Sunday, January 23, Third Sunday After Epiphany

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday, January 23 is the Third Sunday After Epiphany. Find the readings here. Download the worship booklet here. Also, read Pastor Lise's sermon, or watch the recorded service.

Sunday, January 23, one Service, 9:30 am, Live-Streamed and In Person: For the month of January, we are holding one service at 9:30 am. While we believe that most people will choose to watch the Facebook livestream or later YouTube video, the church will be open for those who prefer to worship in person. We encourage all who are anxious about being around people, who are ill, potentially exposed to COVID, or living with high-risk people to stay home and worship online.

Watch the archived service or read Pastor Lise's sermon here.

If you are worshipping virtually: You can request for blessed communion wafers to be mailed or to pick them up at the office. Email Marge or call the office at 978-283-1708.

If you are worshipping in person: We ask that you wear a mask at all times in the building (we strongly recommend N95, KN95 or surgical masks) and keep your distance from others. Air purifiers will be running during the service. There is no coffee hour following worship. Due to the rapid rise of the Omicron Covid variant, worship will be one pared-down service at 9:30 am, live-streamed on Facebook, in person for those who wish, and available later on YouTube. Music will be provided, but the choir will take a break for the time being. This change will run through the month of January, and then the leadership will reassess the situation. Feedback about the new time is welcomed!

We encourage people who have health issues or current symptoms of illness, who are not vaccinated, or are anxious about being exposed to Covid to stay home and worship online. Your health and peace of mind are priority! At the same time, we realize that some people may not participate in virtual worship and wish to show up in person. Mandatory masking, sitting in alternating pews, and running air purifiers are all in place to keep people safe. And while some parishioners have contracted the virus, we are not aware of anyone catching Covid while worshipping at St. John’s. Please make the best decision you can for yourself and your household.

If you want to join the Zoom coffee hour at 12:30, please email the Parish Administrator for the information.

The Annual Meeting will take place over Zoom on Sunday, January 30. Read the Warrant for the 160th Annual Meeting, which includes instructions for how to participate over Zoom. Annual Reports will be available next week.

Thrift Shop Closed for a Few Weeks: The Thrift Shop will remain closed through January to minimize Covid exposure to the staff and volunteers there. The planned opening date will be Wednesday, February 2.

There are 4 copies of the book The Church Cracked Open in the church office, available for vestry and search members to borrow and read. Contact the church office or come in during the week to sign one out. Discussion times will be set up in the near future.

Celebration of New Ministry for Father Bret Hays, Thursday, February 10 at 6:00pm, streaming live over Facebook. More information here.

Stay Safe! Please stay masked whenever you are around people outside your household. Cloth masks are not very effective; at the minimum, use a surgical mask. KN95 and N95 masks are best! If you or household members develop cold-like symptoms (sore throat, runny nose, tiredness or loss of taste or smell), isolate and get tested. Avoid larger gatherings or eating situations with others. Getting vaccinated or boosted is a good defense against serious illness.