Drive-in, live and remote services planned

As they have all year in 2020, area churches are being creative in terms of worship for the celebration of Christmas.
Here is a rundown of what some local churches are doing. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive. There may be other churches in the county conducting Christmas Eve or Christmas Day services that are not listed here.

Faith United Methodist Churches: Faith United Methodist Church (FUMC) were conducting in-person church services from August until the second week of November.
According to FUMC co-pastor, the Rev. Jon Disburg, the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church has told parishes that no in-person services are allowed between the present time and Jan. 10.
“We did a poll of our members and it was a 50/50 split between a Facebook Live service and a parking lot service, so we are trying to incorporate both into our Christmas Eve services,” Disburg said.
At 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 24, FUMC will be having a Facebook Live service with special music in the sanctuary.
At 5 p.m., the public is invited to drive to the old Shopko parking lot for a drive-in worship service. People will be available to park cars and KHBT will be doing a live remote, so people can listen to the service in their car or from their home.
“We will be passing out song sheets so attendees can sing along to Christmas hymns. There will be scripture readings and a short Christmas story geared to younger members. People are encouraged to bring candles and glow sticks or grab one from us, or use their cell phones to simulate a candlelight worship service in the parking lot,” Rev. Disburg said. The service will last approximately 30 minutes.
At 6:30 p.m., the Revs. Jon and Leila Disburg will be traveling to the FUMC Livermore and Gilmore City centers for a short outdoor worship service. Gather outside the front door of the church in Livermore and in the circle drive in Gilmore City for candle lighting and singing of “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World.” Again, bring your candle or glow stick or use one of the ones provided.
Attendees are asked to wear masks and bring family, friends and neighbors to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Zion Lutheran Church: Will be having three services. There will be Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 24. There will be a Christmas Eve candlelight service with communion at 11 p.m. that evening.
On Friday, Dec. 25, there will be a Christmas Day service with communion at 9:30 a.m.
Masks are required for all services and social distancing will be followed with pews marked off. People can sit in the Narthex and listen and participate. There will also be a screen in the fellowship hall where parishioners can watch the services. People can also listen on the radio at 107.9 FM from the church parking lot or close by to the church.
People can also watch services on Facebook at the Zion Lutheran Church Humboldt page. Services are then posted to YouTube and the church web site, www.zioninhumboldt.org.

Life Gate Fellowship: Services at the Hardy Church at the Humboldt County Historical Museum grounds in Dakota City.
“Last year we had a huge crowd of about 120. It was standing room only,” the Rev. Dr. Dennis Niles said. “We don’t expect that many this year and we will social distance. This year we plan two 45-minute services on Christmas Eve, Thursday, Dec. 24. The services will be at 4:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. It will be a good service with a Christmas Christian message and music,” Niles said.

Humboldt Congregational United Church of Christ: The church will be resuming in-person activities with an in-person Christmas Eve service Thursday, Dec. 24 at 5:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Masks and social distancing is required. All are welcome to share in this community event.

Our Saviour’s Lutheran: Our Saviour’s Lutheran will be having two in-person services and one remote service on Christmas Eve day, Dec. 24. The 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. services will be in-person. The 4 p.m. service will be streamed on Facebook Live on the church’s page. The 6 p.m. service will be broadcast on KHBT. People are required to call or message the church to let them know how many are coming. Everyone is welcome. Masks and social distancing are required.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church: The church will be having three Christmas Eve masses in Humboldt and one in Livermore. The times will be 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. in Humboldt and 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24 in Livermore. There will be a Christmas Day mass at 9 a.m., along with the normal services on Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 8:45 a.m., along with 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning, Dec. 27 in Livermore. Attendees are asked to sign up on the link provided on the church’s web site, www.humboldtareacc.org.
Facemasks are required. Weekend masses are recorded and may be viewed after 5 p.m. on Saturdays at www.facebook.com/groups/243940120098891/

Oak Hill Church: There will be a 6 p.m. Christmas Eve service at the church. People can watch the livestream of the service at the Oak Hill Church Facebook page.