Christmas Eve Protocols

Knox Church will be offering in-person Christmas Eve Services this year.

This document outlines everything you need to know for keeping yourself and others safe and healthy. For those unable to join us for various reasons related to the pandemic or otherwise, Christmas Eve services will also be available online on our YouTube channel, and this website. Also, if the situation with the pandemic should worsen, plans for 'In-Person' services may be reconsidered.

GUIDELINES FOR ATTENDING: Plans are in place for anyone attending worship to do so safely and in compliance with Ottawa Public Health directives.  Please review and be prepared to follow the guidelines below.   

• Pre-Registration: Pre-registration for the Christmas Eve services is required.
  • To registers for the Children and Family Service, click HERE
  • To register for the Traditional Candlelight Service, click HERE
• Arrival: To help decrease potential waiting or crowding in the Narthex, arriving early will be very helpful. 
• Entry: The Narthex doors will be the only main point of entry. For people in need of a more accessible entrance, the Garden Courtyard Doors will also be available.
• Vaccination: Because of the anticipated increase in numbers for Christmas Eve, proof of vaccination for those 12+ will be required for those in attendance.
• Face Masks: Unless you have a medical condition which prohibits wearing a mask, everyone is required to wear one inside the sanctuary. Before entering, fasten your facemask. If you do not have one, there will be a supply available.  
• Hand Sanitizer: Please sanitize your hands upon entry and exit from the sanctuary.    
• Check In: Ushers will check-in everyone who has pre-registered. Pending space availability, non-registered persons will be asked to register with contact information. All contact information will be used ONLY if a need arises. 
• Physical Distancing: Maintain a 2 metre distance at all times from others not in your family (or bubble) at all times.     
• Seating: Every other church pew is available for seating. Find a seat in one of the pews not roped off.
• Restrooms: Two restrooms are available. Down the North Narthex Stairs across from the Nursery and in Geneva Hall. Please follow all sanitation procedures as noted in Restrooms.   
• Exit: At the conclusion of worship, people will be invited to exit, row by row from the back toward the front, through the centre and two outside aisles. Refrain from gathering in the Narthex or outside exit doors.

OTHER CHANGES AFFECTING WORSHIP: Though we will make every effort to have a worshipful environment, our time together will be different than usual, including the following changes in order to help us be together safely:

• Liturgy: If you find it helpful to have a copy of the Order of Service, copies will be made available.
• Congregational Singing: Singing together will be limited, however, we will incorporate musical elements to remind us of the joy of music in praising God.  
• Offerings: Instead of passing offering plates during worship, all donations will be received at the exit doors.   Online giving options also continue to be available.  

OTHER PRECAUTIONS WE HAVE TAKEN: Knox has been working diligently to help create an environment where we will be able to meet safely and in compliance with direction from Ottawa Public Health. To that end, in addition to the above-mentioned temporary changes and guidelines for worship, Knox has also implemented the following practices: 

• Sanitizing: Extra measures are taken each week to ensure all areas in the sanctuary are thoroughly cleaned.
• Limiting Touch Points: To decrease the amount of spaces people touch, all doors are opened in advance for entry and exit from the sanctuary and building. For your own safety and that of others, please minimize touching doors and other surfaces.     
• Staff/Volunteers Screening: For everyone’s well being, Knox Staff and leadership complete a self-assessment before each service. Anyone exhibiting COVID19 symptoms will not be in attendance.