'Christmas is still Christmas': Niwot United Methodist plans a pandemic-friendly holiday

The coronavirus pandemic forced churches across America to close their doors. The shutdown caused church leaders to look towards different platforms to spread their message. Many churches switched to online platforms like Facebook to live-stream Sunday services, including Niwot United Methodist Church on Lookout Road.

Reverend Emily Kintzel was appointed as the new pastor of Niwot UMC on July 1, 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. Pastor Emily entered the role while the church still struggled to switch to an online presence.

"Everything happened really fast," Kintzel said. "And the switch to online services still offers challenges, particularly with our ability to meet with those who can't access the internet."

However, the change to a digital platform has offered further opportunities for people to connect with the church. Members who had moved away from Niwot are now able to reconnect with the church they loved from their new homes.

"We've had a few families that have moved who are now connected to our church once again, which is really beautiful," Kintzel said. "Our attendance has stayed fairly steady if not increased throughout this time since it's easier for people to tune in on Facebook."

The leaders of Niwot UMC have been streaming the Sunday services at 10:20 a.m. on the church's Facebook page, Niwot United Methodist Church, which can be accessed by non-Facebook members at @niwotumchurch. The church leaders have also maintained an after-service fellowship class which has opened the doors to new relationships that weren't as common during in person classes.

"We began doing our Fellowship classes over Zoom and we've had members say that they've been talking to and getting to know more people than ever before in the class," Kintzel said.

Even with the current restrictions on church gatherings, Pastor Emily and her team have been able to give to their community during this odd holiday season. Church members drove around Niwot and delivered advent wreaths for residents to hang on their doors, along with advent bags to continue the celebration of the season at home.

In past years, Niwot UMC celebrated a Christmas eve candlelight service along with impromptu pageants and a cantata service. Pastor Emily assured that those traditions would continue this year despite the circumstances.

"We're going to have our Christmas eve service online this year at 5:00 p.m. through our Facebook page," Kintzel said. "Following that service, we will have an open gathering in the church parking lot at 6:30 p.m. to sing Silent Night and possibly some other carols."

Pastor Emily said that the gathering will be socially distanced, and masks will be worn at all times during the celebration. Kintzel also noted that they will post a video recording of last year's cantata service for all to watch on the Niwot UMC Facebook page. All information on the services can also be found on the church's website.

"Christmas is still Christmas no matter the circumstances," Kintzel said. "We want everyone to remember what Christmas is all about because that will never change, even if the celebration looks a little different this year."

Elsewhere, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (7077 Harvest Rd) will also be holding a Christmas Eve service via Zoom. For more information, please visit the Shepherd of the Hills website or email shepherdboulder@gmail.com.