Christmas Eve services at First Presbyterian Church begin with the Family Service at 4 p.m. Music will be led by the children’s Praise and Junior Hand Bell choirs, under the direction of Charlotte Cunningham. The Christmas story from the Gospels will be read and First Presbyterian says all children are encouraged to participate in a Christmas pageant as the biblical character of their choice.
Pastor Erik Spencer, who created the program, admits that the pageant is of necessity spontaneous and active. “We usually have nearly a dozen girls who wish to dress as Mary. The boys, however, seem to prefer wearing the crowns of a king, or carrying a shepherd’s staff to being Joseph. It always works out, and the children love it.” The service concludes around a live crèche and the singing of “Silent Night”.
The traditional Service of Lessons and Carols is at 9 p.m. The service includes readings proclaiming the birth of Jesus, carols, and anthems sung by the adult choir led by Mrs. Cunningham.
A Christmas Healing service will be part of worship at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, December 26.” Christmas is a very difficult time for some people,” says Pastor Spencer. “A great deal of pain oftentimes surfaces around issues of relationships, finances, health, or work. We take time in worship for people to seek healing for their pain.” Pastor Spencer’s sermon will continue his series on the birth narratives and will focus on the flight into Egypt.
On New Year’s Eve there will be a service at 5 p.m., followed by a festive dinner in the church parlor catered by Hobcaw Cafe. Please call 973-239-3561 or e-mail [email protected] to sign up.
People of all traditions are invited to enjoy the music and worship at First Presbyterian. Childcare is always available and the sanctuary is handicap accessible. Visitor’s parking is available by the door from the parking lot, which is located off Fairview Avenue near the intersection of Bloomfield Avenue.
