Commonwealth’s “Stop the Spread” COVID-19 Testing Comes to Salem
Free tests for Salem residents and workers offered August 17th through October 31st
Salem residents and workers can receive free COVID-19 testing as part of the state’s “Stop the Spread” initiative. Testing will be offered six days a week August 17th through October 31st via drive-through or walk-up outside of Salem High School at 77 Willson Street. Testing days and hours are as follows:
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
No proof of insurance or citizenship is necessary. Testing is via nasal swab, administered by EMTs from Fallon Ambulance, and processed via RT PCR at the Broad Institute Laboratory. Test results are returned, whether positive or negative, to the resident within 36 hours. You do not need to be symptomatic, quarantining, or have been in proximity to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in order to receive this testing.
In the event of sustained inclement weather testing may be temporarily suspended or even cancelled for the day, depending on the severity of the weather.
If you have been tested and have not received your results within 36 hours, or have additional questions, please call 617-745-2100, extension 513.
This testing replaces the previously announced Salem Coronavirus Awareness Network (SCAN) tests. SCAN testing dates will be rescheduled to dates later this fall with precise details being announced in the coming weeks.
June 1, 2020
The First Church in Salem and the Ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic: A message from the First Church Standing Committee
We will get through this together and ALL of us are absolutely needed!
The last few months have seen so many in the congregation pull together and work to meet each other’s physical, spiritual, and emotional needs. More than ever, the next few months will require us to continue to combine our efforts and unite to take care of each other.
As many of you are aware, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has authorized congregations to resume in-person worship under certain guidelines. The state guidelines as well as UUA guidance on gathering in person have both been considered by the Standing Committee and various other smaller groups and committees over the last few weeks. At this time, the Standing Committee of the First Church does not believe a decision to resume in-person worship in near future would be in accordance with our shared values.
While resuming in-person worship in the short term would be legally permissible, doing so would necessarily leave out seniors, immunocompromised people, and children. We know many are eager to get back to meeting in-person and some would be willing to attempt to do so now, but even under the Commonwealth’s more lax guidelines our usual worship experience would be greatly impacted to an extent that much of what we find rewarding about gathering together for worship, would be absent. To resume in-person worship in the near term would mean wearing masks, greatly restricting the number of people allowed to attend a service, the elimination of fellowship hour, no religious education, and no singing whatsoever.
At our May 27th meeting, the First Church Standing Committee voted to further suspend in-person gatherings at the church until October. The resolution calls for the situation to be reevaluated close to that date.
Additionally, UUA guidelines suggest a number of tasks and challenges we need to work through as a congregation to prepare to re-open in a manner that truly values the health and well-being of all congregants. One of the most important of which is the development of a system to make two track participation (both in-person and digital) available to all. This will necessitate training for staff, financial investment in equipment, and substantial volunteer effort. More than ever, we need people to come together on behalf of our community. To this end, we will be developing a Covid-19 response team comprised of church leaders and public health/care professionals who will monitor changes in public health factors. Please let us know if you are interested in being part of the response team.
Until we can resume in-person gatherings we will continue to worship online in a variety of innovative and responsive ways. The worship committee is even planning some worship opportunities for the month of July, when worship is usually suspended.
While all of us undoubtedly are grieving certain aspects of in-person worship that we’re missing out on this year, we do think it is important to recognize some of the benefits of online worship during this difficult time. Online worship attendance has been excellent over the past few months and some individuals were able to view services, who were not previously able to attend services due to health, geography, or other life circumstances. Also, many of us have found the “come as you are” approach of online worship to be very welcoming.
Moving forward we will need individuals to share their expertise, time, and efforts in preparing for our eventual resumption of in-person gatherings and worship. In the next few weeks we plan to hold a series of online discussions and strategy sessions to work towards this goal. Further information about these sessions will be forthcoming, and please let us know if you’d like to participate.
Remember the spiritual and physical health of this community is our priority!
April 23, 2020
From the Standing Committee of the First Church in Salem:
As events of the current COVID-19 pandemic continue to unfold, the Standing Committee of First Church has voted that although we will continue our online services as well as other online gatherings, we will continue to suspend physical gatherings at the church including Sunday services until further notice.
Of course, we hope to physically gather again as soon as possible, and our eventual decision to do so will be based on the careful concern to the safety of our specific congregation and grounded in both the recommendations of local authorities, the best information from health experts and our own Unitarian Universalist teachings.
We will, however, remain steadfastly present for our congregation through online and other social distance-appropriate means in our continuing mission to share warmth, hope and compassion with our community.
More information as to upcoming programming will be available as soon as possible and we encourage everyone to reach out to our committee members at any time and particularly during the fellowship breakout groups after Sunday services.
Staying Connected at First Church
March 19th, 2020
Good Morning First Church Members and Friends,
As we enter into the world of virtual meeting, worshiping and sharing for the time being Rev. Elizabeth and leaders at First Church have been working hard to keep our community connected during this unprecedented time.
The main tool we will use is an online meeting platform called Zoom. It can used for meetings, services (as we did quite successfully on Sunday, March 15), even teaching classes. Please see below for upcoming Zoom meetings on different topics including a session on how to use Zoom.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to Catherine, Congregational Administrator, or Rev. Elizabeth Ide at any time. The easiest way to reach them currently is through our email submission form: CONTACT US.
We're thinking of our First Church community and are here for you.
With love,
Rev. Elizabeth and the Staff and Leaders of First Church
Zoom Practice Session
New to Zoom? You're not the only one. Let's get together and practice. Please feel free to join us whether you are learning or eager to help others try out this platform.
First Church Zoom Practice Session
Date and Time: Mar 20, 2020 12:00 PM
Volunteer for the Community Connection Team
Until we can get together in person, it's more important than every to keep our community connected and cared for. Join a team of volunteers who will help to ensure that our whole community has the information and support they need over the coming weeks. Come to our Zoom gathering at 4.00pm on Sunday to learn more and sign up.
Community Connection Task Force
Date and Time: Mar 22, 2020 4:00 PM
Centering Circles
Let's gather to connect with one another and reflect on the week. We'll offer two formats- please attend the session that best meets your needs. Our Tuesday session is especially geared toward kids and their parents and caregivers, and on Wednesday we'll explore practices that quiet the mind and lift the heart.
Stories & Sharing: 5pm Tuesday, March 24th: All Ages (Kids and their parents/caregivers)
Guided Reflection: 10am Wednesday, March 25th
RSVP Rev. Elizabeth here: Contact Rev. Ide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Online Worship at First Church
Friday, March 13, 2020
Greetings, members and friends!
Many of us need community and spiritual sustenance now, more than ever- our Journey Together in Hope has brought us in a new and unfamiliar place this week. In these days of stress and uncertainty, it is helpful for us to come together and reflect. Though we cannot gather in the same room for the time being, we will find new ways to connect and hold one another in faith. Our minister, staff team, and several volunteers are working to create an online worship service to keep our community connected, centered, and strong, starting this Sunday!
How can I make the best of it?
Take some time before our digital gathering on Sunday to try out the Zoom platform, if you haven't already. Here is a link to a video tutorial that includes all of the details, and even a chance to practice.
Our online worship space will be open at 10.15am on Sunday. Feel free to pop in early to give yourself a chance to be sure your internet signal is working and settle into the space. Running a few minutes late? That's fine, too. Our service may be a bit shorter than usual, so join us whenever you can.
What can I bring?
A willingness to participate by singing and meditating along with us. You might like to have a chalice or candle near you during the service, and even light it along with us as worship begins!
Any friends, family members, or pets who would like to join us.
What if my dog barks during the service, or my phone rings?
All mics apart the hosts will be muted, so any background noise on your end will not disrupt our service. That means you can join us from anywhere that you have a phone line or internet access.
Will there be a Time for All Ages?
Yes, absolutely. However, we are still developing our plans for long-distance Sunday School, so all ages are welcome to join us for the whole service. We are also working on offerings specifically for the young and young-at-heart, so please email us with your ideas and let us know if you'd be willing to help.
Thank you all for being a part of the First Church community. Please email any of us if you have questions, ideas for future services, or would like to volunteer to help our community gather remotely. We hope to see many of you (online) on Sunday, and please bring with you a lot of patience and a little spark of adventure. Together, we will find our way forward.
In faith, hope, and love,
The Staff Worship Team
Michael Kraft, Catherine Bertand, and Rev. Elizabeth
First Church in Salem is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 10:15am
Click here to join the Worship Service on Sunday Morning!
Topic: First Church in Salem's Online Sunday Worship
Time: Mar 15, 2020 10:15 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/188189961
Meeting ID: 188 189 961
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Meeting ID: 188 189 961
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acUx9XTCHH
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Dear First Church Members and Friends,
It many ways, these are extraordinary times. We have decided it is wise to be proactive relative to the current spread of the coronavirus, and to take measures to promote the well-being and connectedness of our community during this challenging time. With an abundance of caution, we have decided to cancel/postpone or move online all congregational activities for the next two weeks. We ask that committee or team meetings take place via conference call or Zoom. Rev. Elizabeth has offered to help organize meetings using our brand-new First Church Zoom account if that would be helpful. You can email her directly.
Let us remain committed to caring for each other throughout this time. In the spirit of connection, Rev. Elizabeth will offer Digital Office Hours, an online meeting space for mindful conversation this evening Wednesday, March 11th 7.00pm-8.00pm EST, and Thursday, March 12th from 10.00am-11.00. All ages are welcome. To participate by video or phone, simply click this link when you are ready, or call the number listed at the bottom of this email.
On Sunday, March 15, our worship service will be held online, and a link will be provided in our regular e-Herald coming later this week. Our intention is to be responsible citizens, helping to minimize the outbreak by slowing possible transmission of the coronavirus. Updates and resources will go out periodically as the situation dictates. We hope to be able to return to normal sooner than later!
If you have questions, concerns, or are able to help others with "church tech support" in preparation for online gatherings, please reach out to either of us. May our journey together be guided by faith, hope, and love.
In gratitude for your understanding and cooperation,
Rev. Elizabeth Ide and Brenda Marean
First Church in Salem is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: First Church in Salem's Zoom Meeting
Time: Mar 11, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/603083752
Meeting ID: 603 083 752
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,603083752# US (New York)
+16699009128,,603083752# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 603 083 752
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acUx9XTCHH
Rev. Elizabeth M. Ide, Senior Minister
First Church in Salem, Unitarian Universalist
316 Essex Street
Salem, MA 01970
978.744.1551
she/her/hers
Saturday, March 7th, 2020
A Message from Rev. Elizabeth about COVID-19
Dear First Church Members and Friends,
As infections from the COVID-19 coronavirus spread, it is important that we also spread information on how to prepare for and prevent this virus in our community and congregation. There is information about COVID-19 everywhere; two excellent resources are a recent New York Times podcast, and this article. At this point, with active cases in Massachusetts, it seems clear that coronavirus will affect our community directly. This virus is most dangerous for elders and people with compromised lungs and immune systems.
The leadership of our congregation, including our Standing Committee and Staff Team is committed to the wellbeing of our community as a whole. We are tasked with caring for the emotional and physical safety of our congregation, with our priority being our most vulnerable members. We will work together to offer communication and direction in the event that this pandemic spreads throughout Massachusetts.
Woullart Lett, a leader of the New England Region of Unitarian Universalists, reminds us that "The emergence of new organisms is nature’s way of adapting to changing conditions. Our own adaptation must be to adopt behaviors that reduce harm."
As we go forward, here are a few things that all members and friends of First Church can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and congregation:
“Don’t work sick, don’t school sick, don’t church sick.” If you are sick, or a family member is sick, please stay home. We know this virus is most dangerous to our elders and those with compromised lungs or immune systems, so please think of them–even if you feel “good enough” to go out. Needing to stay home if sick also applies to staff. If there is a quarantine of some sort put in place, staff may need to work from home for an extended period of time.
Please reach out to minister@firstchurchinsalem.org or office@firstchurchinsalem.org or others to let us know if you or someone you know is ill. We don’t want to share germs, but we also don’t want folks to feel lonely. There are a lot of ways we can connect through technology or dropping off needed items.
Wash your hands, clean often-used surfaces like doorknobs and phones, avoid shaking hands, cough into your elbow…all the things we can do to wash away germs and not share them with others. More basic tips are in The Scientific American.
If you have traveled recently to a country or state that has a high level of outbreak, even if you do not have symptoms, please consider self-quarantining until the danger of infection has passed. We know that people without symptoms can pass the virus to others.
Let us know if you have trouble stocking up on food and medical supplies or paying for medical care, or if staying home from work becomes a financial emergency. The Minister and Deacons' Discretionary Fund is here to help*.
Useful tips from the CDC, with regards to pandemic: Planning Tip Sheet What to Expect
And, here are steps our Standing Committee may ask the congregation to take, depending on the severity of the pandemic:
If the Massachusetts Department of Health and/or our Governor ask us to avoid large gatherings, we may need to move our worship and meetings to online. Minister, staff, and lay leaders may use Zoom, Facebook Live, pre-recorded videos, or other methods to continue the work and worship of the congregation. We will announce to the congregation via the website, newsletter, and facebook if we need to begin these precautions. Share your ideas with us, and please support us as we figure out how to journey together in hope in the face of this challenge.
If you are in an active committee or other group, please read carefully these two checklists and figure out what your team or sub-team can do to help First Church respond:
[Short] The United Church of Christ adapted the above into a checklist that has more direct correlations to our congregational teams: Church Checklist
If you are feeling anxious about all of this – and everything else that is going on in the world – you are not alone. Please reach out to me or any other First Church friend. Connect and stay in touch. We are not alone, and we can support each other through this time.
With love,
Rev. Elizabeth
*in light of our congregation’s experience with email scams, please remember that First Church staff will never request money or gift cards via individual or unofficial email. Please check the email address and/or call our office to confirm the source of any unusual requests.