An Interestingly Different Christmas...
I was in a pastor’s meeting last week when another pastor told about a deacon’s meeting during which they were discussing Christmas Eve worship. They were attempting to identify the elements of worship for Christmas Eve they could keep this year, in light of the COVID Pandemic. The one thing, they thought, they could keep, was the lighting of candles. But then, someone asked, “yes, but how are we going to ‘put them out’?” Great question when we struggle with an airborne virus.
This year presents challenges for May Memorial’s “normal” celebration of Christmas, but May Memorial has decided to see those challenges as an opportunity to think and work outside the box. It is appropriate to mourn the loss of “normalcy,” but we can simultaneously look to “the new” and find meaning there. Below is an outline of how we will celebrate Christmas this year at May Memorial. This is not a “normal” year, and in some ways that saddens my heart. And yet I am excited about the new ways we may celebrate this most meaningful season of the year.
Advent and Christmas for the
May Memorial Family
Advent Hospitality: A Gift from the Home… (of name)
November 30 – December 25
Consisting of artwork, music, Christmas symbols and decorations, and readings, these gifts will come from members of the May Memorial family and will be sent out each morning during Advent.
Advent Wednesdays,
Noon until 1:00 p.m., December 2, 9, 16, and 23
Come for a few minutes, or the entire hour. You will hear music from the May Memorial Carillon and guest musicians. This is not a concert, but a time to enjoy the peace and beauty of the May Memorial Sanctuary during the Advent Season. The Advent Wreath will be “re-lit” each Wednesday so those who gather can hear words of hope, joy, love, and peace as we wait for the Coming Messiah.
Sunday, December 20
YouTube Premiere Children’s Christmas Pageant
The pageant will premiere on YouTube and in our sanctuary (video presentation) at 3:00. The sanctuary premiere is offered for those who do not have access to YouTube, although anyone can attend.
Thursday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)
11:00 a.m., YouTube Premiere Service in the MMBC Sanctuary, made available especially for those without a computer or access to YouTube, although anyone can attend.
4:00 p.m., MMBC Christmas Eve Worship on YouTube Premiere
This will be an online worship service much like our worship services while in early pandemic weeks.