Dear St. John's Friends and Family,

Let me start by thanking you for adjusting to one Sunday Service at 9am these past two months! Most of you have tried it! Many of you have indicated you'd like to see us continue that this fall! Worship Team, Council, and Education Team have discussed the pros and cons of one Sunday service, and believe that the 'pros' outweigh the 'cons', so we'd like to offer you this schedule this fall (starting September 15) One Sunday Service at 9am, with Sunday School from 9:30-10:15; plus our usual Saturday at 5pm service!

One thing we hope this does is encourage young families (those presently here and those looking for a church!) to bring their kids to Sunday worship; help them experience the first 30 minutes of worship; and then we'll dismiss the students to Sunday School after the children's time of the service.

Another thing we hope this does is give us a wider sense of 'community', as you will see more people in one place at the same time! (And stronger singing along with that!)

A 'downside' to this is that you readers, ushers, communion assistants, techies, and greeters will have less to do. So you will not be scheduled-in as often, but we still need you! And we appreciate the important volunteering that you do!

What we hope this does not do is discourage anyone from Sunday worship-either because 9am is less convenient, or too early, or too late. So, thank you in advance for helping make the most of this schedule change. Your presence matters! Your opinions matter! And we know there is no 'perfect' Sunday morning schedule! Facebook Live will continue at 9am!

I also want to challenge you and encourage you to invite someone to worship (and to Sunday School, and to Confirmation Class with 7th and 8th graders, and to Grief Support Group, and to Youth Group etc.!) The Jackson area continues to grow! You likely know someone who does not have a church 'home' who would appreciate an invitation! We at St. John's and as part of the ELCA have a wide welcome to offer-in terms of worship, fellowship, learning, and serving!

- Pastor Paul