Protestant Services to be held at Cedar Crest Interfaith Chapel

The Protestant Community of Cedar Crest’s Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be held in the beautiful Interfaith Chapel on campus at 6:30 p.m. on December 24. Cedar Crest Retirement Community is located in Pompton Plains, New Jersey.

Music is a big part of the Protestant Christmas services, and this service will be filled with a retelling of the Christmas story and traditional carols and hymns sung by the congregation and choir. The service will end with the singing of “Silent Night” with the chapel lit only with the candles held by the congregation.

Anthems will include “Angels Singing Peace on Earth,” and “Go Tell It!” Carols include well known favorites such as “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and “Joy to the World,” among others. George Swope, organist and choir director, and Elaine Thomas, pianist, will perform an organ/piano duet arranged by Joel Raney titled, “Joy to the World.”

On December 31, at the 10 a.m. service, special music will be performed by The Furioso String Quartet. The players are Brandon Doubek and Ada Stout on violins, Jasper Thomas-Yount, viola and Felix Thomas-Yount, cello. This is another service of mostly music with a short sermon.

The Cedar Crest Community and residents of neighboring towns may attend.

The Protestant Community at Cedar Crest is a non-denominational congregation led by Reverend Dennis Rockett and supported in its ministry by George W. Swope, professional organist and choir director, and Elaine Thomas, pianist and Council President.

Cedar Crest is one of 19 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living. The scenic 130-acre campus is located in Pompton Plains, New Jersey and is home to over 1,800 residents. The community offers abundant amenities, hundreds of clubs and activities, on-site restaurants, a state-of-the-art medical center, an all-season pool and a fitness center.