Christmas Lessons & Carols

Eastern Mennonite University Music Department and Campus Ministries present a new annual tradition of Christmas Lessons & Carols: a classic service of lessons from Christian scriptures and music from the University Choir, Chamber Singers, Emulate Chamber Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra and congregational singing. This service features the premiere of a choral piece from American composer, Gwyneth Walker.

Advent Hymn Sing – Matthew Hunsberger

Matthew Hunsberger takes us on a musical journey through the weeks of advent and Christmas in a single University Chapel.  Other participants include Brian Martin Burkholder (candle lighter); Elizabeth Resto and Anali Martin (readers); David Berry (piano); Sara Halteman (violin); and Katie Derstine, Ranene Schrock, Selah Shenk, and Jessica Hostetler (women’s vocal quartet).

“The End of Lament” – Andrea Dalton Saner

Dr. Andrea Dalton Saner, Assistant Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew Language at EMS, addresses Chapel Gathering around Psalm 88 and Romans 8:18-39. Context: Romans 8 is not an Advent text, but perhaps it could be. Advent is a season of waiting–perhaps of groaning–and repenting, preparing ourselves to be awake and ready for the coming....

“What is your ministry?” – Hannah Shultz and Perry Blosser

Hear reflections from Hannah Shultz and Perry Blosser about the Ministry Inquiry Program this past summer. How does ministry inquiry look for you? Hannah Shultz served with Manantial de Vida in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Her responsibilities included sharing her testimony, praying, helping children learn about gardening and Earth care, leading children’s worship, translating documents from Spanish to English, choreographing worship songs for....