Saint David’s Episcopal Church choirs, under the direction of Jane Nolan, will present their annual Lessons and Carols for Advent on Sunday, December 9th at 4:00 pm. This traditional service traces its origins to the 19th Century. Since then the service, described as a “magical weaving of scripture and song,” has been duplicated in cathedrals and churches in Europe and throughout America during the Advent season. Nolan, also a well-known piano teacher and handbell director for several community groups, has been bringing together the music for this traditional service in area churches for over 20 years. She indicated that this service will feature beautiful choral and instrumental music performed by the senior and handbell choirs, flute and a guest string trio as well as the opportunity for folks to sing some of their favorite traditional Christmas carols.
Although the selection of carols and other music may change from one year to the next, the order of service, the prayers, and the readings generally remain constant. The church’s Pastor, the Reverend Mary Canavan, indicates that this type of service contains no sermon or collection. "It is a gift to the community. The essence of the service is to provide inspiration through song and the word to prepare for Christmas, to remember the “reason for the season.”
The service is free and open to the public. A reception will follow in the church’s Parish Hall. Saint David’s is located at 284 Stoddards Wharf Road, in Gales Ferry. For more information, call 860-464-6516.
