Celebrating season: Aurora church presents ‘Christmas Story in Scripture and Song’
New Hope Advent Christian Church in Aurora celebrated the season with its “The Christmas Story in Scripture and Song” Sunday, Dec. 15.
Featured were icons created by Kelly Latimore, son of Kim and Rev. Ken Latimore, North Carolina Advent Christian pastor. “Kelly has become a celebrated iconographer and theologian,” said Char Dillon, New Hope board chair.
Rev. James Missick, New Hope pastor, opened the service with a responsive call to worship. Three congregants read meditations before lighting the Christ candle took place. After Pastor Missick read “Gabriel’s Annunciation” by Jan Richardson, Larry Solomon, Kara Patrick and Charlotte Dillon read scriptures that chronicled Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and Jesus’ birth.
Carols included “Emmanuel, Emmanuel,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “What child is This?” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and “Silent Night,” sung by congregants who formed a circle. Pianist Marilyn Parolini presented a carol medley including “Carol of the Bells,” “Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella” and “It Came Up the Midnight Clear.”
A reception concluded the service.
—Al Benson