Cross Over Service: Churches bows to COVID-19 pressures,adjust timing

By Adedoyin Falolu

As a result of various warning by Governments on cross over service,Churches within the country have finally bowed to COVID-19 pressures by adjusting their services timing to respect the on-going curfew.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), pentecostal churches made this know through various official documents available on social media.

Cross over service is a yearly gathering of Christian’s,muslims in Nigeria to cross over to a new year and appreciate God’s grace.

The government of Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Abuja and few others banned the cross over to ensure compliance with the 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The association of Churches, CAN earlier picked issues with the ban on the services, said it has adjusted its services to accommodate the directive of the government.

“There is no sacrifice that is too much to put an end to the Coronavirus pandemic in the interest of all and sundry,” Samson Ayokunle, CAN’s National President, explained.

The adjustments in their end of the year programmes will ensure that none of their members violates the curfew.

The crossover service, which normally runs from midnight to early morning of the first day of the year, will now end before 12 midnight in complaince to government directive.

Ayokunle advised state chapters to adhere strictly to directives by relevant government authorities on the crossover night services.

“We understand the unfortunate state COVID19 infection has put everybody world over, which caused some state governments to place a total ban on crossover night service and we are not happy that we would not be able to enter into the New Year prayerfully in joint fellowship with our brothers and sisters.

“We, however, urge you all to abide by the directives of each state government on this so as to prevent the spread of the infection. One thing that is certain is that the end of COVID-19 is here at last in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ.

“In those states, services should be closed about 10:30 p.m. or at most 11:00 p.m. to enable worshippers to return home on time. It is a passing phase and this too shall pass away in Jesus Name. Very soon, the pandemic will become history and we will return to our usual routine services in Jesus’ Name, ” Ayokunle disclosed this in a statement.

CAN Lagos chapter has said it has reached an agreement with the state government that services should not exceed 11 p.m. on Thursday.

Also,there are various memo to all parishes, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) said it will do live streaming of the Crossover Service and members should link up with the service virtually.

The memo added that the January 8 Holy Ghost Service (HGS) will also be held virtually, in compliance with the government’s directive.

Bishop David Oyedepo, the General Overseer of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel), has also scheduled service to mark the end of 2020 to kick-off from 6 p.m. on Thursday.

The service will be streamed live and viewed by members at viewing centres affiliated to the church.

Other churches also reduced the time of cross over to end before 11pm.

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