This year, my parents took Dan and me to our first Christmas Eve at the Lutheran Evangelical Church in Southport. We were so amazed and touched by the spirit of Christmas that was spread throughout the entire service. Dan and I have never been to any service for the holidays other than a Catholic Mass. The sequence of the Lutheran Service was exactly like a Catholic Mass, which helped those of us that were new to the Lutheran Church.
What really touched us was the Pastor. He was so involved with the parishoners, calling each by name when he saw them, gave them communion, etc. He spent time with every person, saying hello, Merry Christmas and even chatting a short bit as each person left service. He invited the children up to bless the Nativity Scene. He made the service so comfortable, you knew you were in a Christmas Eve service, but you felt like you were visiting friends.
Our favorite part was after Communion. Everyone had a candle which we lit before singing Silent Night. Once all of the candles were lit, the lights went out and the only light in the room was candlelight held by every person in the room. We sang Silent Night unaccompanied by instruments. It was absolutely beautiful and very moving. I am so glad my parents found this church. Our next challenge is to find a church as lovely as this one in the Raleigh area!
Reading, eating, playing and crafting my way through 2011.
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26 December 2010
Christmas Eve Service
This year, my parents took Dan and me to our first Christmas Eve at the Lutheran Evangelical Church in Southport. We were so amazed and touched by the spirit of Christmas that was spread throughout the entire service. Dan and I have never been to any service for the holidays other than a Catholic Mass. The sequence of the Lutheran Service was exactly like a Catholic Mass, which helped those of us that were new to the Lutheran Church.
What really touched us was the Pastor. He was so involved with the parishoners, calling each by name when he saw them, gave them communion, etc. He spent time with every person, saying hello, Merry Christmas and even chatting a short bit as each person left service. He invited the children up to bless the Nativity Scene. He made the service so comfortable, you knew you were in a Christmas Eve service, but you felt like you were visiting friends.
Our favorite part was after Communion. Everyone had a candle which we lit before singing Silent Night. Once all of the candles were lit, the lights went out and the only light in the room was candlelight held by every person in the room. We sang Silent Night unaccompanied by instruments. It was absolutely beautiful and very moving. I am so glad my parents found this church. Our next challenge is to find a church as lovely as this one in the Raleigh area!
What really touched us was the Pastor. He was so involved with the parishoners, calling each by name when he saw them, gave them communion, etc. He spent time with every person, saying hello, Merry Christmas and even chatting a short bit as each person left service. He invited the children up to bless the Nativity Scene. He made the service so comfortable, you knew you were in a Christmas Eve service, but you felt like you were visiting friends.
Our favorite part was after Communion. Everyone had a candle which we lit before singing Silent Night. Once all of the candles were lit, the lights went out and the only light in the room was candlelight held by every person in the room. We sang Silent Night unaccompanied by instruments. It was absolutely beautiful and very moving. I am so glad my parents found this church. Our next challenge is to find a church as lovely as this one in the Raleigh area!
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