Sensory Friendly Christmas Eve Worship | St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Tuesday, December 24, 2024, 11:00 AM

We invite you to celebrate the story of Jesus' birth with a gentle, less crowded, supported experience geared towards individuals with sensory needs as well as younger friends who may appreciate a shorter worship service.

Our Sensory Friendly Christmas Worship will include the telling of the Christmas story in a simple and fun way, some familiar Christmas carols and an abbreviated celebration of the Eucharist and sharing in Communion.

This Christmas worship service will last approximately 40-45 minutes.

Sensory-Friendly elements include:

A Know-Before-You-Go document will be provided in advance that includes a simple social narrative to let participants know what to expect before they arrive (check back after December 20th for a link to download this information or email [email protected] to find out more)
Encouragement to bring headphones, fidgets, and any support materials that you may need
We will also provide some coloring materials and other hands-on materials to help engage the story
The option to arrive earlier (the church will be open starting at 10 a.m.) in order to get used to the church space and to explore the materials.
Encouragement to feel a "freedom of movement" - during the service - to sit or stand or be where you feel most comfortable. And to move around as needed!
Lower music volume using only the piano to accompany familiar Christmas carols (no organ or the brass/string instruments that will be featured at our 4 & 7 p.m. services)
With the piano, we will sing only a few verses of some familiar carols; however, if anyone needs to step out during the music, our lower church hall will be available as a quiet, no music space.
No incense and no strong-smelling fragrances (we ask that attendees please refrain from wearing fragrance as well).
An emptier and uncrowded space - especially as compared to the often full services at both 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Christmas eve.

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Tags: Christmas Together at St. Paul's / Events / Worship

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