Life > December 6, 2007

By Brittany Wyche | Staff writer

It seems that I have missed out on many wonderful traditions throughout my career at the university. But finally, in my last year, I was able to attend the much celebrated Lovefeast. Compared to some other campus events and tradition, I felt that this one thoroughly lived up to its reputation. The evening opened with the choir’s prelude, which was beautifully performed.

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(Haowei Tong/Old Gold & Black)

Next the Advent candle was lit by the liturgical dancers, and then Chaplain Tim Auman opened the service. An evening of singing, reflection and community bonding began.

Wait Chapel was full of students, faculty, alumni and others in the Winston-Salem community for the university’s Lovefeast, which has occurred annually since 1967.

In that year, a university student, Jane Sherrill Stroupe, sought to emulate previous celebrations of love and community central to the season.

Gathering a small group of students together, she helped plan the event based on the Moravian idea of a lovefeast.

A lovefeast is, clearly, about love – which means coming together openly and without judging in order to enhance the value and regard we all have for each other.

While having originated in a Christian tradition, the lovefeast is not tied to any particular religion or denomination today.

This was evident this year in both Auman’s introduction and the reflection provided by Edwin G. Wilson, the Provost Emeritus. Wilson spoke about the passing of stories, or miracles, of the power of community to change lives through individual impact.

With many cultural references and inspiring quotes from throughout the ages, from old spirituals from slavery to Anne Frank, the Provost challenged all who attended the service to take this season to reflect on their lives and relationships, to consider their connections to those around them.

This was a perfect segue into both the enjoyable performances by the Flute and Handbell Choirs, as well as the communal singing of classic Christmas hymns and carols.

To be honest, I do wish that in the spirit of interfaith that songs from other traditions had been included in the program.

As everyone sang, the dieners, or servers, passed out the meal to all who attended. The traditional Lovefeast meal consists of creamed coffee and a sweetened bun.

It is important to note that this is not a meal intended as part of any specific sacrament. It is based on the early Christian church practice of eating and breaking bread together in fellowship, but it is not communion as Christians typically take part of in church. Instead, it is meant as just a sharing of the bread between all.

After the choir performed a few more songs, the lighting of the candles began.

All of the lights in Wait Chapel were turned off, and candlelight was spread throughout as each person passed the light to his or her neighbor.

It was truly incredible to watch the light spread after reflecting on the impact individuals can have through their actions spreading across the world, all while singing familiar carols.

The highly esteemed former chaplain of Wake Forest for many, many years, Edgar Christman, closed the service with a brief benediction.

Benedictions are, in most church services, a sending out into the world, a reminder to take what you have learned and practice it throughout the upcoming week outside of the church walls.

Given the message and the enjoyable music and atmosphere of this year’s Lovefeast, I’m sure many will be carrying the ideas from it throughout the final week of classes.

Despite how busy and hectic this final week is, and how crazy I’m sure exam week will be, it was nice to take some time out of the week to reflect and enjoy music and community.

Hopefully the Lovefeast will continue to bring this sensation to our campus for many years to come.