The Christmas Vespers service will fill the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Abilene Saturday with Christmas music, prayer and poetry. The event, which involves over 150 ACU students, offers free admission and is open to the Abilene community.

Dr. Steven Ward, director of bands and orchestra, said Christmas Vespers is an ACU tradition that is entering its 5th year. The theme for this year is “Dona Nobis Pacem”, which is Latin for “God grant us peace.” The whole evening is going to incorporate that theme.

Ward said the Department of Music will put on the event, which will involve all ACU choirs including A Cappella, University Chorale and the ACU singers.  The ACU Orchestra and some chamber music ensembles will also take part in the service.

“One of the things that is really unique about this performance is that all the groups prepare on their own and then put it together in one rehearsal at First Baptist,” Ward said.

Dr. West Gomer, organist at the Church of Heavenly Rest of Abilene, will also be taking part in the performance. Donna Hester, professor of theater; Dr. Paul Piersall, chair of the Department of Music; and Dr. Jack Reese, dean of the College of Biblical Studies, will all read scripture and poetry during the service.

“Christmas Vespers is an evening of sacred Christmas music along with scripture reading and poetry readings,” Ward said. “It brings an opportunity to celebrate the Christmas season together with sacred music and liturgical and a really wonderful atmosphere.”

Rebecca Gulick, sophomore advertising and public relations major from Katy, is part of A Cappella this year and will perform at the service.

“I was in it last year, and it’s really cool because pretty much the entire fine arts department comes together,” Gulick said. “They televise it so they can include the entire community of Abilene.”

Ward previously taught at Hope College in Michigan, where a similar Christmas Vespers concert was conducted yearly. He brought the idea to ACU and had the first service in 2007 in Cullen Auditorium. The service was then moved in 2008 to the First Baptist Church, where it has remained. This year he expects anywhere from 500 to 700 to attend.

“This concert has become a highlight of the Christmas season, not only for ACU, but for the entire Abilene community,” Ward said.

Lindsey Adams, sophomore worship ministry from Mesquite, is new to Christmas Vespers and will be performing as a part of the University Chorale this year.

“It’s just a great opportunity to see the community of ACU and Abilene come together and to experience worship one last time before we all go for the Christmas break,” Adams said.