An Advent Service of Lessons and Carols
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is delighted to host this annual
Sequence of Readings, Poetry, Meditations, and Music for the Advent Season
featuring the St. Paul Choir, Timothy Benson, Director
with guest organist Lee Erickson
and the music of James MacMillan, John Rutter, Glenn Rudolph, Malcolm Archer, Gerald Near, Andrew Carter, William Mathias, David Willcocks, and hymns and carols of the season.
Join us as we usher in the holiday season in the most beautiful of ways!
This Advent Lessons & Carols Service departs from the usual grouping of Lessons and uses, instead, both Scripture and poetry as its point of departure. All of the music, prayer, poetry, meditation, and Scripture in the service point us to that very universal human (and often uncomfortable) experience: waiting, anticipation. Advent (ad venireundefinedto come to) as a liturgical season is fraught with anticipationundefinedanticipation of release from the bondage of sin, anticipation of the coming of the long-promised Messiah, anticipation of the fulfillment of the Prophets’ promises made so long ago, and anticipation of a very real, a very loving, and a very permanent relationship with the One who is to come. Sadly, contemporary culture gives scant notice of the four weeks of Advent. Sad because this time of preparation for the birth of our Redeemer is full of opportunities to catch our breath, to be silent during a time of much noise, and to reflect upon our position as creatures, not only in need of redemption, but loved so much that the Creator of all things became one of us to accomplish that redemption. And so, despite the fact that this service takes a little liberty with the traditional form, we have tried to maintain its wonderful spirit, and hope that you find it a prayerful and beautiful way to enter into this joyous and hope-filled Christmas Season.
All are welcome. Freewill offering. Reception to follow.
• Saturday, December 13th
• 4:00pm
click poster to enlarge