Restrictions on gatherings have affected church communities this year, and despite their recent easing traditional Christmas services will be a bit different this year, and require a bit more planning.

Open air carols at Jamberoo
Reverend Jodie McNeill, Senior Minister at Jamberoo Anglican Church, is planning a night for you to remember, “in a year we’ll never forget”.

A few months ago, the inter-church Committee had to cancel the annual Jamberoo Community Carols in the Park.

“Instead, as the health restrictions have suddenly been lifted, our little village church has adapted our open-air Christmas Eve event to now welcome many more people than ever from Jamberoo and beyond,” Jodie says.

“With a year like 2020, we know that we need Christmas more than ever… even if we won’t be celebrating quite the same way.

“Our two identical carols services will celebrate Christmas through carols, readings, and reflections on how Christmas brings joy… even in 2020!”

Christmas Eve’s carol services at 45 Churchill Street will start with a free sausage sizzle, drink and icy pole, the first at 5.30pm, then again at 7.30pm.

To help with catering and COVID arrangements, please pre-register as soon as you can for a free ticket at http://www.jamberooanglican.com (max 300 each service).

For more information, visit http://www.jamberooanglican.com, email info@jamberooanglican.com, or visit the Facebook page for regular updates.

Carols in the CARpark
While there are no large Carols in the Park in Kiama this year, there will be Carols in the CARpark at the Kiama Anglican Church.

All are invited to come and sing traditional carols as part of their Christmas Eve Service.

“It’s been a difficult year in which many events and milestones have happened differently, or not at all,” say Ministers Steve and Aiden.

“It’s right to grieve these lost moments but at the same time, Christmas reminds us that in the coming of Jesus, we have a moment of great hope. And it is right to celebrate this great hope!

“So come along on Christmas Eve and join as we sing together, celebrating that ‘Hope Has a Name’.”

Bring a picnic rug to sit on (socially distanced) and park your car outside.

Arrive with your best singing voices and QR scan on arrival (maximum 500).

Thursday 24 December, in the carpark of the church grounds at the end of Terralong St, 7-8pm.

A choice of mood
Kiama Uniting Church is holding three different sorts of services in the lead up to Christmas Day, for the needs of different groups of people in our community.

On Friday 18 December, from 7pm, it is holding a Quiet Christmas on the lawns of the church at Jamberoo.

All are invited to come and share an evening of music and reflection.

Another event promises to be not so quiet. A Messy Christmas is being held at their church in Kiama, so that families can mark the season with craft and story.

Aware that Christmas can be a hard time for some, for various reasons, they are also holding a Blue Christmas service as a time of remembering and reflection, for those who are grieving, lonely or finding the going tough.
The service is being held at Kiama on Tuesday 22 December, at 3pm.

For more information: Kiama-Jamberoo.unitingchurch.org.au or email kiamaunitingchurch@outlook.com or revkath@ozemail.com.au

Other services
Jamberoo Anglican Church
Fri 25 Dec, 9am
Christmas Day all-age service, which does not require pre-booking. This service will also be live-streamed at watch.jamberooanglican.com

Kiama Anglican Church
Thurs 24 Dec, 11pm
Christmas Reflections, Christ Church, Kiama
Fri 25 Dec, 8am
Classic Service, Christ Church Kiama
Fri 25 Dec, 8.30am
Christmas at St Paul’s, Minnamurra
Fri 25 Dec, 9am
Christmas Celebration, CPC, Kiama
For more information on all their Christmas services, visit http://www.kiamaanglican.org.au

Kiama Uniting Church
Thurs 24 Dec, 7.30pm
Christmas Eve service at Kiama, including Holy Communion
Fri 25 Dec, 8am
A family Christmas Day celebration at Jamberoo
Fri 25 Dec, 9.30am
A family Christmas Day celebration at Kiama

Gerringong Uniting Church
Fri Dec 25, 8am and 9:30am
Christmas day services.
The church can fit 82 people at 2sqm per person in the new hall. The service will also be streamed live into the church building, that can fit an additional 46 people. Each service will be on a ‘first come, first seated’ basis.

Ss Peter & Paul’s Catholic Church Kiama
Thurs 24 Dec, 5pm and 7pm (outdoor Masses); 9pm (indoor)
Fri 25 Dec, 7.30am (indoor Mass); 9.30am (outdoor) Admission on a first-in first-served basis. Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Those attending the outdoor Masses will need to bring a hat, sunscreen, umbrella, and a chair or a picnic rug to sit on. Seats will be reserved for elderly people.

by Perrie Croshaw