POST-RESTRICTION CHURCH *March 2022 Update
From the very beginning, we have been careful to follow the city of Boston's leadership in order to protect you and our neighbors in the pandemic. In light of the city's recent announcement and in accordance with the CRC, masks are now optional for our Worship Gatherings and other organized events.
It is important to remain sensitive during this transition as we have all become accustomed to mask-wearing. Some will need to continue to wear masks as they or a loved-one's health may be compromised. Others may simply not be comfortable removing masks at this point, and we completely understand. Our nation has lost close to 1 million people and many more around the world. As we celebrate these steps forward, we are mindful of the loss.
We have been encouraged by your humble love for each other and our neighbors over the past 2 years. Let's continue to be generous towards each other as we transition to post-restriction life.
Church Family,
Beginning August 27 Boston's new indoor mask mandate goes into effect in an attempt to mitigate the spread of the Delta variant. Though this mandate makes exception for places of worship, the elders believe it is best to follow the city's general guidance. This means that effective Sunday, August 29, we are requiring masks for everyone over 2 years old when indoors at our Worship Gathering, regardless of vaccination status. We are voluntarily doing this as a way to love our neighbors and slow the spread of the virus in our city. Masks are not necessary when outside, so please feel free to take your mask off when outside if comfortable. As always, if you are sick or have been exposed, please join us for worship online via the live stream.
We understand that in some ways this recent development can feel like a discouraging setback. For several months now we have enjoyed worshipping without masks. It has been so encouraging to see each other's faces, smiles, and laughter. It's important to recognize the disappointment or loss that you may feel. While this is an act of loving our city, we know from the life/death of Christ that love costs. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and eagerness to maintain unity in this unique season. As I'm seeking the Lord, He's been calling me to trust Him more and more. I am certain this is His heart for each one of us. Let's allow this season to shape us into people who are increasingly dependent on the Him.
With you, Josh
RE-GATHERING UPDATE *July 2021 Update
As the CDC and Commonwealth of Massachusetts restrictions ease and our state returns to normalcy, we are excited to follow their lead and welcome you back to church without restrictions. We no longer require masks at our worship gatherings, and we encourage you to follow you own comfort level in regards to social distancing. Some of our members will still choose to wear a mask and we completely support that decision. We continue to remain committed to your safety and are taking precautions that we believe will help maintain it. Our Sunday worship gatherings will continue to be streamed online at 11am EST at www.CharlesRiver.Online.Church.
SPRING 2021 UPDATE
RETURNING TO IN-PERSON *February 4, 2021 Update
We miss seeing your faces on Sundays and look forward to welcoming you into our new home in the months ahead. As COVID-19 cases are still on the rise, out of a desire to be good neighbors, we are gathering online only through the months of February and March. Our current plan is a return to in-person Church Outside on Easter Sunday, April 4th! In the meantime, we will be scheduling smaller in-person prayer gatherings and opportunities for communion at the building on Sundays at 9am in addition to online Worship Gatherings - Sundays 11am EST at www.CharlesRiver.Online.Church.
ONLINE ONLY in January 2021 *Jan 3, 2021 Update
In light of the continued increase in COVID cases in MA, our leadership has decided we will continue to remain online only for January 2021. We continue to prepare meaningful and quality online Worship Gatherings that you will want to join and invite others into. Join us on Sundays 11am EST at www.CharlesRiver.Online.Church.
Connection Groups launch the week of January 17 - these online groups are a great way to get connected at Charles River Church.
The Remainder of 2020 Worship Services will be ONLINE ONLY *Dec 1, 2020 Update
In light of the recent surge in COVID cases, and out of a desire to finish this unique season strong & healthy, our leadership has decided that the remainder of our 2020 Worship Services will be online only. We are preparing meaningful and quality online Worship Gatherings that you will want to join and invite others into this Christmas season. Join us on Sunday Dec 6, 13, 20, and Christmas Eve at www.CharlesRiver.Online.Church.
UPDATE for Sundays Nov 22 & 29 *Nov 21, 2020 Update
Church Family,
Phase 4 - Indoor Worship! *Nov 9, 2020 Update
We recently announced our new home at 1195 Centre St! We have a long way to go with renovation, but we are able to move inside for the season. From Sunday, November 15 - December 20, we will be meeting inside the sanctuary from 11-11:45am. There will be no children's programming, however, we have shortened the Worship Gathering to 45 mins and are providing activity bags for children. Join us as we celebrate the holiday season together! If you are not able to join us or if pre-registration fills up, please join us online at www.CharlesRiver.Online.Church.
Guidelines:
- Wear a mask at all times (with the exception of children 2 yrs and younger).
- Practice social-distancing (air-hugs only!).
- Take advantage of the hand sanitation stations.
- No print materials will be handed out, so please download the church app for connection card, information, notes, etc.
- Restrooms are available in the building, but please no congregating inside.
- Stay with your household or social bubble (college students).
- Self-screening: Please refrain from attending if you are feeling sick or have been exposed to COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
- Follow the direction of our leadership team and signs.
We are excited to welcome you to our new home!
Phase 3 - Outdoor Worship! *Aug 24, 2020 Update
Church Family,
We have been so encouraged by the way you have rallied to serve each other, our community, and our Lord in this unique season. After almost 6 months since our last in-person Worship Gathering + a careful phase-in approach to ensure preparedness, we are excited to announce that we are gathering weekly beginning September 13! We will be gathering in-person outside of the Trinity Lutheran Church in West Roxbury at 11am (new time) as well as continuing to provide a live-stream at 11am (new time). We are committed to outdoor worship from Sept 13-October 25 and will reassess our options at the end of that period. These will be kid-friendly gatherings. Bring your own lawn chairs and we will provide chairs for those who need one. In the event of inclement weather, we will pivot that week to fully online and will notify everyone through social media and a push notification on the church app.
Outdoor Worship will be a memorable season as we embrace the moment and the unique opportunities it provides. Many of you have seen friends, family, neighbors and co-workers join our online community over these past 6 months and now you are able to connect them in-person to your church family! Spread the word, invite, and most importantly - PRAY EXPECTANTLY!
Guidelines:
- Wear a mask at all times.
- Practice social-distancing (air-hugs only!).
- Take advantage of the hand sanitation stations.
- No print materials will be handed out, so please download the church app for worship lyrics, notes, etc.
- Restrooms are available in the building, but please socialize outdoors, not indoors.
- Stay with your household or social bubble.
- Self-screening: Please refrain from attending if you are feeling sick, have been exposed to COVID-19 in the past 14 days, or have traveled in the past 14 days (except for people traveling from CT, VT, NH, ME, NY, and NJ).
- Follow the direction of our leadership team and signs.
Tha
Excited for what this Fall will bring!
Charles River Leadership
Phase 2 - Updated Gathering Plan *Aug 14, 2020 Update
Church Family,
This Summer has been unique to say the least. We have gathered online while also cautiously gathering in-person, bi-monthly at the parking lot of Trinity Lutheran Church. Though our original plan had us resuming full worship gatherings outside and in-person on Aug 23 & 30, we believe it is wise to hold off for another three weeks. We will continue gathering online at 10am for Sunday Aug 23 & 30 and Sept 6th. Stay tuned for an update on what September 13 and forward will look like. We are developing a plan for what we believe will be an exciting season of impact in the life of our church.
Press on!
Charles River Leadership
Our Plan for Regathering *June 1, 2020 Update
We are excited to announce that we are now moving towards regathering as a church family. Although we cannot know all the exact dates and locations as we prepare to regather, and though it can feel like we are aiming at a moving target, we have created a phased plan that will give us a sense of direction over the next few months. Rest assured that we will follow guidelines from local and state authorities while considering the unity and impact of our church as we move into different phases. This proposed roadmap will take us to in-person Sunday Worship Gatherings. *Dates and locations for Phase 1 are locked in while dates and locations for Phases 2 & 3 are still tentative.
PHASE 1 - Sundays, June 14 & 28 at Trinity Lutheran Church Parking Lot (1195 Centre St West Roxbury)
-Online Gathering (10am)
-Drive-Through Encouragement (any time between 11:30am-12:30pm) - Gift, communion, prayer, and say "Hi!"
Things are beginning to move forward and greater days are ahead!
With you,
Charles River Leadership