Christmas at St. Cross: Schedule Changes
“Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:10b-11
It is with a very heavy heart that I am writing to say that we are canceling in person services for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Sunday. One of the clergy tested positive today. Additionally, two other staff members have immediate family members who tested positive yesterday. Thus, the clergy have all been exposed, and three of the four have experienced symptoms. After consulting with the Wardens and our COVID counsel, there isn't a reasonable way within the health guidelines, or in good conscience, to lead in-person Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services and risk widespread exposure. We also need to tend to our own health. If there are appropriate test results and no symptoms, a clergy person will lead the services live online. If not, we will go to our back up plans. Stay tuned.
We know this is deeply disappointing to many who were looking forward to Christmas Eve being "more normal" this year. We were looking forward to that also. My prayer is that the love of the newborn Christ Child will break through this darkness and that God's light will shine brightly in our hearts. We remain connected to one another through this love whether we are in person or congregating online. We are connected by God's love.
Please join us online:
- 3pm Christmas Eve—Christmas Service
- 9pm Christmas Eve –Christmas Service
- 10am Christmas Day—Organ concert with carols
- 10am Sunday Morning—Lessons and Carols on Sunday.
We also have 400 oranges!!!! Please come by the church on Christmas Eve Day (tomorrow) any time after 12 pm and take some candy canes and oranges. Be an angel! Announce glad tidings! Take some to friends. Take some to your neighbor. Take them and spread some "sweet" joy, for there is always the joy of Emmanuel, God with us, to be shared.
Please keep the clergy and staff in your prayers. We wish you all good health now, and in the year to come.
Merry Christmas (and I mean that),
Rev. Rachel+
