Dear Families,

You have all been in my thoughts and prayers, even more so during our time apart. I have loved exchanging letters, drawings, and videos with you and your children. As a parent of young kiddos myself, I fully appreciate the unique struggles we are facing raising children during these unprecedented times. Among these challenges, are summer childcare, vacations, and camp plans being up in the air.

With that in mind, I have spent a lot of time discerning what is best for St. John families, staff, and volunteers in terms of Vacation Bible School and Day Camp. No one knows what July will look like amidst the COVID-19 crisis which has made planning for VBS difficult. VBS is a five-day event that requires more than 50 volunteers and many months of planning to come together in the fun, joyous, glitter filled way that it does. Given these factors, communication with other parents, church leadership, and healthcare professionals, and the safety and health of our community being priority number one; in consultation with church leaders and members of the Children's Ministry Team, we have made the difficult decision that VBS will not be happening as planned for July 13-17, 2020. 

That said, I am hopeful that we will still manage to commune in some way this summer. Along with the Children's Ministry Team, I am brainstorming for something later in the summer, or at home and smaller group ideas. I am enthusiastic about families connecting to each other, to the church, and to God. We can wait and see what rainbows may come from this storm. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, Pastor Andy, or Pastor Emily.

Grace and Peace,

Erynne