First Lutheran announces annual candlelight Compline services for Advent

PARKERSBURG -- Candlelight Compline services will begin 7 p.m. Nov. 30 at First Lutheran Church, 1701 19th St.

The Advent season is annually celebrated with Compline services each Wednesday prior to Christmas and will continue Dec. 7, 14 and 21. A 'minimal meal' of soup and bread will be shared at 6 p.m. preceding the services.

The Rev. Ian B. Reid, senior Pastor of First Lutheran, instituted the annual Compline services years ago and they have become highly anticipated each Advent season. The Compline evening services originally began as the last prayer service of the day and date to the Benedictine era (c. 480-550 AD).

To this day, Compline services last about 30 minutes and preserve the ancient traditions of simplicity, restfulness and timelessness of text and song in a candlelit setting.

Noon Advent services, in person and on Facebook LIVE, will be held on the same Wednesdays. Noon services also are an annual offering for those who prefer to attend worship during the day.

Noon services and evening Compline services are open to the public and everyone is, again this year, invited to share in these unique opportunities for quiet meditation in the Sanctuary at First Lutheran Church.

First Lutheran is handicap-accessible and there is ample free parking adjacent to the Church. The "Loop" hearing assistance is available in the Sanctuary. For further information, contact the Church office (304-428-6174).