For years I’ve posted Downtown Christmas Eve services. I would have told you I hadn’t missed a year, until I looked for last year’s version and realized I’d skipped last year, likely because in-person services were largely non-existent at the time. Thankfully, we’ve had some better stretches this year, though the new year brings uncertainty. Infections are surging and avoiding crowds and masking are very much currently recommended. Some services listed below have a livestream option if you should choose to remain safer.
I hope you can look back on this year and find some happy memories, move through this holiday season with some element of joy, and look forward to happier times in the new year. However or whether you celebrate this season, look for time to be with the ones you love. Nothing is more important. Here’s the (mostly) annual list of downtown Christmas Eve services for those of you who might be interested.
All Souls Church (100 West Fifth Avenue): Christmas Eve Worship Service, 5:00 pm
Awaken Old City Church (Awaken Coffee, 125 W. Jackson): No Services Listed
Central United Methodist Church (201 East 3rd Avenue): 5:00 pm and 11:00 PM (10:45 pm music) Masks requested.
Church Street United Methodist Church (900 Henley Street): (All services include Holy Communion.)
- 12 noon –Â Traditional service with soloists
- 3:00 p.m. –Â Family service with soloists and interactive time with children
- 5:30 p.m. –Â Traditional service with Parish Adult Choir
- 7:00 p.m. – Premier of online Christmas Eve Service
- 10:30 p.m. –Â Traditional service with Parish Adult Choir
- Masks are requested and are available at the door
City Church (522 Sevier Avenue): No Services
Crossings (4 Market Square, Square Room): 4:00 pm Stories and Songs
First Baptist Church (510 W. Main Street): 5:00 PM Candlelight Service (You can also watch the service live on TV, our Facebook page, Youtube, or on the website.
First Presbyterian Church (620 State Street): 5:00 PM Communion Family Candlelight Service, 11:00 PM Candlelight Service with Communion (Seasonal music starts at 10:30 PM)
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (414 W. Vine): 4:00 p.m. Carols and Mass, 7:00 p.m. Carols and Mass (Every other pew is blocked at the later services, masks are available, the 4:00 p.m. service will be livestreamed on the church FB page.
Overcoming Believers Church (211 Harriet Tubman Street): No Special Services Mentioned on Website
St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral (413 W. Cumberland): Christmas Eve Services – Eucharist at 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m, Choral Eucharist 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
The Point – In person services at 4:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., Livestream at 4:30 p.m. and available on demand afterward.
St. John’s Lutheran Church (544 N. Broadway): Candlelight Worship at 4:00 p.m, 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. (Livestream available here) Everyone is requested to wear a mask and unvaccinated are also requested to socially distance.