This morning, our congregation gathered for a truly uplifting Advent Festival Worship to “Ring in the Season” together. The 9:00 a.m. service was filled with beauty, reverence, and joyful anticipation as music, scripture, and community ushered us into the spirit of Advent.
The Festival Worship was led and conducted by Bethany's Director of Worship and Music, Dr Aaron Knodle, with powerful musical leadership from The Bethany Choir and the NIU Graduate String Quartet. The ensemble featured violinists Javier Santiago Polania Cleves and Sally Waterhouse, violist Jacob Seabrook, cellist Sofia Vrettou, and double bassist Louis Dolmon. We were also blessed by the talents of Dr. Ayesha Chetty at the piano and organ. Adding to the richness of the morning, soprano Nichole Nordschow offered moving solos in selections from Handel’s Messiah, providing moments of both reflection and joy.
The musical offerings for the morning included Vivaldi’s Gloria, Handel’s “He Shall Feed His Flock,” the beautifully arranged Wexford Carol, Sandra Peter’s arrangement of Silent Night, and additional movements from Vivaldi’s Gloria, both choral and instrumental. Each piece added depth and warmth to the service, creating a powerful musical tapestry that lifted hearts and minds.
The service also included the lighting of the Advent wreath, a cherished tradition that symbolizes hope and the dawning light of Christ. The sanctuary was filled with gratitude, warmth, and anticipation as we welcomed the beginning of the Christmas season. This Festival Worship was a memorable celebration of music, community, and the promise of Advent, a beautiful start to the season of preparation and joy.
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