Important Christmas Worship Update
December 23, 2021
Dear Friends,
Over the past 30 hours or so, we have been looking into the current risks of in-person gatherings as Covid transmission rates rise. We've spoken with other churches and taken the Bishop's message into consideration (the Bishop's also wrote to the clergy last night to reiterate that we need to proceed with care and that they are in support of either all virtual or simplified in-person services given the direction data has gone in during this week).
We want to keep you all safe! We also know that the need to be with one another in-person at Christmas time is real, and is, for many, the balm our souls most need.
If you are planning on joining us on-line, no need to keep reading:-). The online service will be made available on all platforms at noon on Christmas Eve, and will be available anytime after that!
If you are planning to come to church, first, please know that it is OK if you decide not to come in-person as we are no longer going to be seated inside and no longer managing limited pew space, and we mostly just want you to feel and be safe! We actually encourage you to stay home if you are not feeling well, have significant health vulnerabilities, or are awaiting a Covid test result. If you have an at home Covid test on hand that you can use before you come tomorrow, please do. Thank you for being a part of the effort to keep everyone safe!
If you are feeling well and want to come to church on Christmas Eve - wonderful! The service has been changed and while there will be a brief initial indoor component, the (now shortened) service itself will be held outdoors.
When you arrive, you will be guided through the front doors of the church one group at a time, to see the church and crèche scene while Christmas music is offered. You may pick up a star at the nativity and proceed to the side door where we will give you a battery-operated candle and a bulletin. Bring your star, candle, and bulletin down to the yard and warm up by the fire while we await everyone's trip through the church. This is a good time to enjoy some Christmas fellowship, and we will ask that you stay masked as we gather even though we are outdoors- this will help us in gathering close and singing together safely.
Once all are gathered, we will have a 15-minute Outdoor Christmas service ending in singing Silent Night.
You will then be invited to bring your star to the outdoor manger, leave your candle for us for next year;-) and get home to warm up.
We look forward to celebrating Christ's birth with you, even as we pivot, go with the flow, accommodate, and shift (sounds like the Christmas 2021 dance!)
Peace to you,
Coming to Church? Here is your check list! (click for printable format)
- Warm layers!
- Hat and gloves
- Feeling healthy
- Good Mask (N95 & KN95 are best)
- Patience and Flexibility
- Flash light or pen light
- Jingle Bells (if you want to ring them at mentions of angels!)
- Christmas Tree Hat if you are Linda H... ;-)
- A mug of hot tea
- A hopeful heart
Lectionary Readings for Christmas Eve
Lectionary Readings for Christmas Day
A helpful reflection from The Salt Project on "Christmas & Distance"
