The First Presbyterian Church in Parkersburg will continue its tradition of serving dinner on Christmas Day. This year will feature to-go and delivery meals only due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (File Photo)

PARKERSBURG — Just as other churches did for Thanksgiving, several local churches are making changes in their community Christmas Day meals as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions involved.

Just as the earlier holiday event, the churches which traditionally offer a meal on Christmas Day have chosen to either postpone this year’s event or moved to a format focusing on to-go or delivered meals, eliminating the sitdown meal for this year.

* Gihon Tabernacle Evangelical Methodist Church, which usually holds a free community Christmas breakfast on Christmas Day, has canceled the event for this year due to COVID-19. The church at 1906 Gihon Road in south Parkersburg hopes to resume the event in 2021.

* The First Presbyterian Church, at 1341 Juliana St. in Parkersburg, has been hosting a Christmas Day dinner in its fellowship hall annually and will be holding its 31st dinner this year.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event will feature only to-go meals and deliveries to the homebound. No sit-down dinner will be served at the church. Serving will be 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Christmas Day.

The First Presbyterian Church in Marietta is accepting orders for delivery or pick-up meals for its annual Christmas Day Dinner on Dec. 25. No sit-down meal will be served this year. (File Photo)

Meal reservations are needed by Dec. 19 and can be made by calling the church office at 304-422-5426 or email at office@fpcpburgwv.org. Volunteers are also needed and can call the office or visit www.fpcpburgwv.org/christmas-community-dinner to sign up to help.

* Orders for delivery or pick-up of free meals Christmas Day are now being accepted at First Presbyterian Church of Marietta. There will not be a dine-in feast. To order, call 740-371-4587 and provide name, phone number, and number of meals requested. For delivery, provide a complete address. Orders will also be accepted through Facebook.

* In south Parkersburg, Tri-City Baptist Church has canceled its annual Community Christmas Day Dinner at the church at 913 Grandview St., Parkersburg, due to the pandemic.

* After a one-year hiatus, the annual Christmas Day dinner at Coolville United Methodist Church will return this year. The takeout-only dinner will be served from noon-2 p.m. Christmas Day. For information or to reserve a dinner, contact 740-440-1414.