Presbyterians share 40th anniversary candlelight worship
COSHOCTON – Come home for Christmas! The Presbyterian Church, North Fourth and Chestnut Streets, will have a candlelight worship service at 7:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve. An extended prelude will begin at 7:10 p.m. and will include music of the season by organist Alice M. Hoover; the Roscoe Brass Quintet; Mark D. Wagner, harpsichord; Caroline S. Heading, piano; and four-hand pianists Ann A. Leppla and Dickie R. Barrick.
The four Advent candles will be relit, and the Christ candle will be lit by members of Sharon Sutton’s Bible study group. As the service unfolds, Owen Emig will bring Jesus to the crèche manger. The Christmas story will be told in scripture, poetry, story, and song. Music will be provided by the Chancel and Crusaders Choirs and Celebration Singers, led by Charles R. Snyder; the Carol Choir, led by April L. King; soloist Matthew P. Downing, percussionist Matthew H. Hayes, and pianists Ann A. Leppla, and Caroline S. Heading. The Chancel Choir will sing a new Christmas anthem composed by longtime choir member Ronald D. Geese. Pastor Jonathan T. Carlisle will tell a Christmas story, and Gordon A. Kendall will be the liturgist.
The congregation will join in the singing of familiar carols, and participate in the tradition of candle lighting. The service will conclude with the “ringing in of Christmas,” as more than 40 members and alumni of the Geneva Handbell Choir and Westminster Ringers ring handbell peals while the congregation sings “Joy to the World.” Following the service, the Finnegan tower carillon will continue the joyful peals throughout the community.
All are invited to join in this celebration of Christ’s birth. The 7:30 p.m. service will end about 8:30 p.m. Preschool childcare will be provided and ample parking is available.
Category: Faith
