Advent 2020 with the Knox Sunday School

Knox Sunday School was busy during Advent 2020, despite the restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Before Advent the youth and teachers talked about all the traditions that would not be possible this year, including decorating cookie boxes for isolated people of Knox, preparing and presenting a Christmas pageant, and participating in the early evening service on Christmas Eve. However, with creativity and enthusiasm we were able to find new ways to remain connected with one another and our Knox congregation.

Advent banner -- At the beginning of Advent, each family was presented with a small black velvet box, carefully prepared by Sunday School teacher Grace Pot. The box contained the materials for a day-by-day Advent activity to read a daily Bible passage and create a banner with the 30 names of Jesus.  

Advent readings and candles -- Some youth and parents participated in lighting the candles of the Advent wreath during live streaming of the Advent worship services from Knox. Others recorded Bible readings from home to be included in the Christmas Eve service broadcast at 5:00 p.m. on December 24.

Cards for isolated people of Knox -- Taking boxes of homemade cookies to isolated people was not possible due to pandemic restrictions. Instead we decided to create hand-made Christmas cards to deliver to them. 

A package of card-making materials was delivered to the home of each family, and they went to work! Over thirty unique cards were drawn, painted and decorated, with a handwritten message wishing “Merry Christmas from the Knox Sunday School.” 

The cards were picked up from the families and delivered, in person whenever possible, by Elders and others from the Knox congregation. Many responses were received in person and others were received via email and phone call from the recipients following delivery of the cards: 

“Thank you for hand-delivering the Sunday School Christmas Cards. We very much appreciated the gesture.” 

“She was especially appreciative as her home has just gone back into lockdown, and it brought a little festive joy.” 

“What a surprise to have a beautiful Christmas card delivered by hand from the Sunday school of Knox.  Thank you so much.  We love it.”  

“We received Sunday School Christmas cards in our mailbox yesterday. What a pleasant surprise!”