New Hampshire is experiencing a late summer rise in Covid-19 numbers. We are aware that for some, this may mean a return to masking, please know that masks are welcome, but not required at St. John’s.
This Advent & Christmas season we want to welcome all in the name of Christ — with love and joy, but also with caution and caring — because we’re all in this together. Thank you for being present, in-person or virtually. We need you.
On June 6th, 2021, St. John’s will commence a new schedule to regather as a community. The 3-pronged approach set forth will hopefully allow us to continue to welcome ALL. We all have different comfort levels, and this plan will allow each of us to participate in a full and meaningful way while respecting our different levels of comfort. Please complete the survey so we know what to expect!
With the understanding that the RTF has more work to do, and that the data currently does not support regathering safely and inclusively, St. John’s will not regather until at least the fall, and possibly later. We have always taken pride in our message that “all are welcome”, and the restrictions that would accompany a safe regathering plan are, by definition, limiting. Limiting the number of attendees at a service is another way of saying that we will need to turn people away.
As the state of New Hampshire begins to walk towards a gradual "re-opening" of the state, Bishop Rob is sharing this document to provide guidance about how we might think about "re-opening" our churches.
It is now clear that we will not be able to gather as usual for our Holy Week and Easter celebrations. The earliest we might consider returning to our sanctuaries for worship may be Sunday May 10, which happens to be Good Shepherd Sunday/Mothers’ Day. In the meantime, your local church is providing on-line worship services of word, prayer and spiritual communion, even as we experience this time of sacramental exile and fasting.
In these uncertain and strange times, I wanted to simply let you all know what is going on with the Stevens family. Firstly, we are all doing well. Secondly, we are in the United States and never did make our planned trip to New Zealand. Currently, we are in FL with my parents simply praying for all and being grateful for the time together.
In the days since we sent our last update about how we as a community are responding to the Coronavirus, we have been tracking new information, speaking with other communities of faith, listening to you, and talking with our Bishop.
Today, after consulting with clergy, lay leaders, public health officials and fellow bishops, I ask that each of our congregations set aside this coming Sunday as a Day of Preparation for a Fast from physically gathered, large group worship until April 5, the Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday.