Christ Episcopal Church in Newton will present the Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols, on Sunday, December 22nd, at 7:00 p.m. The worship service includes nine Bible stories interspersed with Christmas carols which depict the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus. The renowned Christ Church Senior Choir and Junior Choir will perform accompanied by organ, piano, and a string quartet under the direction of Choirmaster, Joseph Mello, and Junior Choir Director, Deborah Mello. Works by Cherwien, Forrest, Goemanne, Ord, Rutter, Willan, and Wilkcocks will be presented along with settings of traditional carols and anthems. There will be several opportunities for the public to sing carols.
The format for the service was based on an Order drawn up by Edward White Benson, later Archbishop of Canterbury, for Christmas Eve, 1880 in Truro, Cornwall. It has since been adapted and used by other churches all over the world.
The Reverend Chris Streeter will preside. Piano and organ accompaniment will be provided by Diana Greene. The event is free and open to the public, although a free will offering will be taken. Christ Church is located at 62 Main Street in Newton. For more information about the Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols, call Christ Episcopal Church at 973-383-2245 or visit www.christchurchnewton.org.
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