As Christians prepare to celebrate one of the most important events in their annual calendar, the birth of Jesus Christ, churches in Noosa are also celebrating the ability to gather together in worship.
For the Hillsong Noosa church their Christmas service will be only the third occasion they have been able to gather at their place of worship, The J Theatre, since COVID-19 restrictions were initiated in March.
Hillsong pastor Jamie Coyle said under the current restrictions at the theatre 200 members of the congregation including children are able to attend and must reserve a ticket before their arrival.
The number is about half that of their pre-COVID services so others will view the service online.
“It’s a huge difference,“ Pastor Jamie said.
“We’ve just found this sense there’s no predictability. We’ve come to grips with it being alright.“
Pastor Jamie said services went “fully online“ at the beginning of restrictions with parishioners initially viewing alone at home and services being aired from Hillsong’s Sydney services at seven times throughout the day.
As restrictions eased people gathered in each others homes to watch the online services, he said.
“We had 20-30 people gathering at people’s homes around the country,“ he said. “The Church kept going. People were able to worship Jesus in their homes. Some people stood and sang, others felt rather awkward and sat and enjoyed watching it. We were still making sure people were in the community with each other and inspiring each other.“
Pastor Jamie said with mental health a concern under the circumstances much of his time was spent reaching out and working with the community on the ground.
He found people reacted to the pandemic consequences in one of two ways in their private lives and their businesses. Some really battled and some flourished, he said.
Hillsong Noosa will hold its Christmas service this year at 6.30pm on Christmas Eve at The J Theatre, Noosaville.
