(November 25, 2014)

Annual Christmas Candlelight Service set for December 5

SHREVEPORT, LA — The annual Christmas Candlelight Service at Centenary College will be held Friday, December 5, at 6:00 p.m. in the College's Brown Memorial Chapel, with gathering music beginning at 5:30 p.m. Centenary College invites the Shreveport-Bossier community to attend this beloved and free holiday event.

This year Reverend Valerie Robideaux, director of professional discernment and College chaplain, Drew Sutton '04 of LSU Wesley Foundation, and Katie McKay Simpson '03, an associate pastor at First United Methodist Church-Baton Rouge, will lead the service with separate reflections.

"The Candlelight Service has always held a special place in my heart during this season," said McKay Simpson. "For present students and alums near and far, it is a wonderful opportunity to share in the Christmas spirit with our community. Especially in this tender time on campus, it will be important for us to reflect together on the peace and hope that Jesus Christ brings to us—that there is no darkness or fear that Christ's light can't overcome."

The Centenary College Choir, under the direction of Dr. David Hobson, and Camerata, under the direction of Dr. Cory Wikan, will provide the music for the Candlelight Service. Organist Dr. Hollice Watson and the I-49 Brass group will accompany them. In addition to the choral performances, the choirs will lead the congregation in singing traditional hymns. The service will close with the lighting of candles and singing "Silent Night."

Students actively engaged in Centenary's World House program will participate as scripture readers.

For more information about how World Houses are addressing challenges for the 21st century, visit the World House webpage. For more information about the program, please contact Reverend Robideaux at vrobideaux@centenary.edu or 318.869.5029.