People of St. John’s:
Blessings and peace in the name of Jesus Christ!
Preparations are underway to start in-person worship together at St. John’s in the near future. The “Return to In-Person Worship Task Force” and the Bishop’s Committee would like to provide you with a view of what Sunday worship will look like and solicit input from you about your readiness.
The Diocese has provided guidance in line with the CDC, the State of California, and the Orange County Department of Health, within which we are obliged to operate to ensure the health, safety, and comfort of our community.
The points below provide a view of what Sunday in-person worship will look like initially:
• All who attend will be required to wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth
• Parking spaces in the parking lot will be marked off to maintain 6 ft. social distancing
• Body-temperatures will be taken with a no-touch infrared thermometer and health questions asked/answered prior to entry to the sanctuary. If maximum of 100.1 temperature is exceeded, people will be prayed with and asked to return in 14 days.
• Individuals attending worship should arrive at least 15 minutes before service in order to ensure sufficient time for temperature checking and health questions
• Attendance at any service will be limited to 25% of the sanctuary capacity and no more than 100 people
• Ushers will guide attendees to designated seating areas which are 6 ft. apart for proper social distancing (families will be able to sit together)
• Worship will not include Eucharist at this time: Morning Prayer format will continue. Electronic programs will be sent to everyone via email in advance of the service. No printed bulletins will be distributed so if a printout is desired, it will need to be printed at home and brought by the congregant
• A collection basket will be placed at the back of the sanctuary (in lieu of the passing of the plate)
• Whereas music will be permitted, congregational singing will not be
• Sunday School/Godly Play will commence at a later date
• In the beginning, we shall celebrate one service at 9 a.m.
• Hand sanitizer will be readily available
• Restroom access will be monitored, and occupancy limited to one person at a time to ensure appropriate social distancing and to provide required sanitizing
• Water fountains will not be operational (you may bring your own water bottle)
• After-service coffee and donuts will not be available (at least not initially)
• Congregants and clergy will not engage in handshaking, hugging, or other physical contact
• We will livestream the service (Zoom) for individuals who are unable or choose not to attend in-person service