A joyeux Noel in Edmonton

EDMONTON — This Anglophone city could soon become better known for its French-language Christmas services if the president of Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS) has his way.

Dr. Manfred Zeuch, president of the seminary and professor of systematic theology, says he’s planning a one-hour French service in the seminary’s chapel Sunday, December 19 at 3 p.m.

Similar to a Nine Lessons and Carols worship service, this Christmas event will include Bible readings, French hymns and carols—accompanied by organ and piano—and a short message in French.

“Why should we not foster spirituality and theology in French in LCC (Lutheran Church–Canada) even if it is in Alberta?” asked Zeuch, in a recent interview. “We surely have people who can become interested in it.

“This event may grow over the years,” he added.

Zeuch said he wants to reach out to local Francophones, and said the church should share the true meaning of Christmas in both of Canada’s official languages.

The service will use hymns and carols from Liturgies et cantiques luthériens, LCC’s French-language hymnal.

Zeuch said he came up with the idea while thinking about the necessity of “reaching out to other cultural and language groups.” If people appreciate a German-language Christmas service, he added, why not do something in French, too?

Seminary staff and faculty also suggested he hold a French chapel, he added.

Zeuch said the seminary is sending invitations to Concordia students, French-immersion classes, French associations and even local African Francophone groups.

Working in French is nothing new to Zeuch. For 11 years, he served two bilingual—French-German—congregations in Alsace, France. He wrote his PhD thesis at the University of Strasbourg, and two of his three children were born in France.

“I think and speak in French easily,” he said.

Zeuch said Edmonton’s Bethlehem Lutheran Church is also planning a special presentation, Christmas in Alsace, following a December 15 mid-week service. That event will also include songs and French goodies.

Concordia Lutheran Seminary is located at 7040 Ada Blvd. in Edmonton. For more information call 780-474-1468.

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