Church Operations and Social Distancing

​Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:20-25).
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​Continued Ministry at St. John’s during “Social Distancing”

We will continue to have all regularly scheduled worship services at St. John’s during the week of March 15. In addition to our 8 & 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. services, we will live stream our 11 a.m. service for those who are unable to attend in person. Lent services will continue on Wednesday at 4:30 & 7 p.m. We will suspend our coffee hour and Lent soup suppers for at least the next 30 days. Adult Bible class will continue between Sunday morning services. Children’s Sunday School will be suspended until after Easter.

While we want to avoid panic and rest in the assurance of our faith, we also want to take reasonable precautions. 

What we are doing to facilitate “social distancing”:

• No handshaking or other close contact before or after services
• The offering will be collected in the narthex as you come in rather than passing offering plates
• Each service will utilize a washed (and sanitized) set of communion vessels
• Each service will utilize a fresh purificator soaked with grain alcohol to cleanse the rim of the chalice between communicants
• Individual cups will be spaced with at least one open slot between cups to minimize contact with hands 
• No intinction in the chalice
• Communion assistants will wash their hands thoroughly before the beginning of the service and use hand sanitizer before distributing communion

What you can do to facilitate “social distancing”:

• Stay home if you feel ill, and especially if they are exhibiting any cold or flu-like symptoms. 
• Members who are most at risk--those who are over 60 or who have other potential complications--are advised to remain at home until the threat of community spread has diminished. 
• Consider attending Sunday evening or midweek services, which are generally opportunities to worship with fewer in attendance.
• Consider supporting our ongoing ministry through online giving at www.stjohnschicago.church/give-now 

Because the news and recommendations from health officials are constantly changing, we will avoid making any decisions prematurely. We will continue to post an update every Saturday concerning our services for the following week. In addition, we will provide resources for individual and family devotions, especially for families who find themselves at home for the next several weeks. We will also provide some opportunities for meditation and prayer at St. John’s or online over the next several weeks. Please check back often at www.stjohnschicago.church/blog or follow our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsLutheranChicago for updates. 

Let us pray. Lord God, heavenly Father, You have daily and richly blessed us with all that we need to support our bodies and lives. Give us confidence that you will continue to deliver us from evil. Let us receive our daily bread with thanksgiving. Quiet our hearts and show us opportunities to love and serve our neighbors in this time of uncertainty. Protect us from all that would harm us, through Jesus and in His name. Amen.