Question

what will happen at the blessing of a civil marriage at church?

Answer

During a normal church service, there will be a portion in which R and Peter will be invited up, announce their commitment to each other and have that commitment recognized by the congregation. Peter will serve wine during communion. Afterwards there will be time to connect at Emmanuel's coffee hour.

Question

How do I get to Emmanuel?

Answer

Emmanuel Church is a block away from the Arlington stop on the green line, and a lovely walk through the common and public garden from Park Street if you're on the red line. The church provides vouchers for people who park at Back Bay Garage. Street parking is free on Sundays, but not the easiest to find, especially as the morning progresses.

Question

Is there a remote option?

Answer

Yes! Emmanuel Church has livestreams of services on their website and on their youtube. You will be able to find the livestream morning-of at emmanuelboston.org/worship/emmanuels-livestream/ or youtube.com/@EmmanuelChurchBoston/featured

Question

What's the accessibility situation like?

Answer

Emmanuel Church has a ramp and a fully accessible, gender neutral single user restroom on the first floor. The doorframes and aisles are pretty wide (I haven't measured, but if it would be valuable information for you, I can -R). The unique heating and ventilation system of the building allows for air quality almost as high as outdoors, and no recycled air. The church was built during the time of significant tuberculosis, and so was built with concern for limiting airborne diseases. You can read more here: https://www.emmanuelboston.org/mission/building/heating-ventilation/ If you want to take communion but can't stand in line for it, communion can be brought to you, or you can go up when the line is almost over. Please let us know if you have any specific access needs we can try to meet.