Media Release
Even though it’s decorated for Christmas, church looks different these days…
You must RSVP the night before if you plan on going; signs on the front door say, “EXIT ONLY”; pews are roped off where you can’t sit, and X marks the spot where you can sit. Like most other places, masks are mandatory, you’re required to sanitize your hands upon entering and record your attendance at the door. The collection plate isn’t passed around, but you can drop your offering in as you go to your seat, and only HUM the hymns please!
Back in March we had no idea it would be months before we could worship again in person, but a small group of us has returned. With the guidance of the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit, and a generous donation from the Tea Time Quilters for an electrostatic disinfectant sprayer, a re-opening committee has implemented protocols to allow a small number of individuals to gather for worship in the safest way possible. A welcome return to a familiar ritual albeit slightly different.
And for those who can’t attend in person due to health risks, printed services prepared by United Church Ministers and lay people on the Bruce Peninsula, have been delivered each week to several of our senior members, by a dedicated group of volunteers. While many others receive an electronic version to read.
Unfortunately, these protocols make it difficult to host the traditional Christmas Eve service for the community at large, so in the best interest of everyone’s health and safety, the Lion’s Head Pike Bay Pastoral Charge has decided to cancel the 2020 Christmas Eve Service that would normally be held at Lion’s Head United.
The pandemic has forced many of us to get creative, and while the technology has been around for some time, we’ve now learned how to embrace it. In-person committee meetings have been replaced with “Zoom” video meetings. Many churches, including Tobermory, Kemble-Sarawak and Zion-Keppel and Sauble Beach and Hepworth have created You Tube Channels. So, this year, we can celebrate the Advent season and Christmas Eve with our extended United Church family – virtually!
On November 29, about 50 people joined a live Advent kick off via “Zoom”. With participation from six Pastoral Charges in the greater Bruce Peninsula and four ministers, the short online service included an Advent Candle Lighting ritual, music, prayer and a reflection for the Advent season, all from the safety of our homes! Plans are now underway to offer a “Longest Night” service on December 21st using the same platform, and pre-recorded Christmas Eve Services will be posted to You Tube.
As we give thanks for our blessings, we remember that some families may not be so fortunate. This year, Lion’s Head and Pike Bay’s monetary White Gifts will be directed to the Women’s Centre Grey Bruce Inc., a safe place for women and children affected by abuse in Grey and Bruce Counties, and the Lion’s Head and District Food Bank.
We are all feeling the void of our traditional Christmas festivities, music concerts and gatherings with family and friends, but we can still give thanks for the One whose birth we celebrate! Let us be hopeful for a brighter year ahead!
If you would like to attend an in-person service, subscribe to our email list, or more information about online services that are available, please contact the church office at 519-793-3312 or email lhpc@amtelecom.net.
