Pastor Duncan Returns from Paternity Leave & Covid Guideline Updates

I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday! It’s been a delightful whirlwind of a few weeks since I worshiped with you last, including the birth of Charlie on June 27 and learning to be a dad. Aside from the birth defect which will require surgery in Boston at the end of August, Charlie is happy and healthy. I also know that there have been lots of changes at St. John’s: the return to the sanctuary, wine at communion, new developments with the apartment.

Regarding this Sunday, the current forecast is for a likelihood of rain, so please plan for worship in the sanctuary. The Vestry decided that if the weather is clement, we will continue to worship outdoors until further notice. However, if the weather is rainy we will venture back inside. If you have not been vaccinated, please wear a face mask and keep socially distant. These guidelines will continue to evolve. As the bishop wrote when lifting diocesan-wide restrictions in late June, “Church leaders will continue to monitor local virus rates and make decisions based on the needs of your community. Clergy and church leaders who conclude that practices such as masking, distancing, outdoor worship, or communion in one kind will better serve their local context have the full support of the Diocese.”