Services for December 24, 2017

11 am   Children’s Lovefeast Service

We invite you to join us as we share a simple meal, called a “Lovefeast.” Lovefeast services became a part of the Moravian worship tradition after a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit on August 13, 1727. During a service of worship on that day, many doctrinal disputes and personal hostilities were laid aside, and a new spirit of love and fellowship prevailed. A simple meal was brought into the sanctuary where all continued to worship. Today Moravians around the world continue to share the Lovefeast to celebrate significant occasions.

A Lovefeast service is primarily a music service designed to convey a thematic message. The hymns and music in a Christmas Lovefeast tell the story of our Savior’s birth. A special part of the Christmas Lovefeast is the candle service, during which beeswax candles, trimmed in a red paper skirt, are distributed. These candles remind us that Christ said, “I am the light of the world,” and “you are the light of the world—let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

At our Children’s Lovefeast, the youth and children of our congregation will lead the service. The Children’s Choir will sing, the youth will serve as Scripture reader, ushers and “dieners” (those who serve the lovefeast). Please join us for this beautiful and meaningful service. A nursery will be provided.

4 PM and 6:30 PM  Christmas Eve Lovefeast and Candle Services

O Come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant… as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. We will offer with two Lovefeast and Candle Services on Christmas Eve. The first is at 4:00 and the second at 6:30. There will be a band prelude 30 minutes before each service. A nursery will be provided. Bring all of your family and friends. No one celebrates Christmas like the Moravians and especially like Fries Memorial!