(RNS) — It’s an idea whose time has come as the pandemic stretches into the Christmas season.

CHICAGO (RNS) — Church members stopped by to pick up the wreaths they’d ordered for the coming Advent season — OK, so they were cardboard drink holders filled with Advent-themed beers and topped with a green ribbon and Christ candle to light on Christmas Eve.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (RNS) — With many sports canceled for the season, some churches — like South Bend City Church — have filled the stands at the empty stadiums and ballparks in their neighborhoods.

HOWARD, Pa. (RNS) — More than two dozen people joined a brightly colored flotilla for Kayak Church on Sunday (Aug. 30) as Faith United Church of Christ, like so many other churches across the country, dips its toes into meeting together in person after months apart during the novel coronavirus pandemic.