A Christmas tradition since 1925, Newburyport's First Religious Society, Unitarian Universalist, will be aglow with holiday spirit and music Sunday for its 83rd annual Candlelight Service.
The program will be filled with Christmas choral music interspersed with readings and congregational singing of familiar carols.
Claudia Keyian, the church's youth music director, will take over conducting duties for the first time this year.
"It's just such a warm and beautiful environment," Keyian said. "It keeps people coming back. They love the music and candles. And the church is just so beautiful."
The congregation will be encouraged to join the choir and organist in singing along to five carols, including John Rudder's "In the Bleak Midwinter" and "A Spotless Rose."
"Last year, we had a French theme to the service, but this year we have a very traditional theme with traditional Christmas music," Keyian said. "We picked really familiar carols that people love to sing, but don't often get chances to."
Soloists will be soprano Jayne West, tenor Neal Ferriera and baritone Bill Holloway. The night will also feature a brass quintet, organist Barbara Flocco, and children, teen and adult community choirs.
"We hope people leave feeling the real joy of the season, as well as a peaceful feeling," Keyian said. "Everything gets so hectic this time of year. We hope people kind of stop and reflect on the meaning and the beauty of season, and this is a good opportunity to do so."
IF YOU GO
What: Annual Candlelight Service
When: Sunday, 7:15 p.m.
Where: First Religious Society, Unitarian Universalist, 26 Pleasant St., Newburyport
How: Free admission. Call the church at 978-465-0602 or visit www.frsuu.org.
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