With churches having to adapt around the pandemic and creating alternative plans of conducting services to its parishioners, there has been a reduction in the number of churches having Christmas services. Terry Scott, pastor of the Willis Baptist Church stated that they will “not have a program” this holiday season, as compared to previous years. The church typically has a packed house of worship for a holiday program. However, due to COVID 19 concerns, the increased number of cases in the area has forced the congregation to err on the side of caution, and not have a special program.
Another church that will not be having a Christmas program, is the Texoma Southern Baptist Church. They typically have a wonderful Christmas service, but will forego that opportunity this year, because ofthe risk in spreading any possibility of the virus to the pa-rishioners. That same reason is being given by the Oakview Baptist Church. Pastor Greg Idell noted that the leadership did not want to take a chance on someone getting sick because of the virus.
However, one local area church will be offering a Blue Christmas Service. Lighthouse United Methodist Church in Kingston wants to offer people that may be suffering from the loss of a loved one to come together and be able to celebrate the season with oth-ers who may be going through a similar situation.
Steve Littrell, pastor of Madill First United Methodist Church is trying to being supportive of the community, and also at the same time trying to adhere to the concerns of the church body, by offering Christmas caroling for the shut-ins in the community.
Littrell added that if someone would like for the carolers to come and sing outside of their home, to contact the church and let them know. There is no charge for this opportunity. It is meant for seniors, who have not been able to get out and about to enjoy the Christmas season.
Pastor Toni Hignight at Kingston United Methodist Church will be offering a Christmas Eve Service for the community, that will begin at 10:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary.
Many congregations in the area are scheduling candlelight services for the Christmas season.
December 16 - Christmas Caroling. First United Methodist Church, Madill. Call for appointment at (580) 795-3732.
December 20 - Children’s Christmas Service. Little City Baptist Church, Little City. 6pm.
December 20 - Blue Christmas Service. Lighthouse United Methodist Church, Kingston. 6pm.
December 20 - Candlelight Service. 1st Assembly of God Church, Kingston. 10:30pm. Masks and sanitizer will be available for the public.
December 23 - Candlelight Service. Little City Baptist Church, Little City. 7pm.
December 24 - Candlelight Service. Lighthouse United Methodist Church, Kingston. 6pm. Mask is required.
December 24 - Christmas Eve Service. First United Methodist Church, Madill. Facebook LIVE Only event. 7pm. Holy Communion to follow, at the rear of the church. FREE to the public.
December 24 - Christmas Eve Service. Kingston United Methodist Church. lOpm.
Switching from churches to communities, the Lebanon community will be hosting a Christmas Parade.
Get the golf carts ready or get your side-by-side utility vehicle ready. The parade is set for December 18, and the organizers are wanting everybody to participate in it.
Everybody is scheduled to meet at the Lebanon Baptist Church and organizers are asking participants to show their festive, holiday flair by decorating the golf carts or side-by-sides. The parade is slated to begin at 6:00 p.m.