INTRODUCTION
As we lift the suspension of in-person ministry and worship, the CRT would like to remind everyone to remain vigilant and review our safety protocol FAQ listed below before returning in-person. Please assess your individual health risk and make an informed decision whether to return in person. Please stay home and follow state/CDC isolation and testing guidelines if you have developed symptoms or been exposed. If you test positive and there is possible exposure in one of our facilities, please notify a staff member. The CRT will continue to monitor further developments. Please subscribe to our weekly newsletters, sign up for our Elexio alert system, or check the church website for future updates. Please reach out to the CRT if you have any questions or concerns at crt@bcec.net
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When and where will BCEC worship services take place?
Here are the times and locations for our worship services as of September 11, 2022.
Chinatown Campus
| Time | Congregation | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:15 am | English | JQES Auditorium (885 Washington Street, Boston) |
| 9:15 am | Mandarin (Pre-Registration) | 2nd Floor (232 and 234) |
| 11:15 am | Cantonese | JQES Auditorium (885 Washington Street, Boston) |
| 9:15 & 11:15 am | KidMin (Pre-Registration) | Room 326 |
Newton Campus
| Time | Congregation | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:15 am | Cantonese (Pre-Registration) | Fellowship Hall |
| 11:00 am | English | Multifunction Room (Lower Level) |
| 11:00 am | Mandarin | Fellowship Hall |
Do I have to wear a mask?
In light of current guidance from CDC and our state and local authorities, masks will no longer be required on BCEC sites and facilities starting Sunday, October 9, 2022. While masks will become optional, we encourage everyone to carefully consider how face coverings continue to be an important tool in dealing with COVID-19, along with other tools such as testing, vaccinations, and monitoring symptoms.
How are we handling food and beverages?
As we continue through living with the reality of COVID-19, let us continue to work together to do church life together. This is our new protocols for indoor eating during the time of COVID-19.
Where is eating allowed on BCEC premises?
Indoor eating is allowed in designated rooms/spaces for the general church attendee to use:
- For Chinatown campus: the Lounge (first floor)
- For Newton campus: the Conference Room (first floor)
When can people eat in these designated areas?
These designated eating areas will be open during usual church operating hours unless the room is reserved. If the room is reserved, then priority goes to that ministry with the reservation.
Thank you for being a part of the BCEC community.
Do I have to pre-register?
Yes, though not for contact tracing, but for the purposes of planning. Each worship space will have capacity limits, so please pre-register through the church relaunch page. Pre-registration will open the week before. For those seeking to register for Children’s ministry, please note the instructions for that separate process below.
Are there children’s programs?
We are offering classes for preschool and elementary children in the Chinatown Campus. Please go to KidMin page for times and descriptions. The Newton Campus offers classes both in-person and online. Please check this page for more information. Weekly Online Worship (KidMin at Home) will continue to be available for everyone.
We are a family with young children and want to attend church in-person, what do we need to do?
If you have a child who is between 2 years old to 5th grade, you and your child will have to Pre-Register separately each week you want to attend Chinatown Campus KidMin at Church. Adult Pre-Registration is listed in the table above. You can pre-register your child on the Pre-Registration page for the Chinatown Campus. For more information about the children’s program, please visit KidMin. Nursery service is not offered at this time. Room 110 in Chinatown Campus is designated as the Calming Baby Room for parents with infants and toddlers who may be restless or crying to use during worship services. For Newton Campus, Junior Worship Elementary and CSS offer classes in-person. Nursery is not offered at this time. A Calming Baby Room for parents with infants and toddlers is available during worship services. Please pre-register before attending.
Will social distancing be required?
Social distancing is not required, but we encourage ministry leaders to consider this in their ministry plans.
Will there be cleaning and sanitizing?
Our regular cleaning schedule will be implemented. Cleaning supplies and hand sanitizing stations will be provided at each campus.
Will there be singing during service?
Yes, there will be congregational singing. Choir members will be required to wear masks. Worship leaders and speakers are encouraged, but not required when singing or speaking.
Will online worship still be offered?
Online worship will continue to be supported and can be accessed here.
How will offering be handled?
Regarding the collection of offerings, online giving is still encouraged. Some congregations may have the option to receive checks and cash during service. Please talk to your congregational pastor for more information.
When are other ministries relaunching in-person?
Please check with the ministry leader for the latest information.
What if I travel domestically or internationally?
For those who travel internationally or domestically, they must review and follow CDC guidelines. International visitors must follow CDC guidelines before visiting BCEC.
Am I allowed to hang out at church even if I am not attending a program?
Because of our inability to social distance indoors, there will be no loitering before or after service. If you need to wait for someone, the designated waiting areas are the 1st floor lounge at 120 and the multifunction room at the Newton Campus. Outdoor options on our campuses include the garden and outdoor deck at Chinatown Campus or the playground area at Newton Campus. Be mindful of our neighbors and avoid crowding the sidewalks.
How will the sacraments be practiced?
For the Lord’s Supper, we will utilize prepackaged communion kits. For Baptism, we will continue to sprinkle until further notice.