Lessons and Carols Service at Cedar Crest Interfaith Chapel

The Protestant Community at Cedar Crest Presents Its Eleventh Annual Lessons and Carols Service, December 16

On Sunday, December 16 at 10 a.m., the Protestant Community at Cedar Crest will offer its Eleventh Annual Service of Lessons and Carols, featuring the Protestant choir, readers from the congregation, and an uplifting message from the pastor. The service will be held in the Interfaith Chapel at 1 Cedar Crest Drive, Pompton Plains.

Featuring nine lessons and carols, the event began at King's College Cambridge in 1918 as
an imaginative and innovative service for Christmas Eve. It has been broadcast worldwide on Christmas Eve to encourage everyone around the world to gather together as one to hear the Christmas story, comforting prayers, and inspiring music. Churches have used the model established by this service for their own celebrations ever since.

The Service will feature seven scripture lessons, five carol anthems including I Wonder as I Wander as arranged by John Rutter, A Maiden Most Gentle in a setting by Andrew Carter, In the Bleak Mid-Winter composed by Harold Darke, Sir Christemas written by William Mathias, and the Coventry Carol arranged by Martin Shaw, and five congregational carols featuring: O Come, O Come Emmanuel, O Little Town of Bethlehem, While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks, Of the Father’s Love Begotten, Lo He Comes With Clouds Descending.

Readings will present the Christmas story starting from the book of Genesis, including the Fall and Original Sin to the birth of the Christ child and the redemption of believers in Jesus Christ. The music of the choir and congregation will underscore the readings and highlight details of the season.

This is one of four special music services held by the Protestant Community at Cedar Crest each year. Outside guests and Cedar Crest residents are invited to come and enjoy the season’s traditional music offerings.

The Protestant Community at Cedar Crest is a multi-denominational congregation led by Reverend David J. Bach and supported in its ministry by George W. Swope, organist and music director.

About Cedar Crest: Cedar Crest, one of 19 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 130-acre campus in Pompton Plains, New Jersey. The community is located in Morris County and is home to 1,800 residents. Additional information about Cedar Crest can be found at CedarCrestCommunity.com.