Westminster College invites students, families, alumni and members of the surrounding community to gather for its annual Christmas Worship Service at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in Orr Auditorium. This cherished campus tradition celebrates the Advent season through scripture, music, prayer and reflection.

This year’s service will feature the message “Can It Be?” delivered by the Rev. James R. Mohr II, chaplain and director of church relations. Scripture readings will be offered by senior members of the Class of 2026.

The service will include musical performances by the Westminster College Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, both under the direction of Dr. Ryan Keeling, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities; the Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Melinda Crawford Perttu, professor of music; and the Market Street Brass Quintet under the direction of Dr. JaKobe Henry, assistant professor of music.

College Carillonneur and Organist Mitchell Stecker and students Shannon Witkouski, a senior music education and performance double major from Beaver, Pa., and Gabriel Spinello, a sophomore chemistry and mathematics double major from Pittsburgh, will provide carillon music.

A free-will offering will be collected during the service will support the Office of Faith and Spirituality’s Spring Break With a Purpose and Experience Alaska service-learning trips.

Following the service, guests are invited to enjoy a punch and cookies reception in the Orr Lobby.

The Annual Christmas Worship Service is a long-standing Westminster tradition, uniting the campus community in a service of lessons and carols that traces the biblical story from prophecy to Christ’s birth. The liturgy culminates in the proclamation from John’s Gospel: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us … full of grace and truth.”

The senior liturgists for this year’s service are:

• Grace Askey, a mathematics major from DuBois, Pa.
• Ethan Croushore, an accounting and finance major from New Kensington, Pa.
• Mick Hergenrother, an accounting major from Canfield, Ohio
• Rachel LaSalvia, a biology major from Columbus, Pa.
• Nathaniel Philips, a finance and accounting major from Pittsburgh
• Shelby Rambo, an environmental science major from East Palestine, Ohio
• Alex Rothwell, a marketing and professional sales major from Canfield, Ohio
• Grace Schill, a business administration major from Rootstown, Ohio
• Max Smith, an English major from Bethel Park, Pa.
• Andres Vallejo, a criminal justice studies and psychology major from Hialeah, Fla.
• Jessica Veon, an education major from Cranberry Township, Pa.
• Elliott Wentzel, a biology major from Houston, Pa.

The event is free and open to the public. Those unable to attend in person may view the service live at www.wcnlive.com. The Westminster Cable Network (WCN) will rebroadcast Westminster’s Christmas Worship Service on multiple occasions over the holidays. 

For more information, please contact the Office of Faith and Spirituality at 724-946-7117 or email chapel@westminster.edu.

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