Christmas at Trinity Cranford

Trinity Episcopal Church, 119 Forest Avenue, Cranford, New Jersey, cordially invites everyone to come celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ at Trinity Cranford.

Friday December 24th – Christmas Eve

4:30PM: Blessing of the Crèche, Children’s Pageant, & Holy Eucharist: Rite II (In-person and streamed)

The custom of displaying figures depicting the birth of Jesus Christ owes its origin to Saint Francis of Assisi who made the Christmas crèche or manger for Christmas Eve of 1223. Like Advent Wreaths, the Christmas manger or nativity scene were primarily a special display for families in their homes drawing them together in prayer and joyful celebration of the Season at hand. Each year, on the eve of Christmas, the children of the Parish re-enact the Christmas story and carry the figures of the animals, shepherds, angels, and the Holy family recreating a display that tells the story of the Christ Child. Sing along with your favorite Christmas carols.

10:30 PM Nine Lessons and Carols (In-person and streamed)

This special service tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ through nine Scripture readings interspersed with familiar Christmas carols. The first formal service of Lessons and Carols was conducted by Bishop Edward White Benson on Christmas Eve 1880 in Truro England. It has grown in popularity, been adapted, and spread to Christian churches all over the world. In the US, the first known service was at Brown University in 1916.

Saturday December 25th – Christmas Day

9:00 AM Holy Eucharist Rite I with Carols (In-person and streamed)

Sunday December 26th – Feast of St. Stephen

9:00 AM Holy Eucharist Rite I (In-person and streamed) (one service only)

Trinity Episcopal Church, founded in 1872, is a faith-based family that welcomes all people without exception and strives to “know Christ and to make the Lord known through faith, love, and service.” Sunday services, celebrated by the Reverend Andy Kruger, Trinity’s Rector, are at 8 AM and 10 AM. In addition, Monday to Friday the Daily Offices of Morning and Evening Prayer held at 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM respectively via Trinity’s online platform (see Trinity’s website for access). For more information about Trinity please call 908-276-4047 or visit http://www.trinitycranford.org/

Trinity also provides Trinity Episcopal Day School (TEDS). TEDS is a state licensed facility serving children from 2 1/2 years through Kindergarten, providing a nurturing, learning environment which promotes intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual and physical growth. Program options include Full or 1/2 days from 2-5 days a week, extended Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and Kindergarten Wrap Around. For more information about TEDS, please call 908-276-2881 or visit http://www.tedscranford.org