Where many counselors are, there is health

Without a doubt, COVID-19 has robbed us of most of 2020. Staying at home, avoiding gatherings, not touching others, wearing a mask, and always feeling vulnerable when out in the public have worn us down and robbed us of much joy. This is especially hard during the holidays, when gathering with families and friends is our traditional way to celebrate. Because of COVID and its increasing numbers of infections, it is also affecting our church life. In Proverbs 11:14, the Geneva Bible reads, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but where many counselors are, there is health.” After much discussion with “many counselors” and prayer, we have decided that we should not meet in-person for our Christmas Eve service. Given that many who might attend would come from outside our geographical “bubble,” that it would not be fair to restrict the number who might want to attend to less than 50, that finding volunteers to usher who are trained in our protocols has been a challenge, and that simply because it would be putting our church community at risk during a heightened period in this pandemic, we decided for the health and safety of our church we would forgo an in-person Christmas Eve service and instead broadcast our service over Facebook only. However, we are adding a service this year that promises to be safe and fun: a Christmas Season Sing-along! We are inviting families and individuals to “be merry and bright” by recording their favorite Christmas song, from our hymnal or popular culture, and send it to Andrew who will then edit and collate these and play them at this service on Sunday evening the 20^th at 5:00 PM (see below). As they play, you are invited to sing-along in the comfort and safety of your home while enjoying eggnog and other holiday treats. For those who find the holidays difficult due to grieving the loss of a loved one or a feeling of loneliness or isolation, we will also have an in-person and Facebook Live Longest Night Service on December 21^st at 6:00 PM. Finally, we will continue to meet in-person and via Facebook Live at 11:00 on Sunday mornings. We do encourage those who want to attend to please RSVP via Sign-Up Genius or call the office. I hope and pray that you and those you love have a safe, merry, and happy Christmas!