Westminster College to Present Annual Christmas Vespers Dec. 2

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - Westminster College will continue a long-standing tradition with the presentation of "And They Called Him Emmanuel" at Christmas Vespers Sunday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. in Orr Auditorium.  The public is invited to attend.


The annual worship service includes familiar Christmas music performed by a variety of vocal and instrumental ensembles; lighting of the Advent candles; Scripture readings; and "And They Called Him Emmanuel," the message from Westminster College Chaplain the Rev. James R. Mohr II.


Additional faculty and staff participating are: Anne Bruening, director of the handbell choir; James "Manny" Henderson, director of the Gospel Choir; Dr. Robin Lind, director of choral activities; Kathryn Davison Miller, Westminster College organist; Dr. Daniel Perttu, associate professor of music who will be playing the bassoon; and Dr. Melinda Crawford Perttu, director of the Symphony Orchestra.

In the keeping of the Christmas spirit, there will be opportunities for the community to give back to others before and during the worship service. Angel Tree gifts purchased by members of the campus community will be displayed in Orr Lobby. The gifts will go to children in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program in Lawrence County, the Walker House, and Pennsylvania Homeless Children's Initiative.


A voluntary offering will be collected during the service to support students who will be volunteering for the Spring Break With A Purpose Work Trips and for the Westminster chapter of Habitat for Humanity.


Following the service, the Office of Faith and Spirituality staff will host a reception and time of fellowship in Orr Lobby.


The service will be broadcast on Titan Digital Radio 88.9 FM.