Press release
Join Good Hope Lutheran Church on Christmas Eve this year to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World. All are welcome to participate in candlelight services at 7:30 pm and 11:00 pm. Located at 129 W. Charles St. Bucyrus OH
A Christmas Message of Hope and Joy will be presented by Pastor Renee Ahern and continuous Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services
7:30 Candlelight Service Musical Highlights
Pre-service music for the 7:30 service begins at 7:15 with Organ Prelude by Gary Auck and includes Matt Gebhardt performing a Violin Solo, Flute solo by Makyla Ferris, and Children’s Bell Choir playing “Away in the Manger”.
Spirit of Praise Choir and Good Hope children & youth begin the service with “Dance of Joy” an anthem full of joyful exuberance. “Dance of Joy” draws the congregation into praise and worship of our Savior!
Music for Christmas Eve 7:30 service also includes the Good Hope Bell Choir will be performing “O Come Little Children” a classic Christmas favorite. Spirit of Praise will perform “All is Calm, All is Bright. This artfully crafted piece speaks as a universal reminder that through His advent here, Jesus is the light of our lives. Because of the birth of our King and Savior, we no longer need to walk in darkness. Instead, Jesus lights our path and blesses us through His redeeming grace and steadfast love. With this knowledge, we are granted peace… all is calm, all is bright.
Congregation will light candles during the singing of “Carry Your Candle High” from musical “Wings of Joy”. It is a moving ballad of mission and evangelism and invites the congregation to light individual candles to shine in the night…..candles remain lighted for the traditional “Silent Night” carol. The service ends with the celebratory carol “Joy to the World”
11:00 Candlelight Service with “Morning Star” Cantata
Pre-Service music for the 11:00 Service will begin at 10:30 with Organ-Piano Duet by Patty Neff and Gary Auck, and includes Brittany Pelfry-Hardymon singing “Messiah”, Scott Smith singing “Mary Did You Know”. Also performing are Ed Wise with Clarinet solo, Matt Gebhardt with Violin Solo, and Greg Shifley on Euphonium.
Good Hope Lutheran Senior Choir, under the direction of Mike Zahn, celebrates the everlasting light of Christmas with the performance of Lloyd Larsen’s Christmas Cantata “Morning Star” during the 11:00 Candlelight service on Christmas Eve. “Morning Star” by Lloyd Larson celebrates the Everlasting Light of Christmas. The Christmas story is one of hope. It is a message for each of us at any stage of life’s journey reminding us that in our own dark nights Christ, the Light of the world, has come. This versatile musical is designed to be a worship celebration for choir, two narrators, and congregation. The blending of new and familiar Christmas melodies ensures a meaningful experience. Soloists include Sherri Norris and Scott Smith. Accompanist is Patty Neff.
Candles will be lighted during the singing of the carol “Silent night”, and the service ends with the celebratory carol “Joy to the World”
Christmas Day & New Year’s Day Services
10:00 am Christmas Day Service with special music by Good Hope Bell Choir & Soloist Mike Zahn
8:00 am to 9:45 am- New Year’s Day Pancake Breakfast; 9:00 am Sunday School
10:00 am New Year’s Day Service with special music by the Pope children
All are welcome to worship with us at Good Hope Lutheran Church, 129 W. Charles St., Bucyrus.