FAQ
Where will the services be?
As of April 18, 2021, all services, with the exception of the Children’s Service (weather permitting) will be indoors in the sanctuary.
What do I do when I get there?
When you walk up to the church entrance, you will see a table set up for checking in. At check-in, we will have a hand sanitizer station, extra masks just in case, bulletins for those who want a paper copy, and a sign-in station. Signing in is essential, because we are carefully tracking who attends in person gatherings in case we need to do contact tracing. At sign-in, we will double check with you that you checked yourself for symptoms that morning. We will also have an offertory box available if you would like to make a donation.
You will then scope out a place to sit. For indoor services, we ask that you gravitate towards the ends of the rows and only sit on the rows without blue signage. Once the ends of the rows fill up, we ask that you be prepared to move to the center of a row in order to accommodate others.
What will the services be like?
Indoor eucharistic services will be continue to be limited in terms of congregational singing and duration. We will continue to receive communion in one kind (bread alone). Participants must remain masked at all times. Preachers and singers standing at a significant distance from the congregation may unmask to do their part.
Outdoor eucharistic services will be more full and will allow for congregational singing. Worship leaders will be mic’d so that you can hear and understand them through the masks. Instead of passing the plates, we ask that you drop your offering in the offertory box at check-in.
All services will include communion – in fact, that’s one of the main motivations for gathering in person! During the Liturgy of the table, you will notice a good bit of conspicuous hand sanitizing on the part of the celebrant. Gluten free wafers will continue to be available.
When should I arrive for services?
Because we are having people sign-in, you will want to arrive 10 or so minutes early.
Will there be room for visitors?
Yes! It would not be a St. James’ service if there weren’t.
What is the rain plan?
In this new phase of worship together, we have developed a rain plan so that we can move outdoor services indoors in case of inclement weather. Parts of the service may be abbreviated in this case.
We would love to see you at in person worship services, but we also realize that it will not be right for everyone. If online services are working for you, that’s great! If this does not fit with the precautionary measures you’re are taking for your own safety because you are in a higher risk category for COVID, please do what you need to do! For the time being – online life will be the main thing, but small in person gatherings outdoors are like a low-risk bonus.
We are reshaping our table of welcome, but it is still true: wherever you are; wherever you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome at this table.