev. Christian will be on site to greet anyone who may not receive this message about Sunday’s cancellations.

Also, anyone with a mask who feels safe doing so is welcome to drop off their donations for Food Truck Sunday during those hours as well. Merrin and Zack are working with Family Ministry volunteers to deliver donations to the Richmond Emergency Food Pantry early next week. If you have donations to give but do not feel safe coming to church on Sunday to drop them off, please either deliver them directly to the food pantry once the air quality has improved or donate them to another food drive in the area.

We will certainly miss being together with all of you this Sunday! May the fires be tamed, the rains fall, and the skies clear soon, and may we keep all those who have lost loved ones and homes in our hearts this holiday season.

Thanksgiving blessings,

Revs. Kristin and Christian

UUCB Co-Ministers