We are excited to announce our very first Parking Lot Service on Sunday, July 19th at 9 AM. 

While this will be an abbreviated service, our intention is that it is a true celebration! The live service will be transmitted to your car radio over an AM station. (The online service at 10 am will also be available as usual.)

Below are answers to your questions. Please know that the requests made below are based in sound public health protocols and guidelines. Also, by living within these guidelines, we live into what it truly means to “love one another as we love ourselves.”

How will I know where and how to park?
Volunteers will guide you to a parking space. Parking will be configured differently than usual to allow for appropriate physical distancing and line of sight.

How will I hear and participate in the service?
Rev. Debra and Nina Swanson will be outside near the portico. The sound will be amplified, but it will also be broadcast on an AM station via a transmitter. You can just dial in! More information about how
to tune in will be provided later. An Order of Service will be emailed and available on the UCR website and Facebook page.

Will we sing?
If you are in your vehicle with your windows up, sing to your heart’s content! However, there will be very little congregational singing given the length of the service. Singing outside is discouraged, even with a mask.

Must I wear a mask?
We ask that you wear a mask when you are outside your vehicle. Also, wear a mask if you are speaking to people through your car window. If you do not have a mask or forgot yours, we will provide one.

What about leaving my vehicle?
The safest way to gather is for all of us to remain in our vehicles. However, you may also sit outside in a lawn chair if you wear a mask and remain at least 6 feet from other congregants, and at least 18 feet from the musician and speaker (who will wear face shields). If you have a portable AM radio, this might be an opportunity to use it!

Why is the service at 9 am and only 30 minutes long?
There are a couple of reasons for this. First, we are concerned about the environmental impact of idling car engines; therefore, the service is scheduled for the cooler part of the day so you can roll down your windows or use your air for shorter periods of time. Also, the time and abbreviated length will give you plenty of time to return home to watch the full service online.

What about rain?
We will not gather in rainy weather. You will receive an email if the service is cancelled. A cancellation will also be posted on social media.

Will the building be open?
One set of bathrooms will be open and we will observe a “two in and two out” protocol. The rest of the building will be closed.

In summary:

• Staying in your vehicle is encouraged.
• If outside your vehicle, wear a mask or face shield and remain at least 6 feet from others and 18 feet from the minister and musician.
• Sing in your vehicle only. If your windows are down, wear a mask as you sing.
• Wear a mask when speaking through your open car window.
• Only run your engine if necessary for comfort.