Churches to welcome New Year with traditional watchnight service; those in storm hit areas adjust time for event

While many churches will be hosting the traditional watch night services tonight, some in the hurricane ravaged parishes have had to adjust the service time, due to safety concerns.

This as a few areas in the hard hit parishes, especially St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St. James and Hanover remain without electricity and the church leadership opted to have the service in the evening, instead of going until midnight.

Traditionally, the service would have had worshippers ring in the New Year at church.

President of the Jamaica Council of Churches Bishop Christine Gooden Benguche notes that for tonight’s service, the theme is based on Revelation 21. 

For the churches in the affected parishes, the aim is to inspire hope.