Photos from 2017 Local Lovefeast in Tampa, FL and from Wait Chapel
Local Lovefeasts
Gather | Celebrate | Inspire
One of Wake Forest’s oldest traditions is its annual Lovefeast. The first Moravian Lovefeast was served in Germany on August 13, 1727, and is styled after a common meal shared by the early church as described in the Book of Acts. The first lovefeast in North Carolina was held on the evening of the arrival of the Moravians at Bethabara (just a few short miles north of the Reynolda campus) in 1753.
“Wake Foresters away from "Mother, So Dear" can host a Local Lovefeast wherever they are.”
All that is required for a lovefeast is a simple meal, family, friends, and a spirit of love and goodwill. It does not matter how you celebrate your homegrown version of the Wake Forest Lovefeast. All that matters is that you celebrate it with someone – or those – you love.
There is also no set format for the lovefeast, though it usually involves seasonal music and Christmas carols, a simple meal, the reading of scripture, prayers and the lighting of candles. The rest is up to you. The personal love, care and attention you bring to your own version of the lovefeast are the only elements needed to help you appreciate and acknowledge the blessings heaped upon you and your family – free of charge – every day.
Want to host a Local Lovefeast?
Want to attend a Local Lovefeast?
The following communities are hosting a Local Lovefeast.
Don’t see your city? Let us know if you want to help organize a Local Lovefeast near you.
Please note, some locations are still finalizing venue and timing details.
Atlanta (St. Philip’s Cathedral)
Atlanta (Brookhaven)*
Austin
Augusta
Barcelona**
Charlotte
Dallas
DC
DC (VA)
Denver
Miami Beach*
Grand Rapids
Ft. Lauderdale/Miami
Houston
London**
Nashville
New York
Oklahoma City (Edmond)
Pittsburgh*
Portland
Providence, RI
Rocky Mount
San Diego
Tampa
Utah (Sandy)
Venice (Casa Artom)**
Virginia Beach
* this Local Lovefeast will incorporate a modified Call to Conversation either before or after the service. More details can be found on the registration page.
** this Local Lovefeast will be held during the week of December 3-7, in partnership with our WFU students studying abroad. Stay tuned for details.
Organizing a Local Lovefeast
Lead Volunteer Responsibilities:
- Choose which Lovefeast service your group would like to participate in (4:30pm or 8pm ET)
- Help secure the venue (see below for details)
- Receive the Lovefeast “kit” (mailed in late November) and the Lovefeast buns (mailed just before December 2) and bring it on the day of the Lovefeast
- Familiarize yourself with the technical aspect of streaming the Lovefeast service (step-by-step instructions and a “trial run” will be provided)
- Arrive at the venue early to set up and test the tech, make the coffee, and greet guests
- Provide coffee cups/mugs, cream, sugar, and matches/lighter (if using real candles)
The Alumni Office Provides:
- Alumni Engagement staff members will act as liaisons with our Lead Local Lovefeast volunteers throughout the planning process.
- We will create event pages and registration forms, send out invitation emails, and track registration.
- AE will send a “Lovefeast kit” to the Lead volunteer containing: Local Lovefeast guide, official Lovefeast programs, Beeswax Candles, crepe Candle “Skirts,” & Sequin Pins, instructions on how to assemble/wrap candles, coffee and Lovefeast coffee recipe, and Moravian Lovefeast buns
Venue Requirements
- Local Lovefeast Venue: either a home with a TV in a room with adequate seating, or a chapel or similar room at a local place of worship. Another location in a church or community gathering spot will also work, but keep in mind we want to try to recreate the cozy and intimate feel of the service, and reverence/ambiance of Wait Chapel. Please confirm with your venue that real candles are allowed. We can provide historical attendance numbers for planning purposes.
- A screen and internet access: either a TV or a screen/projector, with capability to stream (through HDMI cord, Chromecast, etc.) a video from a computer or device. This computer or device will need to be connected to the internet to stream the lovefeast.
- A speaker: if not streaming through a TV, an external speaker is needed to project the audio of the service.
- Comfortable seating, adjustable lighting, and directional signage make the experience run smoothly and provide a welcoming environment.
Other Helpful Notes
- Place buns in freezer when received to extend life until Sunday afternoon/evening.
- Consider designating someone as “lead” singer to help carry the group in singing.
- Or, during the carols, allow guests to mingle and gather their own bun and coffee.
- Do not forget matches if you will be lighting candles.
Call to Conversation + Lovefeast
In the spirit of the Call to Conversation movement, we would like to offer an additional opportunity to share in the warmth of community with a brief moderated conversation on the topic of tradition immediately prior to or following Local Lovefeast events. If you are interested in incorporating this meaningful experience into your Local Lovefeast, please let us know on the interest form.
Important Dates
October 31 – Last day to indicate your interest in serving as a lead volunteer.
November 1 – Deadline to confirm venue and choose which service you’d prefer to stream.
November 6 – First invitation/registration email sent by Alumni Engagement Office
November 13 – Second invitation/registration email sent by Alumni Engagement Office
November 25 – Registration deadline. Those who register after this date are not guaranteed candles or programs.
November 26 – Lovefeast Kits are shipped
November 29 – Dewey’s Bun Shipment (overnight, direct from Dewey’s bakery. Please place buns in freezer upon receipt)
December 1 – Reminder email and final details to all registrants
December 2 – Lovefeast: 4:30 p.m. (ET) Shorter, family-friendly service; 8 p.m. (ET) Traditional service
Questions? Contact Anna Marie Carr at carram@nullwfu.edu or 336.758.3506
