It was great seeing more people face to face this past Sunday for worship. Our 9 AM online service, with up to 50 people in the sanctuary felt, well, familiar. It practically brought tears to my eyes with the singing (with masks) once again filling the sanctuary. We also improved our timing from the prior week. Since we will be continuing to pay close attention on the Covid-19 cases, here is our worship schedule for the next two Sundays:

June 6 – 9 AM online service with up to fifty people in the sanctuary. Sign up link is here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c45acaf28a0fec34-sunday6

June 6 – 11 AM Outdoor worship will be held at the Biggerstaff Retreat Center. Since St. John’s Lutheran will be worshiping there earier that morning, please arrive no earlier than 10:45 so the parking area can get cleared out. Here’s more information on the Retreat Center:

https://www.stjohnswalhalla.org/biggerstaff-retreat-conference-center/  In lieu of a potluck we are asked to bring our own lunches. Benches are available for seating, but bringing your own camp chair gives you flexibility to move into the shade!

For June 13, please note we’ve flipped the times for the online service and the outdoor service.

June 13 – 9AM OUTDOOR WORSHIP in the Upper Parking Lot at 111 Sloan Street.

June 13 – 11 AM Online worship service. At this time, up to fifty people can be in the sanctuary.

Yesterday it was great to see the Tuesday Bible Study group meeting in the Fellowship Hall. As I was cutting through to get the mail it was wonderful to hear the laughter and conversation of friends reunited. I also appreciated making an online option available for people to participate from home or on the road.

Slowly but surely we are recovering those opportunities to rekindle friendships and initiate new ones by worshiping together, studying scripture together, serving together, and simply enjoying one another’s company and catching up. I look forward ro seeing you.

God’s peace & hope,

Pastor Jon

P.S. If you’ve been vaccinated, please let me know!