COLORADO SPRINGS — COVID-19 isn't canceling Christmas Eve services, but many of those services will look much different this year because of the pandemic. Some churches are holding online services, while one local church is holding a drive-in.
Peak City Church, formerly known as Red Rock Church, has been in the community for years. On Thursday evening, church leaders held a holiday service at the church's new location under a new name.
Dozens of cars were seen parked in the church's parking lot, while people were still enjoying the holiday in a safe manner.
"We've had to adjust everything, but we still wanted to create a safe and special experience for people to celebrate Christmas this year," said Petie Kinder, the church's lead pastor.
Kinder, in his first year being lead pastor, said the service was one of the biggest for the church since the pandemic began and restrictions were put in place.
"It's been a challenging year for everybody, and this is one of those times where I feel like we can cling to the message of hope and love," said Kinder.
Church leaders made the service feel as normal as possible. They hung up lights and decorations, had Christmas trees lit up, and handed out gifts to kids and families.
Church members parked their cars in the church parking lot, and had the option to tune into a FM station to listen to the service. A large screen was placed upfront, so people could see as well.
The last in-person service at Peak City Church was held in early November. This Christmas Eve will look much different, but hope is still being spread for the holidays.
"It's the same message, it's the love and hope that we have in Jesus Christ. So we're just excited that the people showing up get to experience that," said Todd Crane, a church member. "(This year) people are being separated and isolated. There's a lot of challenges right now for people and people just need that hope that Christmas offers."
The parking lot can hold about 500 cars. Three 45-minute services were held at 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The church hopes to return to in-person services in January or when COVID-19 cases go down.
Peak City Church changed their name from Red Rock Church to avoid confusion with another church in the state of Colorado.
The new church is located at 1710 Dublin Blvd and is scheduled to open in April 2021. Click here for more information.
