From Rev. Alex McGee Oct 18, 2025
Dear Fellowship:
As we live out our values of caring, one way we show that is by caring for each other and our building in physical ways. And part of that is to be prepared for events in which we might need to think quickly about safety.
In the next month, several events will occur at UUFC to help us strengthen our preparedness muscles. Next weekend, staff and leaders who are responsible for others will spend a morning to train in fire safety and evacuation skills. Then, on Sunday, November 2, at the end of worship, all present will all have an opportunity to practice evacuating the building. This will help us see all the great work that has already been done to keep a safe egress, communicate between parents and RE guides, and signage for where to gather after evacuation. Also, practicing evacuation can help us learn ways we could improve even more. Next, the week after, staff and leaders will receive a three-hour Know Your Rights training and Human Rights Observer training, so that we can respond quickly and effectively if ICE comes to the building.
Finally, the Facilities Committee has been reviewing exterior locks and keys. This is very important for the safety of those who work in the building — we need to provide a workplace that is as secure as possible, while still being welcoming. Of course, the balance between having an open door and protecting against harm is a dynamic to hold with wise attention. Toward that end, I ask that all members and friends remember to avoid propping the doors open, and if you must, to assign someone to watch the door. Please give gentle reminders to those who have overlooked this.
If you are entrusted with a key code, please hold that in a covenant of accountability. People who know the key code are responsible for the safety and well-being of the building and people in our community. Not everyone needs a keycode: we provide times of welcome when the office is staffed from 10 – 12 noon on Tuesday through Friday so someone is here to let you in.
I invite all of us to reflect joyfully and thoughtfully about the many ways we steward this building and its safety.
In peace,
Rev. Alex