For the first time in nearly 20 years, Trinity United Methodist Church is unable to host the annual “Messiah Sing Along” this year.

COVID-19 pandemic safety guidelines prevent the church gathering that has numbered between 200-300 people each December, between Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays. In recent years donations of several hundred dollars have been sent to food banks in Sequim and Port Angeles.

In keeping with the first performance of the “Messiah” — conducted by George Frideric Handel in Ireland to raise money for a Dublin orphanage — organizers of the Sequim event are asking those who regularly attend to leave a donation at the door to the church sanctuary, 100 S. Blake Ave., rather than buy tickets.

Or, send donations directly to the food banks:

• Sequim Food Bank, P.O. Box 1453, Sequim, 98382

• Port Angeles Food Bank, P.O. Box 1885, Port Angeles, 98362.