Christmas Eve 2015


Christmas Eve
December 24, 2015


Don't miss the album of photos at the bottom from the Greening of the Church last Sunday

Christmas Eve Services at Saint Andrew’s
We hope you will join us to celebrate!

5 pm Christmas Eve, preceded by Carols at 4:45. This is our inter-generational service with an interactive children’s sermon and setting of the crèche, followed by holy eucharist. Music includes trumpet, organ, and choir, as well as congregational carol singing.

The “Midnight” candlelight service begins at 11 PM, with organ, choir, carols, a brief homily, communion, and much rejoicing! Prelude music and carol singing begin at 10:45.

Or join us on Christmas Day at 11:30 AM for a quiet celebration of the day with carols, a homily, and holy eucharist.

Our free Christmas Feast follows: appetizers from noon on, with the meal at about 1 PM. Food contributions to the appetizer and dessert tables are welcome, though not required.




A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

Worth tuning in: Every December 24th from 10 to 11 AM (our time) King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, England, broadcasts their Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols around the world. It is carried by New Hampshire Public Radio (FM 99.5) or NHPR.org. Don't miss this rich and wonderful beginning to Christmas.
The program booklet is available now on line and can be downloaded. 




Cover of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols booklet 2015
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was introduced in 1918 to bring a more imaginative approach to worship. It was first broadcast in 1928 and is now broadcast to millions of people around the world.
The service includes carols and readings from the Bible. The opening carol is always 'Once in Royal David's City', and there is always a new, specially commissioned carol.


Food for thought on this Eve of the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord…
From e. e. cummings…
…mind without soul
may blast some universe
to might have been
and stop
ten thousand stars
but not one heartbeat
of this child;
nor shall even prevail
a million
questionings
against the
silence
of his mother’s
smile
– whose only secret
all
creation
sings


 Blessings for peaceful and joyful Christmastide,
Heidi+

Photo Gallery: Fourth Advent & The Greening of the Church
Moving together from Advent to Christmas