Places of Worship adapting to restrictions
By Krystal McKenzie
As we approach the holidays once again, seemingly nothing is going as planned. As disheartening as it seems, this is the perfect time to broaden your horizons and perhaps participate in an event that you haven’t before when things were ‘normal’.
Churches and other places of worship have become very adept at adapting to the ever-changing Covid restrictions including online and outdoor services as well as changes to the service itself to maintain social distancing. We take a look at the options available this holiday season.
Anglican
While the time is yet to be confirmed, the Cathedral is hosting a carol service on 19 December in the early evening.
Christ Church, Devonshire, is hosting their annual candlelight service the Sunday before, 12 December.
This is in addition to the Christmas Day services and Christmas eve events and you can reach out to the respective churches as we get closer to the time to confirm details
Presbyterian
Christ Church in Warwick strives to be not only a church in the community, but a church for the community. Worship is very much at the heart of the church’s life, and Christ Church welcomes and hopes to be a blessing to all who walk through their doors. This past year of isolation has been very difficult for many and they encourage their congregation to offer rides to those in need, especially seniors.
Their regular worship is at 10am every Sunday and Christ Church, Warwick makes every provision to align with government Covid-19 protocols. Masks are required and seating is socially distanced.
Subject to health regulations at the time, their current plans for the Christmas season include:
6pm – Christmas Eve Family Nativity
11:30 pm – Watchnight Service with carol singing from 11.15pm
10am – Worship for Christmas Day
Any further events for the community are featured on their Facebook page: https:// www.facebook.com/Christ. Church.Warwick
Seventh-Day Adventist
Every year the Adventists normally hold a holiday banquet, but because of Covid-19, they’ve had to change their plans.
This year, in order to cater to those who need to stay safe at their place of residence, they’re broadcasting a special event on their television channel, Adventist Television (ATV).
For the Thanksgiving season, they’re showing their Seasoned Seniors Thanksgiving Concert with guest artist Mrs Jennifer LaMountain on Monday, 22 November. Tune in on ATV, channel 82 and Digicel channel 80. The time will be determined closer to the date.
Other Religious Organisations
For the other major religious organisations on island, they are all watchful and waiting to see how they can go all out to celebrate the holiday season. To discover events that might be of interest to you, get in contact with the establishment of your choice closer to and during the holiday season.
Non-Religious Events
If you are not associated with any particular religious order, but still want ideas on how to make the holidays festive, find a way to participate in any of these boredom busters over the last months of 2021:
11 November Origami Day
13 November World Kindness Day
14 November Fast Food Day
17 November Take a Hike Day
21 November World Hello Day
9 December Christmas Card Day
10 December Human Rights Day
12 December Gingerbread House Day
19 December Ugly Sweater Day
20 December Go Caroling Day
21 December Forefather’s Day
23 December Festivus
No matter what you choose to do, please enjoy the time, be safe, and engage in the spirit of the season.
