Congregation leadership discussed canceling in-person worship for Christmas Eve.  It was decided to offer the planned Christmas Eve in-person services.

1. We have 5 worship services Christmas Eve (3, 4, 5, 7, & 8 pm) with the 4:00 and 5:00 services livestreamed. Each of the worship services will have candle lighting, communion, recorded music, and live music.  The 4:00 service is oriented toward children.  Each worship service is planned to last between 30 and 40 minutes.  We are offering this many services to keep attendance comparatively low at any given service.  We don’t want a “full house”.
2. Please stay home if you are ill or have been exposed to Covid-19. Please determine your own risk tolerance.  Current guidance discourages gathering in groups of more than 30, especially where you don’t know the vaccination status of others.
3.  Masks are required. There are no exceptions.  Current best practice recommends double masking, especially if wearing a cloth mask, and making sure that all masks cover both the nose and face and that there are no openings.  The only time the mask may be removed is while consuming communion.  All worship leaders will likewise wear masks.
4. We will have seating in every other pew. This allows for social distancing during worship. When you are indoors, we encourage you to social distance from others not in your household.  It is wiser to visit with friends outside before or after the worship service.
5. We hope to have battery operated candles in lieu of a candle with a flame.
6. We have white glow sticks for your child to use and take home.
7. There are likely other changes that will be announced during worship.

I can’t stress this enough: Make your decisions about attending based on your risk tolerance and your situation.

Pastor Earl