Emmanuel to hold Christmas Candlelight Service
Rev. Mendez
SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
Emmanuel Baptist Church invites members, friends and the community to the seventh annual Christmas Candlelight Service on Friday, Dec. 23, at 7 p.m. at the church, at 1075 Shalimar Drive in Winston-Salem.
The joyous Christmas celebration focuses on the true meaning of Christmas and the birth of Jesus as opposed to the commercialism of the season.
The program opens with a selection by the guest harpist, Winifred Garrett. With a career that spans over 30 years, Garrett has had the privilege of being the first African-American harpist to grace the stage in countless performance venues and settings. The founder/artistic director of The Harp Studio, based in Durham, has been featured in extensive and diverse performances, including the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City and Radio City Music Hall.
Readers will present Scripture lessons followed by selections by the Emmanuel Mass Choir and Hand Bell Choir under the direction of Dr. Linda Parker, associate professor of music at Bennett College.
The Emmanuel Tots Choir youth dancers and mime ministry also will worship through songs and dance. The Spiritual Choir, which is a tradition at Emmanuel, will sing, leading to the Christmas message by the Rev. Dr. John Mendez, pastor.
The program closes with “Silent Night” while everyone holds lit candles to symbolize Christ as the light of the world.
This sacred Candlelight service “is an opportunity to pause for a moment and reflect on the birth and life of our Savior Jesus Christ,” Emmanuel officials say.
Emmanuel also invites the community to join in the Watch Night Service on Dec. 31 at 10 p.m. This service will observe the culmination of year 2016 and usher in the year 2017 in songs, prayer and praise.
The Emmanuel choir will render musical selections and the Rev. Dr. John Mendez will deliver the Watch Night message.
“In spite of the present circumstances, the service is an expression of our faith as we look to Him who has sustained us down through the years,” Emmanuel officials say.
The public is invited to Emmanuel for these services.
