The lovefeast meal is meant to be simple and easily distributed. The Wake Forest Lovefeast consists of a sweetened bun and creamed coffee, which are always prepared in advance, so that the feast is served quietly and does not disrupt the singing of hymns.
Slightly sweetened buns, served in baskets, are passed along the pews. Typically men handle the trays of drink, and women the baskets of buns. Children and adults of all denomination are encouraged to partake in this celebration of unity and fellowship.
More than 180 dozen traditional Moravian buns and 90 gallons of Moravian coffee are served to participants by dieners, German for “servers.”
During the meal, the Wake Forest Concert Choir, Handbell Choir, Flute Choir, and the Messiah Moravian Church Band play music. Handmade beeswax candles, decorated with red paper frill, are distributed to each worshiper, young and old. For the singing of the final hymns, the worship space is darkened except for the large illuminated Moravian Advent Star. Each participant’s candle is lit, one at a time, and the Chapel slowly brightens.
Recipes
- 3 oz. dark, freshly roasted finely ground coffee
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/4 cups half-and-half
- 48 fl. oz. of water
Brew one pot of freshly roasted finely ground coffee. Add sugar and half-and-half. Stir to combine. Serves 10.
- 1 c hot, dry, mashed potatoes, unseasoned
- 1/2 c scalded milk
- 1 c sugar
- 1/2 c butter, room temperature
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 lb +/- flour for soft dough
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 pkg yeast
- 1/2 c warm water
- 2 Tbsp orange rind, grated
- 2 Tbsp lemon rind, grated
- 2 Tbsp orange juice
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp mace
Directions
- Cream butter and sugar; add potatoes, mix well. Add lukewarm milk, then
eggs, mix well. - Dissolve yeast in warm water and add to mixture.
- Combine seasonings and rind, mix in. Add enough flour to make a
soft dough. - Knead on a well-floured table. Form into ball, place in a greased bowl. Cover
with a cloth and let rise in a warm place until double in size. - Punch down; let rise again (5-10 minutes). Flouring hands well, dough will be
sticky, form into small balls (about 3 oz.). - Place on a cookie sheet. Slash tops with a razor blade (to release air). Cover.
Let rise until double in size. - Bake at 350˚ until golden brown all over (15-20 mins.). Makes about 30 buns.
