Part of the success of High Point University (HPU) over the years has been an ability to draw national and international attention to the little school that could.

That trend will continue this December when a major television network broadcast’s the school’s pre-recorded Christmas Eve Worship Service nationally.

HPU is now inviting members of the local community to be a part of the filming of that service, which will be taped in late October and broadcast on Christmas Eve.

The university is encouraging everyone to “get into the Christmas spirit early” at HPU, where ABC’s National Christmas Eve Worship Service will be filmed on Tuesday, Oct. 26.   HPU leaders say this is a chance for the community  to “come together as a congregation and experience the wonder of ABC’s National Christmas Eve Worship Service.”

 The recording will take place on the HPU campus on Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 6:45 p.m. in the Hayworth Fine Arts Center. The program will be broadcast on Christmas Eve on ABC affiliates across the country.

 The event is free, however, tickets are required. To request tickets, you can contact the “HPU Concierge” by calling 336-841-4636 or by emailing a request to concierge@highpoint.edu. Tickets must be secured by Wednesday, Oct. 20 to attend.

A press release from the school explained how the event came about:  “Rev. Dr. Michael Brown, a member of HPU’s Board of Trustees, and HPU’s passion for celebrating the Christmas season, helped bring this unique opportunity to campus. Brown is an author, gifted preacher, adjunct professor and recently retired as senior minister at Marble Collegiate Church in New York City.”

In the release, Brown stated his reasons for the service from HPU.

“I did this ABC Christmas Worship Service at Marble Collegiate,” said Brown, a HPU alumni. “So, when they asked me to do it again and said can I do it anywhere, I wanted to do it at High Point University and show off this beautiful campus and wonderful community.”

Local clergy and HPU community members will also take part in the ceremony by reading passages of scripture and prayers.

In addition, several HPU groups will be performing holiday music:  the University Singers, the Women’s Chorus, the Men’s Glee Club, the Chapel Choir and the Chamber Singers.

 The school is asking attendees to “wear holiday worship service attire.”

 Adults and children 12years-old and up are welcome.

(Nothing can ruin a TV worship service more than a baby crying loudly the whole way through.)

The press release puts it politely:  “Because this event is being filmed live to air nationally on Christmas Eve, the university appreciates guests only bringing children who are 12 years or older.”

Participants will enter the HPU campus at the main entrance at the intersection of Montlieu Avenue and University Parkway. Parking will be in lots A and B.