Reopening Information

We hope you were able to see the video that Mark Booker sent out on Thursday regarding guidelines for our Sunday worship services beginning TODAY (MAY 30) (see the video here). The following information is intended to help us transition to in-person worship as smoothly as possible:

1. Sunday Service Guidelines
2. A statement of thanksgiving to God for his provision through the vaccines and advice to congregants from the Medical Task Force
3. Family Ministry Guidelines

Section 1. SUNDAY SERVICE GUIDELINES

These guidelines were developed and approved by the Reopening Work Group (ROWG) after considering many factors. The ROWG received counsel from the Medical Task Force (MTF) as well. The ROWG comprises five staff, two elders, and one member of the MTF. The ROWG will continue revisiting these guidelines and make further adjustments as needed.

• We will open the 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 4:00 PM services to all worshipers TODAY (SUN, MAY 30).
• Masks are not required, but the MTF advises all who are unvaccinated (including ministers, choir members, ushers, greeters, adults, and children) to wear masks during the services and at all times while in the building.
• There will be no social distancing required on the floor of the sanctuary, though this may be practiced as attendance allows.
• The balconies will be reserved for socially distanced seating and for those wearing masks.
• The Fellowship Hall will be open as an alternative place for worship. The service will be streamed and masks will be worn and social distancing will occur.
• Singing will occur throughout the services on the floor and balcony of the sanctuary but not in the Fellowship Hall.
• Stay-at-home or outdoor virtual worship will be supported. If you are gathering in a group to worship virtually and would like support, please contact Kris Perkins.
• The Welcome Center will be used before, between, and after services for fellowship.
• No pre-registration will occur for worship attendees, but families will be required to pre-register in Realm if planning to use Children’s Church and Nursery to ensure we have proper staff and volunteers to care for our children.
  • See the Family Ministry statement below for more information.
• The facilities will be available for use by ministries of the church beginning JUN 1.

 
Section 2. GIVING THANKS TO GOD & A NOTE FROM THE MTF
Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! – Psalm 115:1

With grateful hearts we praise our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who alone is the Healer of all diseases (Exodus 15:26). The God of all mercy is the reason for the end of this pandemic. We are deeply grateful for the many clinicians who risked their lives during the pandemic, and the scientists and public health providers who have tirelessly developed and distributed the Covid-19 vaccines. Even so, we are especially reminded that it is God in His providence (Proverbs 16:9) who gives us every breath to understand (Job 32:8), opening the human mind to scientific discovery (Daniel 2:21), who is the true Healer in this pandemic (Psalm 103:3). Like the leper who returned to Jesus with thanksgiving for his healing (Luke 17:15), even so we return thanksgiving for His merciful provision received through the Covid-19 vaccines.

In light of this good gift, we have asked the Medical Task Force to offer final advice to congregants concerning health questions pertaining the Covid-19 vaccines. As followers of Jesus Christ and fellow congregants, the Medical Task Force has helped the church navigate these health complexities. We are indebted to this dedicated and talented team of clinicians and scientists, who are also disciples of Jesus, and our brothers and sisters, who have taken considerable time to counsel the congregation on these confusing health-related questions.

A note from the Medical Task Force to the congregation:

Dear Fellow Park Streeters,

It has been a long time of being away from each other in worship and other vital activities of our Park Street community during this pandemic. Our congregation has been blessed to continue in worship some in person and some virtually and all safely, by God’s grace! We are grateful to be returning to in-person worship services. In light of regathering, we offer the following information in support of our fellow congregational members.

1. We believe that it is safe for vaccinated individuals to regather for normal worship and other church activities in light of declining numbers of Covid-19 cases and deaths in Massachusetts, with recent rapid improvement due to vaccinations.
2. We urge all congregants to not delay in seeking vaccination. The vaccination of one person in our community contributes to the health of our whole community.
   • The Covid-19 vaccines have been rigorously tested using the best available science without cutting corners. After examining the evidence, we have full confidence that the vaccines are trustworthy and safe.
   • The vaccines are highly protective from multiple strains of the virus.
3. At this time, with regard to in-person worship and activities:
   • We advise all unvaccinated people to wear masks while in the church building.
   • Vaccinated people need not wear masks, although they are welcome to continue wearing masks if they wish.
4. When singing, unvaccinated attendees are not protected from sending or receiving aerosolized virus even when wearing a mask.
   • We recommend that immunocompromised people and unvaccinated people who want to come to church but are concerned about aerosols generated by singing, worship in a space reserved for them during services. In this space, all congregants can sit together to watch the live streamed service. They will all wear masks, sit distanced from each other and will not be singing.
5. Getting a vaccine will speed our return to normal here at Park Street, while protecting those who cannot get vaccinated or are immunocompromised.

If congregants have additional questions about the safety or efficacy of the Covid-19 vaccines, as fellow congregants and followers of Jesus, we are available to answer questions or concerns. For more information about Covid vaccination, please see the health information from the CDC.

 
Section 3. FAMILY MINISTRY GUIDELINES
 
Beginning JUN 6, Family Ministry will be reopening all regular summer Sunday programs at limited capacities. We will have one nursery available for ages 0–2 and Children’s Church (8:30 AM — ages 3 to 6) (11:00 AM and 4:00 PM — age 3 to Grade 3) at all three services. Pre-registration is required for your children to attend. You will pre-register your children through Realm, similar to how pre-registration for services has been happening. You can register by clicking on one of the links below.

Registration Links for June:

• June 06
• June 13
• June 20
• June 27

SUMMER COVID GUIDELINES

1. Children must be pre-registered (registration closes at 11:00 PM the SAT before)
2. There will be no health screening form.
3. If your child presents symptoms or tests positive for Covid after attending a family ministry program, please contact Adam Herndon.
4. Nursery-aged kids are not required to wear masks.
5. We ask that all non-vaccinated children attending Children’s Church wear a mask as recommended by our Medical Task Force.
6. Per EEC guidelines, Nursery and Children’s Church volunteers are still required to wear a mask.
7. When you arrive to the church, please go the Family Ministry Check-In area to pick-up your child’s nametag and parent security tags.

SUN JUN 6, 1:30–2:00 PM

We are excited to celebrate communion with you all!

• Please bring a chair or blanket to use for the duration of the service.
• Registration is no longer required to attend a Communion gathering!

Questions? Contact Mike Ahearn

FIND A SERVICE NEAR YOU

FRI JUN 11, 7:00 PM

Park Street Church is holding an All-Church Meeting on FRI, JUN 11. This meeting will provide an opportunity to touch base as a community and to hear updates from the staff and elders as we transition into the summer. We will address the reopening plans as well, and there will also be time for Q&A.

This will be a hybrid event, and preregistration is required to attend over Zoom (no registration is required to attend in person). Questions will be taken in person or online so that everyone will be able to participate. We look forward to this time of communication and connection as a church family.

ATTEND VIRTUALLY 

In response to the COVID-19 crisis in India, a care center started by Park Streeters and others aims to provide low to no cost medical care to those in need who have no access to medical services. The Rapha Care Center in the South Indian state of Karnataka is an intermediary crisis center equipped with a multidisciplinary team for the masses that have no room in hospitals.

Help fund this project today by donating through Park Street’s Online Giving page. Remember to select “India COVID Relief Fund” from the dropdown menu. 

Questions? Contact the Missions Office.

WATCH A SHORT VIDEO ABOUT THE RAPHA CARE CENTER

DONATE TODAY

JUL 12–16
Registration Deadline: JUN 1

Come with us as we journey along the Rocky Railway and learn how Jesus’ power pulls us through! This year Kidsweek will be virtual again. The two primary reasons for making this decision are the uncertainty of government crowd restrictions at that point and the uncertainty around people’s readiness to be in large crowds. This year, we will host live watch parties in the morning, and encourage families to team-up to do Kidsweek together! We are hopeful that in 2022, we will return to a full and robust in-person program!

Tweens will go on a field trip to Canobie Lake Park during the week. The field trip will be optional and have an added cost. At the end of our week, we will have an outdoor meet-up at a park. Questions? Contact Adam Herndon

REGISTER FOR KIDSWEEK

In recognition of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Racial Justice and Racial Reconciliation Ministry Team offers some ways to connect and learn along with other members of our church community.

LISTEN: Worship Songs in Various Asian Languages
Listen to original worship songs in several of the many languages of Asia. You may recognize some from our 4:00 PM services!

LISTEN TO THE SONGS

WATCH: A Witness To Aloha: Hawai’i Documentary
We were blessed to host a delegation from churches in Hawai’i, where Park Street missionaries ministered over 100 years ago. A documentary has been produced, telling the story of Christianity in Hawai’i, and is available for free on YouTube.

WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY

VISIT VIRTUALLY
A long-time partner of Park Street Church, Boston Chinese Evangelical Church offers online worship in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English. Now is a great time to visit and worship with them virtually!More opportunities will be included throughout the month!

PARTICIPATE IN A VIRTUAL WORSHIP SERVICE

Interested in playing softball this year? Join the Park Street softball team! Our games are on SAT mornings starting JUN 5. Contact Samuel Ghilardi below for more information or to join!

CONTACT SAMUEL

Undergrads! Come connect with God and one another through the two initiatives PSC College Ministry is leading this summer:

WEEKLY DISCUSSIONS | “Liturgy of the Summer: Discussing Ordinary Things in Unordinary Times”

Thursdays, JUN 3–AUG 12 | 7:00 PM–8:30 PM via Zoom
Weekly, virtual gatherings to discuss Tish Warren’s book “Liturgy of the Ordinary.” These meetings will also include time for fellowship, prayer, and worship songs. Connect with them via Zoom at www.parkstreet.org/collegezoom.

IN-PERSON SOCIAL GATHERINGS & SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Every other week, students will gather for social gatherings and service opportunities in partnership with other PSC ministries and outreach teams. The exact times and dates of the in-person gatherings will vary.

Please email Alexis Drake to be added to the mailing list and/or to request a copy of the book mentioned above.

Find your calling! God has a province for you to oversee in his kingdom. The Boston Fellows is a nine-month fellowship for early to mid-career professionals at Park Street to cultivate the insights and spiritual habits necessary for meaningful vocation, in a cohort of peers, spiritual leaders, and professional mentors. Watch this 3-minute testimonial from Park Streeter Kar Min Lim.

Now accepting applications for September. For more information and to apply, visit the link below or email them directly.

MORE INFO & APPLICATION

Support the work of our global missionaries and partners through a virtual Global Engagement Project. Whether you are an IT “nerd,” teacher, entrepreneur, medical professional, or anyone else wanting to make an impact for the Kingdom, there is an opportunity for you. Check out www.parkstreet.org/global-missions for information about the following projects and more.

English Language Partners

Do you enjoy helping others learn or practice English? Do you enjoy building relationships with people from a new culture? Are you willing to use your skills to help equip others to use English in a ministry setting or to build a relationship with a non-believer from another culture? Join us for one of several virtual experiences such as:

• English language partner for ministry team members
• Guest teacher in online language learning classes
• English teacher for short intensive language program

Virtual Healthcare Training

Join a team of medical professionals as they offer online training opportunities to healthcare professionals at a hospital in the Middle East. Help us maintain an ongoing relationship with this teaching hospital through virtual sessions with their Residents and medical staff.

Follow the link below to find more project opportunities.

GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT PROJECTS

CONTACT THE MISSIONS OFFICE

APPLICATIONS DUE JUN 4

Apply to be a mentor this summer for students ages 15 to 25 at Voice of the Gospel Tabernacle in Mattapan. We are looking for volunteers who can give two hours per week for 6 weeks, from the end of JUN to the end of JUL (dates and times TBD).

If you have a passion for investing in young people’s lives and have experience in economic development, business, finance, entrepreneurship, or management, then this service opportunity is for you. You will be facilitating group discussions, helping students to actively participate and reflect critically.

This is an in-person program, and you must be fully vaccinated to participate. For more information and to apply, contact Chenchen Liu below.

LEARN MORE

The Park Street Clothing Pantry is in need of gently used spring and summer clothing donations. We are currently accepting all men’s and women’s sizes, and we especially need men’s sizes Large and XL, and belts. We cannot accept children’s clothing at this time. Please consider cleaning out your closets and sharing those items you rarely use!

A drop-off box has been placed in the PSC lobby, and items can be dropped off during Park Street business hours: MON–FRI, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.

Dave Searles serves at Central Assembly of God Church in East Boston where he lives with his family. The multi-cultural nature of the neighborhood is reflected in Central Assembly of God Church, and in this final episode for Season 1 of Park Street Dialogues, Dave and Mark discuss that diversity, the importance of being present in the neighborhood of the church, and what it looks like to join in with what God is doing instead of pushing a new agenda.

This is the last episode of Season One! All episodes can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Thank you to all our guests and listeners for making our inaugural season a success!

PARK STREET DIALOGUES

PSC is looking for qualified applicants for the Director of Facilities Management. This position is responsible for managing Park Street’s downtown properties, as well as overseeing the stewardship of the Wilson House campus in Cambridge, MA, and the operational infrastructure (mechanical, electrical, security, HVAC, technological, etc.) of these critical assets. The position is also responsible for safety and security of the church’s properties and the church’s technology footprint and its efficient and secure operation.

Full job description and application details below.

VIEW THE JOB DESCRIPTION

Park Street Church is hiring for the position of Ministries Administrative Assistant. This position will report directly to the Senior Minister while serving as part of the Ministries Team. The Ministries Administrative Assistant will work in collaboration with the Missions Administrator and the Administration Administrative Assistant as well as the Church Administrator, Financial Controller, Director of Facilities Management, and Director of Communications to to better enable the church to faithfully fulfill its mission.

VIEW THE JOB DESCRIPTION