It goes without saying, but as Thanksgiving was different for all of us this year, Christmas will follow suit. We will not be able to gather as we have in the past, either without our individual extended families or without our Holy Trinity family…well, at least not in the way we traditionally have. But we will still gather. Therefore, let me introduce you to…

CHRISTMAS EVE EVERYWHERE!

Here is what will happen. Starting at 5pm, and then on every consecutive hour, I will be at a different, outdoor, location in the seacoast area. You are invited to bundle up and join me (being physically distant and wearing a mask, of course) for a 20-minute service that will include…

Singing of O Come All Ye Faithful (with masks on)
Reading of the Nativity Story from Luke
Communion with REAL BREAD AND WINE (we will have gluten free and NA options available)
Singing of Silent Night and lighting of candles (or using glow sticks if weather dictates it).

The locations and times are shown on the poster farther down in this email. Please find the location nearest to you (or at the most convenient time) and join me. The only reason why we wouldn’t meet would be if there is a blizzard and it is not safe to drive, therefore, come dressed appropriately.

I am looking for someone(s) at each location to arrive 15minutes early and bring the communion elements and candles or glowsticks and pass them out (I will provide them to you beforehand). Due to the distance between a couple of the locations, I will be arriving just before or right at our designated starting time. Also, due to some of the distances, we will need begin promptly at the top of the hour so I have ample time to get to the next service. If you traditionally arrive late on Christmas Eve and like to sneak in the back, that will not be an option for you! Please contact me if you are willing to help.

For those of you who are not able to join us at one of the locations, we will be recording our traditional Christmas Eve worship in our sanctuary and posting that on YouTube for you to watch at your convenience. The sanctuary is currently being decorated with our tree and banners and all the things that make it so beautiful this time of year. That service will also consist of communion and end with the singing of Silent Night and the lighting of candles (glowsticks shouldn’t be needed indoors. )

Just because we can’t do what we have always done does not mean that this year will be any less special. As I said at the top of this message, it will simply be different. Different is neither good nor bad. Different can be what we make of it. I am looking forward to making something good with it. I hope you are as well.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tim