UU Casper Response to Covid-19 Pandemic

To the UU Casper beloved community:

We wanted to update everyone about actions that UU Casper is taking in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, beginning with a message from UU Casper Board President Stuart Mackenzie:

“I am sure that many people must be anxious about the inevitability of the novel corona virus spreading to Casper. The fact that there is possibly a two-week incubation period means it may be here already. Many of the people that regularly attend our services, myself included, are part of a vulnerable cohort. In addition, many of our members travel widely and their contacts are highly dispersed. We reach out with love and consideration for the welfare of everyone in our community.” Stuart Mackenzie Board President.

What UU Casper is doing:
The UU Casper Board and Reverend Kee are continuously monitoring developments related to the Covid-19 pandemic, including recommendations from the Unitarian Universalist Association, Natrona County Health Department, Wyoming Department of Health, and Center for Disease Control. The crisis and official advice have been changing quickly, so we ask for your patience and understanding throughout this challenging time.

1. For the time being, we have decided that we will continue to hold Sunday services and other UU Casper events. Here are our plans and recommendations to minimize risk while we are gathered:

a. If you are ill, or if you are uneasy about social interaction, know that we love you, but we ask you to please stay home.
b. We will be foregoing the serving of refreshments, both food and beverages, although water will be available. You are welcome to bring your own beverage to the service.
c. We encourage everyone to practice social distancing, including avoiding physical contact like shaking hands or hugs, sitting with space between you and others, etc.
d. We encourage everyone to engage in preventative habits: avoid touching your face with your hands; cough or sneeze into a tissue which you immediately dispose of, or in the absence of a tissue, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow; wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; use hand sanitizer often, especially after touching public surfaces.
e. Hymn lyrics, order of service, and other materials will be presented electronically.
f. Other elements of the service will be modified to reduce the likelihood of transference.

2. The building will be cleaned and surfaces disinfected before each gathering.

3. To provide more information and to hear from you, tomorrow’s service (March 15th) will include a discussion about UU Casper’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. You are also invited to contact Reverend Kee or any Board member to share your questions or concerns.


Additional actions we are exploring include:

1. Establishment of a Caring Circle, a support network that will allow us to stay connected to everyone in our UU Casper community, ensuring that everyone has friendship, food, medicines, and the spiritual resources they may need. Please let us know if you would like to help with this effort (email info@uucasper.org or talk to any Board member).

2. Providing online/remote alternatives for services, events and meetings, including Facebook Live, Zoom, etc. (If you are proficient in these online forums, we would love your help!)

3. Possible cancellation of services and other events.

Notification of any actions will be communicated as soon as possible through email, at uucasper.org, Facebook, and during gatherings.

A Message From Your Minister
“As Wyoming is preparing for the spread of the corona virus into our communities, it is important that we as a religious/spiritual community not only pay attention to the science, we need to take care of each other. We are mindful of what the future may hold in terms of how we can help each other if things get worse. Please feel free to call me anytime if you would like to talk and compare notes — fortunately phone conversations are risk free! If you are someone who believes in the power of prayer, then some extra prayers are welcome too!” Rev. Kee

This is a time for compassionate courage as we adjust to a new normal, at least for a while. Let us hold each other in our hearts. Please know that our primary concern is for the physical and spiritual well-being of the most vulnerable among us.

With Love,
Reverend Leslie Kee and the UU Casper Board of Trustees