Fall 2021: A season of returning and reopening

Dear River Families, 
I hope everyone had a great first couple of weeks of school! Last week was my first time going back into a classroom situation again after 13 years. This semester I am auditing for a course at Union Theological Seminary and I am enjoying it. However I could not help feeling nervous at the same time.

I imagine many of our kids may be feeling a lot of similar emotions this time of year, but especially this Fall, as for many of them this is the first time they stepped into a classroom after 1.5 years of halt. So I want to take the opportunity to recognize their situations (and ours too) and include a few tips that may help us navigate this season.
(Links to resources: https://www.pinterest.com/ameliacunard/riverkids/)

Getting Ready To See You Again AT CHURCH!
 
As you may be aware our church is preparing a return to in-person service this Sunday, Sept 26 @10.30 AM. We are not only adjusting to a post-pandemic world, but also a new location and space, so we ask for your cooperation and understanding as we navigate this season:

• Please RSVP if you are intending to come. We have a capacity limit. 
  Please review and complete our COVID screening policy within 24 hrs in advance of your visit. 
  
  
• We love our Riverkids/Youth, and we are gearing up to provide programs, but it will take a few weeks. Until further notice, there will be no drop-off (no childcare personnel), but the basement will be open, because we want to make ROOM for them on Sundays! We encourage families to use this dedicated space and supervise their children.  
  Streaming of the sermon will be available in the basement. 
  
  
• There will be no snack/refreshment (until later dates) to minimize unmasking and possible transmission. Please bring your own water bottles.
  
  
• We are still receiving Riverkids/Youth Volunteer Interests. Having a full team will help us plan and provide age-appropriate programs. 
  RiverKids/Youth will resume mid October.

Reopening of the church and the children’s program will be a process, but I trust that we can do this together. As always I am up for connecting with you, so if you want to chat 1-on-1, or have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Looking forward to seeing and meeting you and your family very soon. 
Amelia Cunard | RiverKids Director