First Lutheran Church, 1701 19th St., invites everyone to join in the Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve services at 5:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Dec. 24. Music will precede each service beginning at 5:15 and 10:30, respectively. A nursery is available for the early service. (Photo by Jacob Newell)

PARKERSBURG — First Lutheran Church, 1701 19th St., will hold traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve services on Dec. 24.

An early service will be held at 5:30 p.m. and a traditional late service will be held at 11 p.m. First Lutheran is among the few churches still offering the late night mass.

Both of the candlelight services include the traditional Christmas hymns. The tradition of everyone receiving a candle to light and join in singing “Silent Night” concludes each service.

For the early service, special music will begin at 5:15 p.m. For the late-night mass, special music begins at 10:30 p.m.

The late service will feature the Festival Choir under the direction of senior choir Director Shandra Ice and will include guest vocalists. First Lutheran organist Sherry Fosselman and accompanist Carolyn Anderson, will contribute.

First Lutheran Church, 1701 19th Street, is preparing the sancutary for the Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve services on Dec. 24. (Photo Provided)

The Eastlawn Brass Quintet will make its annual appearance and will be joined by Travis Hunt and Jake Hunt, percussionists.

Music will include the trio of Shandra Ice, Shirley Goodfellow and Amanda Goodfellow, a duet by Susan Smith and Hannah Garman and a solo by Paul Freeman.

Kathy Hamrick will be featured on hand bells, Jocelyn Gumm on oboe and Becky Richardson on flute. Clarinetists Mary Baker and Shirley Goodfellow also will participate.

Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services.

As is tradition, red and white poinsettias given in honor and remembrance of members, friends and relatives will decorate the church. Worshippers will be surrounded by candlelight and seasonal greenery.

Everyone is invited.

First Lutheran Church is handicapped accessible and uses the hearing assistance LOOP system.

A nursery will be available during the early service.

Free parking is available in the church parking lot adjacent to the church. For more information, call the Church office for additional information 304 428-6174.