Christmas at Andrews

Holiday celebrations and events of the season

(Photo by Christa McConnell)

Holiday programs and events are coming up, as the Christmas season begins in earnest. Below is a list of events organized and/or sponsored by Andrews University to foster a festive spirit.

Gift collection for Haitian orphanage
Campus Ministries office
Month of December

Drop by Campus Ministries to give your monetary donation to help build rooms in a Haitian Orphanage, purchase cooking utensils for the orphanage or donate needed supplies (towels, washcloths, children’s medicines, small stuffed animals, markers, or stickers). Continue to donate to the Haiti project at andrews.edu/go/give/2cm. Mark “Haiti Project” in the “my instructions” box or drop donations off at the Campus Ministries office up through Christmas break.

Christmas Chapel Service
PMC
December 1, 11:30 a.m.
 

AUSA Christmas Tree Lighting
Buller Hall front lawn
December 1, 6 p.m.

Celebrate the Christmas season and the end of Fall Semester with AUSA as we light up a Christmas tree, enjoy hot drinks and treats, and take a moment to relax and enjoy as we head into finals.

Kindle Your Christmas Spirit
Downtown Berrien Springs
December 1, 6-9 p.m.

Andrews University offers Christmas craft-making and face painting in the building next to The Journal Era. Various other local businesses will provide music, cookies, hot drinks, horse drawn carriage rides, ice sculpting and other various holiday-themed activities. 

Welcome Christmas Concert
Howard Performing Arts Center
December 2, 7 p.m.

The 2016 Welcome Christmas Choral Concert will feature the theme, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy.” The centerpiece of the concert will be “Estampie Natalis” (The story of the birth) by Vaclav Nelhybel, performed by the Andrews University Chorale and chamber orchestra, conducted by Stephen Zork. Additionally, the University Singers will present a fresh garland of familiar carols including “Adam Lay Ybounden” by Thomas Bell, “Infant Holy” by Cameron Joel Rose, “Cradle Hymn” by Kim André Arnesen, “Still, Still Night” by Jackson Berkey, “Angels From the Realms of Glory” by Malcolm Archer, and “Christmas Dinner” arranged by Stephen Zork. The concert will conclude with the collaboration of the choirs and the University Symphony Orchestra in performances of three familiar carols, including “Silent Night.” No admission charge. A free will offering will be collected.

The Sounds of Christmas
Howard Performing Arts Center
December 3, 8 p.m.

Join the Andrews University Symphony Orchestra, led by guest conductor Andrew Koehler, for a beautiful evening of international music inspired by and infused with the Christmas spirit. Featuring works by Rimsky-Korsakov, Delius, Bizet, Sibelius and Mozart, among many others, the program will also feature rarely-heard gems from the traditional Christmas music of Ukraine as well as several special guest artists. Carla Trynchuk will solo in the finale of Tchaikovsky’s dazzling violin concerto; the Chicago-based Bandura (a traditional Ukrainian folk instrument) ensemble “Char-Zillia” will share their traditions; and the orchestra will be joined by the Andrews University Singers with their music director Stephen Zork for both Ukrainian and American carols.

Feast of Lights
PMC Sanctuary
December 9, 7 p.m.

The community is invited to attend this spectacular night of music, Scripture and drama honouring the King of Kings. This 44th annual event put on by Andrews Academy is an evening of lights, bells, instruments, choral singing, congregational singing, shepherds, a Nativity scene, and the retelling of a glorious Christmas story. Portions of Handel’s Messiah including the Hallelujah chorus will also be performed. The church sidewalks will be arrayed in Christmas lighting. The program will speak to your hearts of His wondrous love. All are invited to attend this free program.

Children’s Celebration of Christmas
PMC Sanctuary
December 10, 9 and 11:45 a.m.

Enjoy a Christmas season presentation of music and spoken word by the children in our congregation and community.

Andrews Academy Annual Christmas Concert
Howard Performing Arts Center
December 10, 7 p.m.

Join us as we bring in the holidays with a variety of well-known Christmas songs, including a grand finale played by the combined musical groups.

Christmas Music and Poems
Apple Valley Market
December 12-16, various times

Ruth Murdoch Elementary School classrooms will perform Christmas music and poems. Schedule below by class.

Tuesday, December 13
8:40 a.m.  2nd Grade with Miss Yoon
1 p.m. 3rd & 4th with Mrs. Hickerson

Wednesday, December 14
8:30 a.m. Kindergarten with Mrs. Curnutt
9 a.m. 4th grade with Mrs. Costa

Thursday, December 15
12:45 p.m.  6th grade with Mrs. Park
2 p.m.   5th grade with Mrs. Bailey

Friday, December 16
11 a.m.  1st, 7th & 8th grades with Mrs. Shoemate, Mrs. Gotshall, and Mr. Davisson

RMES Annual Vocal Christmas Concert
Howard Performing Arts Center
December 12, 7 p.m.

Come hear the Ruth Murdoch choirs perform music of the season! 

RMES Annual Instrumental Christmas Concert
Howard Performing Arts Center
December 13, 7 p.m.

Join us as the RMES Beginning Band, Concert Band, Chimes Choir, Bell Choir and String Orchestra present their annual Christmas concert.

Messiah Sing-Along 
PMC Sanctuary
December 18, 4 p.m.

Join the Pioneer Memorial Church Sanctuary Choir and sing along to this classic choral piece traditionally performed at Christmas time. Bring your well-loved copy or use the music provided and sing your heart out!

Christmas Eve Breakfast in Church
PMC Sanctuary
December 24, 9 a.m.

Ring in the day before Christmas with a special morning service at PMC.

Annual Christmas Celebration
PMC Sanctuary
December 24, 11:45 a.m.

Our annual day-before-Christmas service to start the Christmas hours right.

Christmas Eve Service
PMC Sanctuary
December 24, 5 p.m.

A peaceful, reflective service to celebrate the eve of the day we celebrate Christ's birth.