LAURINBURG — Saint Luke United Methodist Church will hold its 41st annual Moravian Lovefeast Sunday in observance of Christmas.
The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. with a musical prelude on piano, flute and organ. Music will be provided by faculty members from The University of North Carolina Pembroke Music Department with professors Tracy Thomas and Nathan Thomas, Sarah Busman and student Katie Hamilton.
Services follow at 7 p.m. The observance includes readings from scripture followed by prayer, singing of carols by the congregation and performances by the church choir.
Congregants will participate in a meal of traditional Moravian sweet buns and and coffee prepared with cream and sugar in the Moravian style during the service.
The evening will conclude with a candle lighting ceremony and the singing of “Silent Night” to serve “as a reminder that Christ is the light of the world.”
The Moravian Church and the Methodist Church are connected by John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church, who was influenced by the ideology behind the Moravian Lovefeast, an idea that dates back to early Christians.
Lovefeasts originated in the first gathering of Christians after Pentecost. The early believers met and broke bread together, thereby signifying their union and equality.
The Moravian Church renewed the tradition in 1727 with the idea that the meal should be simple and easy to share. The Lovefeast was brought to America in 1735, and the feast was first celebrated in North Carolina in 1753. The event was introduced to Saint Luke United Methodist Church by Spencer Willard in 1976.
According to Moravian.org, the simple feast is appropriate for many church occasions especially, “any day in fact on which there is a desire to stress the headship of the Lord and the oneness and fellowship of His followers.”
A love offering will be collected to benefit victims of Hurricane Matthew.
Proceeds will help about 300 children and families affected by the floods in neighboring Robeson County. Donations can also be made electronically at http://saintlukemethodist.org/giving/ designate donations as “Lovefeast 2016.”
“These families may have to spend Christmas in a motel, but together we can remind them that God has not forgotten them, and neither have we,” said Billy Olsen, pastor at Saint Luke.
The service is free, and the public is invited to attend. The church is at 1501 Turnpike Road in Laurinburg. For information call 910-276-6821.
The following is a list of other area Christmas church observances:
On Thursday, Faith Presbyterian will host a Christmas Cantata at 7 p.m. The performance titled “Celebrate! The Joy and Wonder of Christmas,” will center on well-known Christmas carols, seasonal pieces and music of praise and worship. Refreshments will be available after the ceremony.
Faith Presbyterian Church is at 2220 Elm Avenue, Laurinburg. For information, call 910-276-9151.
On Sunday, First Baptist Church in Laurinburg is inviting the public to a special Christmas blessing. The church’s Sanctuary Choir and orchestra will present “Holding On To Christmas.”
The musical by Marty Parks will feature Janice Creed, soloist, and Dr. Wayne D. Wike, pastor, and Susan Floyd as narrators. Other local musicians participating in the orchestra are Dr. Tim Altman, Liz Hasty, Dr. Joanna Hersey, Kari Ricks, Jane McLaurin, and Dr. Joseph VanHassel.
“Holding on to Christmas is about cherishing the traditions that people have come to enjoy and expect during this special season,” said Sylvia Stewart, organist and director of music ministries. “And the message of that first Christmas night in Bethlehem so long ago will capture your heart as it is re-told.”
Service begins at 11 a.m. The church is 302 E Church St. in Laurinburg.
Also Sunday, Silver Hill Presbyterian Church will hold a Christmas Candlelight service at 4 p.m. Spring Branch Missionary Baptist Church’s Senior Choir will perform for visitors, and the message will be delivered by Evangelist Edna Wall. Attendees are asked to join church members after the ceremony for refreshments and fellowship.
“Everyone is invited and welcome to come come worship with us and fellowship,” Wall said.
Silver Hill Presbyterian Church is located at 24881 Hoffman Road, Marston. For information call, 910-277-2900.
On Dec. 17, Bright Hopewell Baptist Church will hold a Christmas Charity Show and Shine Cruise from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A toy and coat drive will be held during the event. Registration for cars and motorcycles is $10. Awards will be given out to the top 20 rides, including Best Chevy, Best of Show, Pastor’s Choice, Best Truck, etc. For information. call Derrick Chisolm, 585-820-6587. The church is at 601 S. Main St. in Laurinburg.
