To: All Parishioners at St. Mark’s/St. John’s Episcopal Church

From: The Rev. Nancy Packard

May 29, 2020

Greetings...

I pray that everyone is happy & healthy...I can’t wait to see you all again! I have good news! It is my great pleasure to announce that St. Mark’s/St. John’s parish will re-open for both services on Sunday, June 7th, 2020.  My purpose for writing to you today, however, is to alert you that our services will look very different from our services in the past. First and foremost, please understand that we must limit each congregation to 25 people...which, I’m sure,  will become very frustrating for those who cannot attend. This breaks my heart but it is our reality at this time.  Bishop Kevin has asked clergy leaders from each parish to develop safety guidelines for re-opening our parishes following the Covid-19 crisis. These guidelines are meant to keep us safe because the virus is still out there!  It seems that it may be a long time before we can enjoy the normalcy we have known in the past.  I am confident, however, that we can proceed into the future with positive attitudes and grateful hearts. 

I can’t emphasize enough that these guidelines are meant to protect all of us...and they reflect the recommendations of public health officials and our church leaders.  Please read them over and become familiar with them.  I wonder if, perhaps, we can gently remind each other when we forget? I know I, for one, am continually putting my hand out to greet people, so I expect that I’ll need reminding from time-to-time myself! 

Give us a call if you have any questions...and know how much  I look forward to worshipping with you again.

Blessings...Nancy+

The Rev. Nancy Packard

Interim Rector

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The guidelines are as follows:

Re-Opening Guidelines for St. Mark’s/St. John’s Episcopal Church - Jim Thorpe, PA

1. A letter will be sent to all parishioners which announces the date of re-opening (June 7th) of Sunday services (our new guidelines will be included in the letter). The letter will also emphasize that It is important for all those who are vulnerable (to illness of any kind) to remain at home.

2. We will offer Morning Prayer only (no Eucharist, no communion)

3. All who attend our services must wear masks at all times/this includes adults & children over 2. Masks will be available at the door.

4. We will provide stations for hand sanitizing and request everyone to sanitize their hands frequently.

5. We will provide service pamphlets each week.  All prayerbooks and hymnals will be removed from the pews. We will have organ music at our 9:30 service but there will not be a choir and we will not have congregational singing.

6. There will be no coffee hour; no eating or drinking at all.

7. Everyone present will maintain social-distancing at all times; people of the same household may sit together.

8. We will continue to live-stream our services for those who choose to stay at home.

9. Our offering plate will be at the entrance rather than passing the plate during services.

10. We will remain in place at the exchange of peace....acknowledging peace to others from a distance.

11. We will not have church school - all children will remain with their families during services.

12. Our bathrooms will be cleaned and sanitized following each service.

13. We will generate and maintain a weekly list of attendees. 

Church Tours:

1. There will be less than 10 people in a tour group.

2. Masks will be worn at all times (masks given at the door).

3. Social distancing will be required at all times.

4. Hand sanitizer will be offered throughout the church and hand sanitizing will be required before each tour begins.

5. People will be asked not to touch anything while on the tour.

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PLEASE VISIT US ON FACEBOOK: 

https://www.facebook.com/stmark.stjohn.jimthorpe

All are Welcome!