Many church services will look different this Christmas as the pandemic, combined with a threat of heavy rain and high winds late on Christmas Eve, may force changes in planned indoor and outdoor liturgies.
For many congregations, though, the use of livestreaming technology and Zoom is helping their members be able to celebrate the birth of Christ in meaningful ways, even if they cannot attend in person.
While churches are exempt from Gov. Tom Wolf’s order that all indoor congregations be limited to 10 people, health officials are urging people to follow social distancing, wear masks and possibly refrain from singing if attending in-person services or Masses indoors.
Despair in the ICU with COVID-19 and then hope for life and a message for 2021
Updated Dec 24, 2020;
Posted Dec 23, 2020
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On the third night in the intensive care unit, Zani Pacanza believed he would die. Alone in his dark room, he prayed for a peaceful end to his life.
Ten days earlier, in early November, he hadn’t felt well. In more innocent times, it wouldn’t have been a big deal. But with news of COVID-19 surging in Oregon, he drove to the hospital for a test.
Three days later, he learned he was positive. He was told to rest and isolate. Even then he wasn’t worried. He was 41 and in excellent health.
Dec 21, 2020 / 12:01 PM EST
It’s music to our ears… 30 years of it!
TONIGHT be sure and tune into MyINDY-TV 23 for the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s Annual “Festival of Carols.”
Liam Bonner, Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, shares what we can expect:
Performance will feature Indianapolis native and world-renowned soprano Angela Brown, and premiere of “Heart of God,” winner of annual Christmas Carol Commission Competition.
WHAT: A Midwest holiday tradition and season highlight for the city of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s annual Festival of Carols will celebrate 30 years with a special broadcast of the performance on MyINDY-TV 23. Following sell-out runs across multiple live performances over the last five years, the 2020 broadcast performance comes in lieu of a live audience due to ongoing COVID-19 precautions.
Deborah Laverty and Steve Euvino
Times Corresondents
Giving back to the community is on the minds of Gary restaurant owners Kendall and Debra McMiller this Christmas season.
That s why the McMillers, the owners since June of D & K Gourmet Salads, are hosting a free meal and coat giveaway from noon to 3 p.m. Monday. We were shown so much love by the Gary community that it s our way of giving back, Kendall McMiller said.
Similarly those throughout Northwest Indiana are doing their part during the holidays to assist others this year during a time of increased need including the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana as well as local churches, soup kitchens, The Salvation Army and Region township offices.
Strange year adds unique elements to Festival of Carols
12/17/20 10:00 PM
Quarantined and with nothing else to do, Francisco Carbonell did what came naturally he made music.
The Indianapolis composer had developed symptoms of COVID-19 in late March, including a nagging cough. Told to quarantine for 14 days, he needed some way to fill his time. The extra time gave him the perfect opportunity to tackle a difficult project.
“I had lots of time to think about it, and think about what I wanted to do,” he said.
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The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir performs its Festival of Carols concert during a previous year. This year’s Festival of Carols will be an entirely televised event shown at 7 p.m. Monday, with special guests and debut performances. Submitted photo.