The Rev. Ian B. Reid, senior pastor at First Lutheran Church, 1701 19th St., Parkersburg, prepares for the annual Advent Candlelight Compline services. The services will be held each Wednesday during Advent beginning 7 p.m. today and Dec. 8, 15 and 22. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — Candlelight Compline services will begin in person and on Facebook LIVE at 7 p.m. today at First Lutheran Church, 1701 19th St., Parkersburg.

The Advent season is celebrated each year with Compline services that will continue on Wednesdays prior to Christmas on Dec. 8, 15 and 22. Noon Advent in-person services will be held on these same Wednesdays and also are an annual offering for those who prefer to worship during the day.

Evening Compline services were originally designed as the last prayer service of the day and date back to the Benedictine era, circa 480-550 AD, the Rev. Ian B. Reid, senior pastor of First Lutheran, said. The services have become highly anticipated each Advent Season at First Lutheran.

Compline services by candlelight last about 30 minutes and preserve the ancient traditions of simplicity, restfulness and timelessness of text and song, he said.

The nursery will be open for children infant through kindergarten for the 7 p.m. services.

All Advent and Compline services are open to the public. Everyone is invited to share in these opportunities.

Compline services in the evening especially offer a time for quiet meditation in the candlelit setting of the sanctuary at First Lutheran Church.

First Lutheran requires masks to be worn in the facility and the Sanctuary offers ample space for social distancing. It is handicap-accessible and there is ample free parking adjacent to the church.

For more information, contact the church at 304-428-6174.