COVID-19 Pandemic Requires Innovation in Delivering Spiritual Care
LANSING, Mich. – Individuals looking for a safe place to worship for Christmas Eve during the COVID-19 pandemic can look no farther than Greater Lansing, according to St. David’s Episcopal Church.
“We are truly living in extraordinary times,” said Fr. David Blank, interim priest at St. David’s. “Houses of Worship must be innovative to address the spiritual care of our brothers and sisters during COVID-19, especially on Christmas. On this very blessed day of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, please visit us in-person or online to experience a ‘safe worship’ experience. All are welcome.”
At 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve — Friday, Dec. 24 — St. David’s, 1519 Elmwood Road, will have an in-person, candle-lighting “safe worship” service. Individuals will be provided masks, if without one, and have a precautionary temperature check at the door prior to entry.
Individuals who wish to worship from the safety of their own home can stream the service on www.stdavidslansing.org. Those who desire to receive communion after watching the online service can participate in “Drive-Thru Communion,” where communion will be distributed directly to vehicles with minimal contact from 5:30-6 p.m. at St. David’s.
Individuals participating in “Drive-Thru Communion” should enter St. David’s at the north entrance, which is closest to Elmwood Elementary School.
As various virus surges occurred throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, St. David’s has used Zoom and livestreaming on YouTube and Facebook to provide connection to parishioners in Greater Lansing. Since the beginning of 2021, in-person services have been taking place in conjunction with livestreaming services.
To learn more about St. David’s and the Christmas Eve Service, go to www.stdavidslansing.org.