update for in-person worship

Good evening members and friends of St. John’s UMC!

Monday night, Staff Parish Relations Committee approved a new option for Sunday worship. The Narthex/Cry Room space at the back of the sanctuary will be a “no mask” space.

How is this going to work?

• We are asking you to give us a RESERVATION so we know how many will be coming;
• This space will be independent from the rest of the sanctuary, and doors into sanctuary will remain closed;
• WORSHIPERS WILL ENTER VIA THE BRADY STREET RED DOORS;
• If you enter through the building, a mask will be needed until entering the narthex;
• Weekday use of the building will still require masks;
• This option will be on a trial basis for the month of September.

How did this decision get made?

• A series of leadership groups have wrestled with this decision.
• The re-opening task force discussed this earlier in August and sent a recommendation to try a “no mask option” to Church Council.
• Church Council discussed their recommendation but decided to table the issue and refer it to SPPRC.
• A week later SPPRC discussed this option further and the majority decided to make this option available in a trial basis in September.

This decision tries to balance the desire to worship without a mask, and the safety of everyone in the sanctuary.

We understand that this is a sensitive topic and it will be revisited at the end of the month.

As an additional precaution, for the safety of all, we have added a new Air Purification System in the sanctuary. It will help us in 3 ways… 

1. A charcoal filter will reduce odors
2. The HEPA filter takes out dust and allergens
3. And Ultraviolet Light will eliminate germs or virus particles

It will be allowed to run during the week, and is safe for people to be near when running.

Pastor Jeff