Whether you’ve been part of Trinity for decades or you’re walking through the doors for the first time on Christmas Eve, we want you to feel at home. Christmas worship is one of the most beautiful nights of the year here, and a little helpful info can help you relax, settle in, and simply enjoy the experience.
When does worship happen on Christmas?
Trinity has a full slate of worship experiences at Christmas:
- On Christmas Eve (Wednesday, December 24):
- The “Services of Family Blessing” will take place at 9:30am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm.
- Our “Services of Holy Communion and Candlelight” will happen at 3:00pm, 5:00pm and 10:00pm.
- On Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25) we have a single celebration worship service at 10:00am.
What is a Service of Family Blessing?
During these services, families and individuals are invited to come up to the altar to receive a special blessing from one of the pastors. The ushers will guide people forward row by row, beginning in the front of the Sanctuary. The families will come forward together and the pastor will give them a special word of blessing. Families will then return to their seats down the side aisles. You don’t have to do or say anything as you receive the blessing.
What is a Service of Holy Communion and Candlelight?
There are two primary differences between this service and the Service of Family Blessing.
First, instead of coming forward to receive a family blessing, people will come forward to receive communion. There will be two people serving communion. The first will place a piece of bread into your hands with the words “The body of Christ, given for you.” You can then eat this small piece of bread. The second person will hand you a small cup of wine and you’ll hear the words “The blood of Christ, shed for you.” You can then drink the wine. (We always offer gluten free bread and alcohol free grape juice as options if those are your need or your preference.) Place the empty cup on the small tray to the side as you return to your seat down the side aisle.
Holy Communion is one of our sacraments…a holy moment…where we believe we experience the presence, love and grace of God in a way different and more powerful than any other time.
Second, as you enter the sanctuary, everyone will be offered a small candle. (Parents can decide if they want their children to have one.) Before the final song of the worship service, the lighting in the Sanctuary will be dimmed, we will share in a prayer, and as the music begins, the ushers will enter and begin to light candles of those sitting at the end of the aisles. That person then passes the flame down the aisle to the next person.
As the Sanctuary fills with light, we will sing together the traditional hymn, “Silent Night.” It is a powerful and beautiful and peaceful moment that reminds us that Jesus is born to be the light of the world.
When should I arrive?
Christmas Eve is busy, and seats fill up quickly. If you like a little breathing room to settle in, arriving 15–20 minutes early is a comfortable plan. The parking lot fills, but there’s additional parking on the street.
Note that the 5:00pm worship service is typically the busiest and the Sanctuary often fills early. We will have additional overflow seating in our Fellowship Hall with a video feed from the Sanctuary.
What do people wear?
You’ll see everything from sparkly Christmas outfits, to suits, to jeans and sweaters. Wear whatever helps you feel present and comfortable. There’s no dress code.
Which door do I use and where do I go?
Most people enter through the main doors off the parking lot. Greeters will point you toward the sanctuary.
Is food served?
Coffee will be available between services in the lobby area.
Is worship kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Christmas Eve is full of families. We expect wiggles, questions, the occasional crunch of spilled Cheerios. Kids are welcome in the room exactly as they are. If you need a quieter spot, the lobby and nursery area are available. Our nursery is staffed at the 9:30am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm worship services, if that’s a better option for you.
At every worship, we will do a brief (3-4 minute) children’s message. Kids will be invited to come forward and sit together to hear about God’s great love for them. Then they can return to their families in their seats.
Is everyone welcome for communion?
Yes. Communion at Trinity is open to all. The ushers will invite you forward row by row. You can choose wine or juice, and gluten-free bread is available. If, because of mobility issues, you are unable to come forward, let an usher know and we will be glad to come out and serve you where you are seated. If you prefer to not receive communion, you can simply stay in your seat.
What if I don’t know the songs or responses?
No worries at all. Everything you need will be in the bulletin, in the hymnal, or on the screen if you’re worshipping online. Just follow along at your own pace. Stand or sit as you’re able and relax into the flow of the service.
How long is the service?
Each service lasts about an hour. If you have little ones or family gatherings afterward, you should be able to plan easily around that timing.
Do I need to bring an offering?
There is an offering, but giving is always optional. Many visitors simply enjoy the service with no pressure. If you wish to give, you can do so in person or online.
Are there accessibility accommodations?
Seating for those with mobility needs is available. Hearing-assist devices can be picked up at the back of the sanctuary. Large-print bulletins are available there as well. For communion, gluten-free bread and alcohol-free grape juice are available for those who need or prefer it. Ushers are happy to help with anything you need.
What about an online option?
Yes! If online is a better option for you, we’ve got you covered. We will live stream the 9:30am family blessing service, and then will replay that service at 1:00pm and 3:00pm. We will then live stream the 5:00pm service of Holy Communion and Candlelight, and then replay that at 7:00pm and 10:00pm. The livestream will be available on Trinity’s Facebook page and on our YouTube channel. The services will be archived there, so if those times don’t work for you, you can watch the service at your convenience.
What happens after Christmas?
If you’re exploring faith or looking for a church home, we’d love to welcome you back. Trinity has weekly worship, ministries for all ages, small groups, and lots of ways to get connected. You’ll find upcoming events and next steps on our website (tlcowatonna.org/new) or by chatting with one of the pastors or staff.
Bottom line
Come as you are. Bring your family, your questions, your holiday joy, and even your Christmas stress. Christmas Eve at Trinity is meant to be peaceful, warm, and grounded in the good news that Christ is born for you.
If you have any further questions, you can visit tlcowatonna.org/advent, or call the church office at 507.451.4520, or email us directly at Trinity@tlcowatonna.org.
God’s peace,
Pastor Todd
Test Driving Theology 