Christmas is a time for traditions for many people, decorating, baking, gathering with family and friends, giving gifts and, going to church.
Clergy and people who work within local churches report that attendance is up significantly at Christmastime compared to the rest of the year. They tend to agree the reason for this is tradition. In keeping with tradition, most churches offer at least one Christmas Eve service, with music and caroling, sometimes by candlelight. Some offer communion or a play or multiple services to fit each family’s need.
‘I think attendance is up because Christmas is the winter holy day and people love traditions,? said Julie Neal, worship coordinator at St. Anne Catholic Church, 825 S. Ortonville Road. Last year the church had around 700 people for the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass, which Neal says is geared toward children and as the first Mass of the evening, has a blessing of the Creche. St. Anne also has a 7 p.m. Mass and a midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. These Masses are known as Vigils to Catholics because they are awaiting the birth of Christ, Neal said. At all of the Vigils, Communion is held and there is music, with the largest choir and most music at the midnight Vigil. A Christmas Day Mass is also planned for 10:30 a.m.
Debbie Line, pastor of Seymour Lake United Methodist Church, believes that church attendance is up at Christmas because people are seeking out tradition and a faith message. At her church on Christmas Eve, two opportunities are presented to hear a message, as well as traditional songs. A 7 p.m. Christmas Eve family service will feature a Christmas story for kids followed by the singing of traditional carols, including ‘Silent Night,? which will be sung by candlelight. An 11 p.m service called ‘Lessons in Carols? will tell the story of God’s love from the beginning in Genesis to the Christmas gift of His son, Line said. There will also be carols, special music and a celebration of Communion ending with candles and ‘Silent Night? again at the church, located at 3050 S. Sashabaw Road.
Paula Forbush secretary of Lakeview Community Church, says church is one place people look to find hope and peace. She hopes people will find that at her church, located at 10023 S. State Road. People coming to Lakeview’s 6 p.m. Christmas Eve service will see a special three-act play in which children will be asked to participate. Christmas carols will be sung by candlelight after the play.
‘It’s a traditional service and we don’t shy away from telling people about Jesus? birth and His hope for the world.?
Ruth Britting, also sees higher Christmas attendance at Cornerstone Baptist Church, where she is secretary.
‘I think people realize that’s the time of year they need to come the most,? she said. ‘Personally, I think it stems from the old-fashioned values their mothers and fathers have followed.?
Cornerstone Baptist Church, 3060 E. Seymour Lake Road, will have a candlelight service Christmas Eve at 7 p.m.
For more information on church services, call:
St. Anne Catholic Church (248) 627-3965; Seymour Lake United Methodist Church (248) 628-4763; Lakeview Community Church (810) 636-7541; or Cornerstone Baptist Church (248) 627-4700.