The church has canceled the yearly Christmas event because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Darren Webb said.
The free event normally is held each night from Dec. 17-23, with members of the congregation dressing in period costume for the lighted nativity scene, which includes live animals, choir music and hot chocolate and cookies served inside the church building.
âWe made the decision, I think, in the last week,â Webb said Dec. 10. âOur concerns are over the crowds. If we had done it, this would have been our 41st year.â
He said reports of increased COVID-19 numbers persuaded church leaders to cancel the event in 2020.