Recently, the Garden City Community Church was filled to capacity with the Christmas Vespers & Candlelight Dinner Program. This year’s theme was “Candles & Carols,” featuring all the choirs of the Community Church.
The two-part event took place in the candlelit Sanctuary with the Christmas Vespers Service, a service of hope, peace, joy and love. The event continued with the Candlelight Dinner in Gardner Hall, with over 140 people in attendance. The public was invited and many newcomers came.
Reverend Jim Adelmann remarked, “This year’s ‘Candles & Carol’ Vespers Service & Dinner has been a wonderful way for Christians of all ages to celebrate the joys of the season.”
Robert Ludwig, Music Minister said, “What a thrill it is for me to be able conduct such beautiful music with such talented and cooperative groups of singers. I was especially touched in this service by the way that our wonderful Adult Choir was willing to step aside at times and let the younger singers demonstrate their musical leadership, from the youngest 4-year-old in the Alleluia Choir singing The Friendly Beasts to the gifted high school girls in the Cantamus Choir with their beautifully blended sound. Add in the guest musicians we had participate and it ended up being a Christmas Vespers that will long remain as one of many fond memories of my years at the Community Church.” Other selections were by G. F. Handel, Bob Chilcott, Moses Hogan, Johannes Brahms and more.
The musicians included members of the GCCC Choirs; two members of the voice faculty of Hofstra University, soprano Tammy Hensrud and tenor Gregory Mercer; pianist Jessica Chen; organist Nancy Ludwig; James Ludwig on guitar; young soloist Sumu Pitchayan also on guitar; and Garden City High School drummer Matt O’Conor.
The Candlelight Dinner was a cooperative event, supported by all the committees of the church and coordinated by the Membership, Life and Development Committee. Dinner was “Italian-style” including baked stuffed shells and delicious homemade salads. Dessert included more holiday treats made with love: Italian tortoni and a selection of Christmas cookies. After the meal, everyone enjoyed a Christmas carol sing-along, with Robert Ludwig, Minister of Music, playing the piano.
The Christmas Season continues at the Garden City Community Church on Christmas Eve, Thursday, Dec. 24 with three services: 4 p.m. child-oriented Family Service for all ages; 8:15 p.m. Christmas music and Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service; and another Christmas music and Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service at 10:45 p.m. The public is invited to join the church in celebrating the true spirit of the Christmas season.
Check the new website at www.Garden CityCommunityChurch.org for more information. The church is located at the corner of Stewart Avenue and Whitehall Boulevard. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, all are welcome at the Community Church.
