ORDER OF SERVICE

The order of service follows closely that of
the Midnight Service held in St Mary's church

ORGAN OPENING VOLUNTARIES  

James Stanton plays Chorale Prelude on 'Es ist ein ros' entsprungen' by Johannes Brahms

and Interlude on the Coventry Carol by W.S. Lloyd Webber 

on the Lewis organ at St Mary's church, also used to record the organ accompaniments for three carols.

WELCOME  by David

CAROL  Click and join in with James, Liz and Francis to sing: 

It came upon a midnight clear

COLLECT for Christmas Day

Lord Jesus Christ,

Your birth at Bethlehem

Draws us to kneel in wonder at heaven touching earth.;

Accept our heartfelt praise,

As we worship you, our Saviour and our eternal God.

Amen.

FIRST READING

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

Anne reads Isaiah 9: 2, 6 and 7

CAROL  Click and join in or listen: 

Silent night, holy night

GOSPEL READING 

The birth of Jesus

Martha reads Luke 2: 1 – 14

SERMON  Preached by Martha

Finding God in dark places

CAROL  Click and join in with James, Liz and Francis to sing:  

While shepherds watched their flocks by night

PRAYERS  Led by Deirdre

Let us join with Francis and Liz, saying
THE LORD'S PRAYER:

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,

for ever and ever.

Amen

CAROL  Click and join in with James, Liz and Francis to sing:  

O come, all ye faithful

BLESSING given by David

ORGAN CLOSING VOLUNTARY  

James Stanton plays Postlude on 'Adeste Fideles' by Eric Thiman, on the Lewis organ at St Mary's church

ST MARY'S CHRISTMAS APPEAL: CRISIS 

All donations from our Christmas services will be sent to Crisis, who not only provide food and shelter at Christmas, but work with thousands of homeless people throughout the year, providing vital help so that people can rebuild their lives and are supported out of homelessness for good.

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