Christmas News
December 6, 2020
What Christmas Is Really About
I know that the current pandemic has been hard for many people, and a number of parishioners have reduced their participation in parish life, out of concern for their own health, or for loved ones. I am absolutely committed to providing pastoral care to the best that I can. I am not always aware of everything that goes on in people’s lives. If you would like a visit or a talk, please don’t wait for me to call – feel free to call me, or to reach out to one another.
Advent
We are in the midst of the Church season called Advent, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Messiah. There will be several special services:
Lessons & Carols: Unfortunately, St. Brice’s will not be able to offer our annual Service of Lessons and Carols, as congregational singing is not allowed, due to increased risk of unintentionally passing on the virus. There will, however, be a National Service of Lessons and Carols, offered on-line on December 18, at 8pm local time. Please see https://www.anglican.ca/lessonsandcarols/ for more information.Blue Christmas Service: We acknowledge that the Christmas season is difficult for some of us. St. Brice’s will be hosting a Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, December 20, at 4pm. If you have a particular music request, please complete and submit a copy of the form in the narthex (Church entrance).
Service of Hope: There will be a diocesan service of hope, offered on-line on Sunday, 13 December at 2pm. Further information will be posted on the diocesan website, a few days before the service – seehttps://www.dioceseofalgoma.com/category/latest-news/. A link might also be posted on the parish Facebook page.
Christmas Eve Services
We have given a great deal of consideration to our Christmas Eve services this year. Our intention is to be hospitable to the highest degree possible. We are determined to worship Almighty God in both in-person and on-line formats, because we recognize that within this community, we need to offer both. We are absolutely committed to upholding the safe health practices which are required.
The principal changes this year are:
1. we will be adding a service at 2pm on Christmas Eve
2. In the event the Church building becomes full to the capacity we are allowed, worshippers who arrive later will be invited to worship in the parish hall. (That is, the parish hall is for overflow, if needed.) Those in the parish hall, if needed, will be asked to take their overcoats with them, and to exit through the sidewalk door. Those in the hall will be able to hear the service, and will be able to receive communion, but will not likely be able to view the service.
The Service Times
December 24
2pm(with Organ) Contemporary Worship
7pm (with Band) Contemporary Worship(this service at least will be recorded and available on-line)
9:30pm, Traditional Service (B.A.S., p. 230)
December 25
11am(Book of Common Prayer)
All services will be celebrations of Holy Communion. Of course, we will be expected to mask, observe social distancing, observe the markings on the pews where to sit, along with other precautions. There will be cleaning teams between each of the services. Please don’t wait to be asked; if you would be willing to take a turn helping, please contact the parish office, or contact warden Deb Young. The service on December 27 will be at 10am.