Dear friends in Christ - as you know, the situation with respect to COVID and the omicron variant in our province continues evolve and unfold rapidly, and yesterday we all heard Dr. Strang announce further significant changes and restrictions that came into effect this morning (Dec 22).  As a result, in response, we are once again having to reassess and reformulate our plans for Christmas Eve (as well as for the Sunday worship for Dec 26 and beyond).

After careful and prayerful reflection, deliberation and consideration of both yesterday afternoon's news and of what the available options are at this point (and recognizing the shortness of timelines) I would like to once again pass along some important changes that we have had to make.  

In light of the new restrictions (particularly in terms of gathering limits and indoor activities), and considering the unprecedented level of virus
activity in our province and local area, we are no longer able to proceed with offering the 4 pm and 6:30 services as had been previously scheduled.  Our Christmas Eve services are very special joyful times and are a perennial highlight of the season for me personally and for many in our church family and beyond, so this will no doubt come as a very great disappointment - these, of course, were extremely difficult but necessary decisions to make at this time.

In the midst of the challenges, however, I am pleased to share that there are two worship options for Christmas Eve that we are able to proceed with at this time, so here is what we will now be offering:

Online.  We will be working to prepare an online video/virtual service that will be made available on Christmas eve, for your personal/home/family use. Although time is short, we will be aiming to include as much of what we are accustomed to on Christmas eve as possible.  The audio of this service will also be made available via our toll-free number, so the hope is that this will be an option available for use and accessible in some format for all who wish to have a word from Kentville Baptist on December 24.

In-person.  For those who do still wish to be a part of an in-person gathering on Christmas Eve, we will be offering one, in-person, outdoor
service, at 6:30 pm.  This will be a very short and simple liturgy (15-20 mins max), and we are planning that it will include the retelling of the Christmas story from scripture, the lighting of the Christ candle, with opportunity for all present to light their own candle from the Christ candle, and we will have Silent Night sung, as we share the light of Christ together.  This gathering will be held following the pubic health restrictions and guidance (physical distancing, masks etc.).  Be sure to bundle up and dress warmly (current forecast for temperature is between -5 and -8 C).  The gathering limit outdoors is 50, and there is a plan in place on how we will simultaneously proceed with distinct multiple groups should it be necessary, and so you do not need to pre-register to attend.  Proof of vaccination is not required.  This will take us back to the roots of the story of the "Word made flesh" -- which you'll remember took place in a crude stable... and you'll also remember, that the original good news was shared with shepherds outside at night on a Judean hillside :)

Thanks to all of for both your prayers and your understanding in these difficult days in terms of COVID.  If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact reach out,

Advent blessings,

Rev. Devin