Hello Maple Grovers and friends,
As we prepare our hearts and homes for Christmas, I want to share with you that there has been a lot of discussion over the last weeks on how we at Maple Grove will be able to worship on Christmas Eve. After many hours of discussion and various ideas we have decided to offer several ways in which we hope you will be able celebrate the joy and wonder of Christmas Eve at MGUC.
In making our decisions and offering the various choices, we have followed the Halton Region Health Unit and the Oakville Council and Mayor’s guidelines. These guidelines are in line with the Province of Ontario’s pandemic protocols.
Here are three options, with short explanations, for Christmas Eve worship services.
On Dec. 24th on the website or in the enews you will find the YouTube link to the Pre-Recorded Christmas Eve Communion Service (similar to what you receive on Sundays). If this is your safest and best option you may not need to consider the other options. There will be scripture readers and Music provided by the Maple Grove Children’s Choir, the Chancel Choir and the Memorial Handbell Choir. Watch the pre-recorded service, approximately 55 minutes, in the comfort of your own home and on your own time. The YouTube link is active from December 24th and ongoing. Watch it many times and then share it with family and friends.
We also offer the Young People’s Christmas Eve service, from the Sanctuary, via Zoom at 6:30pm and also the Traditional Family Christmas Eve service, from the Sanctuary, via Zoom at 7:30pm. (note: these services are different from the pre-recorded service on YouTube). For both of these services you do need to pre-register.
To join the Young People’s Christmas Eve service via Zoom please email revkerrymguc@gmail.com by 5pm on Christmas Eve to receive the Zoom link. The focus is sharing the good news of the birth of Jesus by dressing as our favourite Nativity person at home and Rev. Kerry, using Zoom, will lead us to the manger. Scripture Readings and the music will be provided by Dr. Deborah Henry and Eran Rozen, M.Mus. Natasha Frank will lead the Christmas Eve craft time.
If you would like to join the Traditional Family Christmas Eve service, from the Sanctuary, via Zoom at 7:30pm please email revkerrymguc@gmail.com by 5pm on Christmas Eve to receive the Zoom link. The Family Christmas Eve Service will be live via Zoom from the Sanctuary. This Zoom service will open at 7:30 pm and begin at 7:45 and end at approximately 8:20pm. Readings, Christmas Carols and a short message from Rev. Kerry as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Note this service is different from the pre-recorded service of item A. Music provided by Dr. Deborah Henry and Eran Rozen, M.Mus.
The Service in the Sanctuary has been cancelled due to COVID-19
If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact the office or Rev. Kerry at revkerrymguc@gmail.com