Lessons and Carols Service at Cedar Crest Interfaith Chapel

The Protestant Community at Cedar Crest will hold its annual Lessons & Carols service on Sunday, December 15, at 10 a.m. The service is held at the Interfaith Chapel on the campus in Pompton Plains.

The Lessons and Carols service began at King's College Cambridge during the Second World War and is broadcast each year on Christmas Eve or Day. In its original form, there are nine lessons, with prayers (or collects), a sung carol and a choir anthem. The Lessons are Biblical and come from both Old and New Testaments going from creation to temptation, the early prophets and their messages of a coming Messiah, the founding of the tribes of Israel (there are 12), the story of Abraham and Sarah, the angels’ visitation to Mary, the retelling of the birth of Christ in the Gospels, and the awe of the shepherds and gifts of the magi. There is no sermon in the service; the readings and music stand on their own. The music includes old standard carols sung by choir and congregation, anthems--both newly composed and selections from the long-span of choral music sung by the choir.

The Protestant Community at Cedar Crest has held a service of Lessons and Carols since December of 2007. This year marks the twelfth annual observance! It follows the form from King's College but has been modified to fit into a little more than an hour in duration. It has been a highlight of the choir year with many extra anthems, the singing of our beloved carols, and the retelling of Christ's birth. Over the years, various instruments--harp, brass, piano--and recently piano and organ duets have been included in our musical offerings.

This is one of the four special services held at the community each year and, as always, anyone from Cedar Crest and its neighboring towns may attend.

The Protestant Community at Cedar Crest is a non-denominational congregation led by Rev. Dr. Karyn Ratcliffe and supported in its ministry by George W. Swope, a professional organist and choir director, and Elaine Thomas, pianist and Chair of the Worship Committee.

Please call Kathy Moffitt at 908-963-4026 with any questions.

About Cedar Crest: Cedar Crest, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 130-acre campus in Pompton Plains, New Jersey. The not-for-profit community of more than 1,800 residents and 1,000 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Additional information about Cedar Crest can be found at CedarCrestCommunity.com.