November 21, 2018
Since its inception in 1966, the annual Christmas Candlelight Service is one of Susquehanna’s most cherished traditions, as more than 1,600 members of the university and surrounding communities gather in Weber Chapel.
The Rev. Scott Kershner, chaplain to the university, will preside over the service and deliver the message, assisted by the Rev. Turkura Pius Michael, pastor of St. Pius X Church in Selinsgrove and spiritual advisor to Susquehanna’s Catholic community.
The service will also feature numerous student ensembles from the Department of Music, including the University Choir, University Chorale, Chamber Singers, Handbell Choir and Brass Ensemble.
Attendees are requested to donate a kid-friendly food item that does not require a can opener or scissors to open and does not need to be refrigerated. Examples include instant oatmeal, small boxes of cereal, granola bars, beef sticks, easy mac and cheese, mini bottled water, juice boxes and canned beef ravioli, tuna, chicken or franks and beans. All donations will go to the local Meals for Seals program.
During Selinsgrove’s Late Shoppers Night, more than 20 downtown business will be open until 11 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Selinsgrove Chamber of Commerce and will feature carriage rides, strolling carolers, roasted chestnuts and hot cider.
Susquehanna’s 2016 Candlelight Service, which was the event’s 50th anniversary, won a Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award for WVIA. The service broadcast throughout the U.S. in December 2017 and will air on public television stations for the next two holiday seasons.