Perhaps you read in last week’s Sword about our Christmas Eve service, and I wanted to give you a little more detail on that as we get closer to it.  My goal, considering the COVID numbers continue to rise across our country and assuming that we would not have any significant in-person worship opportunities this year, is to provide a way to worship from home and also receive Communion.  Doing this safely is a top priority, and relying on the CDC guidelines we can minimize our exposure by avoiding what they define as a “close contact.”  (Less than 6 feet apart for a total of 15 minutes).  

                Thus was born an idea that I think will serve us well.  Below is the schedule: 

• 2pm : Zoom Christmas Eve Service.  
  • Use the same link as Sunday morning: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82580064528?pwd=OS9nUFNEWEMySDFqclNUTTc1Q3YrZz09
  • We will hear the Christmas readings, hymns, sermon, prayers, and I will bless Communion using pre-filled Communion cups.  
• 3pm - 8pm : Communion
  • Sign up to come by in small groups to receive Communion in the nave.  At each time slot, we will say the Lord’s prayer together, share communion, and receive a blessing. 
  • Sign up for Christmas Communion 12/24 here: https://reopen.church/r/rYwZvX5v
• 8pm : Closing prayers live-streamed
  • Watch on Facebook and our website the closing prayers to close the day

                I also understand that for many of you, coming to church (even for a few minutes) is a risk you are unable to take.  I completely understand, and I hope you can join us on the Zoom at 2pm even though you might not come in person later.  As Bishop Lee has reminded us, and the prayer book says: “If a person desires to receive the Sacrament, but, by reason of extreme sickness or physical disability [or pandemic], is unable to eat and drink the Bread and Wine, the Celebrant is to assure that person that all the benefits of Communion are received, even though the Sacrament is not received with the mouth.”  (BCP 457)

                Christmas is all about God beginning a new work in the world by being born in the flesh- it is a source of hope during a dark time.  This year, it is a reminder that God is still here and working in our world as well- a reminder we all need to hear again.  Join us to celebrate and give thanks for the divine hope brought into the world through the Christ Child.  

Jesse+