New COVID Guidelines for Worship

Our program year is off and running, with new offerings for children and the promise of an exciting year ahead!  The state of the COVID-19 pandemic in Boston has changed for the better, and we are updating our Worship COVID Guidelines to meet the current reality.

Vaccination - We strongly encourage each member of St. John's to be vaccinated and boosted.  This is our best tool for mutual health and safety.

Mask Wearing - For our members with weakened immune systems or with other at-risk health factors, we strongly recommend wearing a high-quality mask while at worship (KN-95 and N-95 masks are ideal).  And we respect and invite anyone who wishes to wear a mask to do so at anytime.  That said, masks are no longer required for participating in worship, including while singing.

At Home Testing - We strongly encourage each member to take an at home COVID test on Saturday or Sunday morning before coming to church and to remain at home if receiving a positive result.  Health care plans provide monthly free tests available through your local pharmacy.  Worship will continue to be live-streamed for those not able to participate in person.  

Remaining Home if Feeling Ill - When feeling ill, it is best to remain at home for your own recovery and for the protection of others.  Worship will continue to be live-streamed for those not able to participate in person.  

Space for Socially-Distancing - We will reserve the back right pews as you face the narthex for those who wish to practice social distancing during worship.  If needed, we will expand this space to accommodate all who wish to be socially distanced during worship.

Our parish leadership with guidance from the Diocese will monitor the state of the pandemic here in Boston as we move forward and we may return to more stringent Guidelines if warranted.  But for now, we have the promise of a new beginning for our in-person worship in the COVID era, and that is a good thing!

Blessings,
Ted+

If your have any questions or concerns about these guidelines, please reach out to our Rector, Ted, or our Wardens, Kate and Deb.  You can reach Ted at ted@stjohns-jp.org and contact the church office to be connected with Kate or Deb at parish.admin@stjohns-jp.org.