Polls shows how dramatically church attendance fell during the worst of the pandemic last year, even as many say they are now returning to regular service attendance. Churches large and small have taken hits in attendance.
The newest album by The Porter’s Gate is a far cry from the peppy “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”-type Christmas tunes. Drawing heavily from biblical Scriptures and written with congregational worship in mind, Advent Songs is meant as a hope-filled response to 2021’s weighty realities.
Fewer than half of churchgoers say their clergy (44%) have spoken about vaccines. One exception: historically Black churches, where two-thirds of churchgoers say pastors have encouraged their people to get vaccines. And some have even led their churches to set up on-site vaccine clinics.
In day 6 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, Contributing Writer Christopher Dixon reflects on finding hope during Advent — even amid a pandemic — and how that can be freeing.
In day 5 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, Kristel Clayville reflects on serving as a hospital chaplain as many people die from COVID and other illnesses. But she notes that death isn’t always unsettling.
In day 4 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, Senior Editor Beau Underwood reflects on issues of dying and faith as we go through Advent, again, during a pandemic.
Marcus Lamb, a prominent Christian broadcaster known for his outspoken opposition to COVID-19 vaccines, has died after contracting the virus. Lamb, co-founder and CEO of the Daystar Television Network, was 64.
In day 3 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, Ryan Fordice reflects on completing a residency in hospital chaplaincy during the COVID-19 pandemic. And he thinks about what this teaches us about the arrival of the Prince of Peace in an unexpected time and place.
In day 2 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, Contributing Writer Sarah Blackwell reflects on moments early in the COVID-19 pandemic as her husband worked on the front line as an attending physician at a large, urban hospital.
In day 1 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, Word&Way Editor-in-Chief Brian Kaylor reflects on starting Advent amid a second year of COVID surges and deaths.