Westminster United Methodist Church will be having a Lovefeast at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 8 with candlelight, carols, coffee and Moravian buns.
As the early Christians met and broke bread together in token of their fellowship and love, so the members of the Moravian Church family have made it their custom to celebrate special occasions by sharing with friends a simple meal, a “lovefeast.”
The name of the service is a literal translation of the New Testament word “agape.” A Lovefeast — not to be confused with Holy Communion — seeks to remove social barriers and strengthen the spirit of unity and goodwill among all people.
The first Lovefeast was served in Germany on August 13, 1727. While returning from a revival of the Moravian Church, the congregation taking refuge on the estate of Count Zinzendorf spontaneously formed seven different groups and continued the worship begun earlier in the day.
Touched by their great zeal and devotion to worship and fellowship, Count Zinzendorf — a devout Christian himself — sent food and drink from his own kitchen to each group, so that they might continue in worship and fellowship without ceasing.
The gatherings were then repeated frequently, with the brothers and sisters gratefully recalling what they had received from the Lord and renewing their consecration to the Lord.
This worship without ceasing is what inspired John Wesley and the early Methodists to hold their own Lovefeasts.
The public is invited to join in worship, song and praise to celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ and remember the peace of Christmas.