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Westminster College Continues Christmas Vesper Tradition

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Posted on Friday, November 30, 2001

A holiday tradition continues at Westminster College with the annual Christmas Vesper service Sunday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. in Orr Auditorium.

Rev. Steve Allen, Westminster College chaplain, will lead his first Christmas service at Westminster College. He plans to share some personal reflections about Christmas during the homily.

"I'm excited about being a part of this longstanding tradition of celebrating Christmas at Westminster with this special vesper service," said Allen. "It's one of the things I've heard about over and over since arriving this summer. Everyone has been telling me what a meaningful occasion it is, and I look forward to being a part of it."

The service, which has been standing room only in past years, includes traditional Christmas music, which is sung by the audience and various Westminster choirs. Dr. Robin Lind will direct the Concert Choir and the Men's Choir, while Sharon Rotuna will direct the Women's Choir.

Holiday music will also be performed by the Flute Choir and the Low Brass Ensemble, which are both under the direction of G. Daniel DiDesiderio, and Handbell Choir under the direction of Ann Bruening. Playing the organ is Dr. Elizabeth Harrison. The student conductor is David J. Zaccari, and piano accompanists are Thomas Oyer and Jeanetta Antus.

The nine lessons of the service will be read by Westminster College students Carrie Mathers, Joseph Stamper, Nikki Pencak, Simon Kanaan, Sarah Huffman, Charles Hart, Shannon Simmons, Corey Shaw, and Megan Mamula.

The Christmas gifts that will be displayed in Orr Lobby have been purchased by the members of the College community for needy families and foster children in Lawrence County. The "Giving Tree" is an annual effort by the Westminster College Staff Service Team lead by Keturah Laney, chapel assistant.

The evening's offering is designated for the Westminster College Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity International. The chapter is attempting to raise $10,000 this year in an effort to build housing in our region and around the world. In the past nine years, the Westminster's chapter has raised over $115,000 to support the work of Habitat.