We pray you experienced a wonderful Advent season, celebrating the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ who, “though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross” (Philippians 2:6–8).

We are writing to inform you of some recent developments regarding COVID-19 and its impact in our community and our church, once again asking for your patience, humility, flexibility, and help as we navigate this together in a Christ-like spirit. We are so grateful for how you’ve modeled that over the past two years, and it’s in the same spirit that we ask for your prayers and help now.

As you are likely aware, there has been a significant increase in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in our state and community over the last several weeks. Additionally, there have been several CBC individuals and families who have contracted the virus in recent weeks. Please continue to pray for those affected to have only mild symptoms and speedy recoveries. 

In response to these developments, the city of Peabody implemented a new mask mandate that went into effect earlier this week on Monday, December 27th. The Peabody Board of Health is requiring face coverings “for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, aged two years and above in all indoor public spaces,” including places of worship. You can read the full mandate at peabody-ma.gov or by clicking here.

Consistent with our previous approaches during the pandemic, is our intent to comply with this regulation as a way of honoring our governing authorities (Rom 13:1–7) and loving and serving our neighbors. Therefore, we humbly ask that you wear a mask when attending worship on Sundays, provided you are able to do so. The new regulation outlines a few exceptions for children under 2 years old and those with medical reasons, and we ask that CBC members and attendees show charity by giving one another the benefit of the doubt if someone is unable to wear a mask.

We hope and pray that these measures will be short lived and unnecessary in the very near future. If you have any questions, please contact an elder. 

Let’s strive for the Word of God to rule over our hearts, minds, words, and actions during this time: 

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:3–5)

We love you and look forward to gathering with you this weekend.

Yours in Christ,

CBC Elders