IN-PERSON WORSHIP BEGINS AGAIN ON FEBRUARY 7

St. John will begin in-person worship again on February 7, 2021, after an absence of almost one year.  The COVID-19 pandemic persists and in some places is more virulent than ever.  Yet there is hope in the availability of the vaccine and in the possibility of common sense gaining the upper hand.  In other words, the time is not ideal and probably will not be for a while.  Yet we are moving forward.  The schedule as outlined below is flexible and subject to change as the health situation changes.

1.  Two worship times will be available beginning Sunday, February 7 at 8:00-8:45 and 10:30-11:15.
2. We are taking a break from Sunday School for a few weeks as we cautiously proceed with this new schedule.  On February 28, Sunday School will resume from 9:30-10:15.
3. Ash Wednesday service will be held on Wednesday, February 17, at 6:30.  Ashes will be imposed symbolically rather than physically.
4. Six midweek Lenten services will be held on Wednesday evenings at 6:30.  Confirmation students are asked to attend.
5. Safety protocols will be in place for all worship services to include:

a.  Social distancing with alternate pew seating.  Please be mindful of maintaining social distance.  If the sanctuary is too crowded, come another time.

b.  If you are ill, please stay home.

c.  Masks are mandatory.  You wear a mask as much for the health of the other person as for yourself.  Jesus demands you think of others before you think of yourself.

d.  Singing will be allowed but limited.

e.  Communion for the time being will be “to go.”

f.  No “fellowship” time for now.  Come and go as expeditiously as possible.

     6.  Services will be live-streamed and will still be available on our social media outlets.

Your council will continue to faithfully evaluate the situation and make changes when appropriate.  They will earnestly try to guide with wisdom, courage, common sense, and faith.

As we continue to face the challenges this pandemic presents, maybe the words of the Apostle Paul can help us in the days ahead, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:6,7).

And the people of God said, “AMEN!”