Sunday, January 9, First Sunday After Epiphany
Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Sunday, January 9 is the First Sunday After Epiphany. Find the readings here. Download the worship booklet here.
Sunday, January 9, 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.
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.
Thrift Shop Closed for a Few Weeks: The Thrift Shop will remain closed at least through January 15 to minimize Covid exposure to the staff and volunteers there. An opening date will be assessed at that time.
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.
Annual Meeting: Sunday, January 30th after our 9:30 service at 11:00 am. Please submit reports via email to Elizabeth, the Parish Administrator by Friday, January 14. Thanks
Creation Care Justice Network Annual Retreat Feb. 5th: The Creation Care Justice Network (for both dioceses in MA) will hold its annual retreat from 9-12 on Saturday February 5th via Zoom. The theme is “Embodying Change” and it will introduce an embodied spiritual practice and also a framework for congregations to get involved in climate work at a level that works for them. Register here.