Let me state off the bat that I am not religious. Never have been, never will be. That being said, I love Christmas music, and try to go to church on Christmas Eve each year. Coming here for their candlelight service always puts me in the holiday spirit.
Growing up, my mom always brought me here, since it was (and still is) our neighborhood church right on the border of Lighthouse Point and Pompano Beach. We've always called it the pink church, as did everyone else. Seems like they've finally embraced the name, because it's now officially called "The Pink Church: First Presbyterian Church of Pompano Beach."
Walking in, you're immediately struck with how big this place is inside. It's always beautifully decorated for the holidays, with trees lining the sides and poinsettias all along the front. Since I only ever go for the Christmas Eve candlelight service, I don't know how the other services are run. When you walk in, you are handed a program with all of the "lessons" as well as songs that will be sung during the service, and a candle that you'll light at the end.
This year's service was the best one I've seen yet, with a great selection of music. Most of the songs the congregation can sing along to, but there are some songs for only the choir or soloists. Toward the end, an usher comes to the end of each pew and lights the first person's candle, until all of the candles are lit. The service always ends with Silent Night, and it's beautiful. I may not be religious, but I can't help but leave here feeling more peaceful.
All of the ushers are very friendly, and as everyone makes their way to the exits, most of the congregation wishes each other a Merry Christmas, even to strangers like us :) This year even the pastor came up to us at the end, and she was incredibly friendly and welcoming. Although we are only ever here once a year, we never feel out of place, and it's just one of the many reasons we continue to visit. We'll be back next year!
Merry Christmas! read more