December 17, 2020

Dear Christ Church Family,

Due to the alarming rise of COVID-19 infections in the nation and in our own community, the Vestry, Reopening Committee, Wardens and I have decided to continue the suspension of in-person worship at Christ Church, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

This was a very difficult decision to make. Christmas Eve is for many of us the most glorious and spirit-filled church service of the year. In fact, some of our most cherished memories are of this service from Christmas Eves past. Our eyes mist over as we recall gathering with family and friends to hear the Christmas Story, sing beloved carols, receive the Sacrament, and light our candles as we gently sing Silent Night. It is a tender moment like no other.

Thankfully, much of that can still happen this year, though, admittedly, it will be different. We will gather together virtually, using the now familiar Facebook Livestream platform. Carols will still be sung, the Christmas story will still be told, the Sacrament will still be offered, though spiritually rather than physically, and Silent Night will still be played as we light our candles and, through the magic of the internet, share this holy moment with our entire church family.

Still, I know that this is difficult news for our parish to hear, because it involves a sacrifice that only months ago none of us could imagine ever making. Yet by so doing we are living into our faith in a very profound way. We are called by our Creator to love our neighbor and in this unprecedented emergency taking these steps to protect our community by not gathering in large numbers - even on Christmas Eve - is an act of love.

Peace and love to you all!

Michael +