BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota churches are working to accommodate worshippers during the Christmas holiday as the churches adhere to coronavirus protocols during one of their busiest times of year.
Several Bismarck-area churches are livestreaming services, holding drive-by events and spreading out worshippers to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the Christmas holiday, the Bismarck Tribune reported. Some churches are moving ceremonies outdoors while others stay indoors as socially-distanced congregants wear masks to observe the holiday.
The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck plans to hold eight Masses on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, which will be livestreamed at the Diocese of Bismarck’s website. Video screens and speakers were set up throughout the cathedral and parishioners are asked to sit in every other row of pews to allow for social distancing.
The First Presbyterian Church traditionally held two services on Christmas Eve but this year, with the help of volunteers, the church has instead combined the two into a recorded service that will be livestreamed starting at 5:30 p.m. The church also created a worship packet for congregants to follow along during the ceremony to provide a similar experience to the in-person service.
Members of the Zion Lutheran Church performed a socially-distanced version of the church’s 60th annual Live Nativity over the weekend as attendants watched from their cars. First Lutheran Church in Mandan will have its service in a local high school’s parking lot, and Faith Lutheran Church in Bismarck plans to do some outdoor caroling alongside its livestreamed service option.
The pandemic has limited gatherings at church, but congregants are still collaborating to help families in the area in need during the holidays by providing free meals and buying presents for children.
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