Weather Cancellation Policy
How can I find out whether the church will be closed due to bad weather?
- A notice will be posted on the church website and facebook page.
- A notice will be broadcast on WWLP (News 22) & WGGB Western Mass News
- A notice will be given to our answering service (413) 773-3925.
- Sundays Only: Subscribers of The Newsletter will receive an email notification.
The Weather Policy: Cancelling Saints James and Andrew Services and Activities
In the event of inclement weather (winter storms, storm warnings, advisories) which would delay or close the church, the clergy and wardens will determine the appropriate and safe course of action. Our goal will always be to ensure the safety of our congregation. If weather conditions exist, are predicted, or have the potential to impact scheduled church events, the situation will be closely monitored and information will be gathered from several sources including the city of Greenfield, the Governor's office and other churches in the Pioneer Valley.
During the week, whenever the Greenfield Public Schools are closed, the parish office will be closed and any morning programs will be cancelled. If Greenfield Public Schools has a delayed opening, the office will delay opening as well. Changes to or cancellation of mid-week meetings at the church will always come from the convener of that meeting.
On Sundays, we will operate under one of the following models.
There are various reasons for weather related cancellations but safety will always be primary when deciding whether to close. Closing church and cancelling events may help prevent accidents by keeping non-essential vehicles off the street, ensuring that plowing and shoveling efforts can be most effective on city streets as well as in our own parking lot and on our stairs and walkways.
Please note that although every attempt is made to determine the status of the church events as early as possible, the Rector reserves the right to make that decision at any time based on conditions of the moment.
Modeled after All Saints, Worcester’s Weather Cancellation Policy.
Approved by SsJA Vestry on September 17, 2019
In the event of inclement weather (winter storms, storm warnings, advisories) which would delay or close the church, the clergy and wardens will determine the appropriate and safe course of action. Our goal will always be to ensure the safety of our congregation. If weather conditions exist, are predicted, or have the potential to impact scheduled church events, the situation will be closely monitored and information will be gathered from several sources including the city of Greenfield, the Governor's office and other churches in the Pioneer Valley.
During the week, whenever the Greenfield Public Schools are closed, the parish office will be closed and any morning programs will be cancelled. If Greenfield Public Schools has a delayed opening, the office will delay opening as well. Changes to or cancellation of mid-week meetings at the church will always come from the convener of that meeting.
On Sundays, we will operate under one of the following models.
- Open as usual. The Church will be open as usual for the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services or at 9 a.m. if there is a pre-scheduled combined service, such as, Fall, Winter, & Spring Festival Sundays; Bishop Visitations; Palm Sunday; Lessons & Carols. This is our normal operating model.
- Closed. The church will be closed. There will be no services, no music, no activities. If this is the case, in a special email that will go out to subscribers of The Newsletter, we will identify tools for saying Morning Prayer at home or if we will be offering a Facebook Live worship service that folks can join from home.
- Core worship. The church will be open for one service only at 10:00am. This provides an opportunity to worship for all who feel that it is safe to venture out. There may be no choir or organist. There will be no coffee hour or other after worship activities. We trust each person to determine for him/her/their self whether conditions allow for a safe trip to church and back home again.
There are various reasons for weather related cancellations but safety will always be primary when deciding whether to close. Closing church and cancelling events may help prevent accidents by keeping non-essential vehicles off the street, ensuring that plowing and shoveling efforts can be most effective on city streets as well as in our own parking lot and on our stairs and walkways.
Please note that although every attempt is made to determine the status of the church events as early as possible, the Rector reserves the right to make that decision at any time based on conditions of the moment.
Modeled after All Saints, Worcester’s Weather Cancellation Policy.
Approved by SsJA Vestry on September 17, 2019
