Festival of Lessons and Carols at Saint Peter's Church

A Festival of Lessons and Carols at St. Peter's Church December 18

Saint Peter's Church, Essex Fells, will host a Festival of Lessons and Carols on Saturday, December 18^th at 5pm.  This traditional Festival began in England in the 1880's as a way of providing a place for all people, regardless of religious tradition, to join in the Christmas celebration and was intended as a time of comfort and healing, hope and restoration.  Kim Lawton, a National Public Radio reporter, said of the Festival, "It's one of the best loved church services during the Christmas season.  With Scripture and song, the Festival of Lessons and Carols retells the Christmas story, and for many it's a moving spiritual experience."

"Saint Peter's first celebrated the Festival in 1959 and this year offers the Festival on a Saturday afternoon as a community Christmas celebration.  Join us in celebrating the joy of Christmas with friends and neighbors." said the Rev. Stephanie Wethered. The Festival of Lessons and Carols is especially suited to families with children as well as adults.  Clergy, lay readers and community representatives will read the Christmas lessons. The people will join with the Saint Peter's Choir and the Saint Peter's Boy and Girl Choir in singing familiar carols in the tradition of King's College, Cambridge University, England, whose annual broadcast of the Festival has become one of the most popular Christmas celebrations in the English speaking world.   

The service lasts approximately an hour and complimentary day care for infants and toddlers will be available. A holiday reception with refreshments for adults and children will follow.  There is no charge for this event, however a free will offering will be accepted.

Saint Peter's Church is located at 271 Roseland Avenue, Essex Fells.  There is ample parking and the church is handicap accessible. For further information call 973-226-6500.