St. Martin's Episcopal Church
One of the highlights of our Advent season is Lessons and Carols Sunday. All our Lessons and Carols services are wonderful ways to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus.
Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Charles Wesley, “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” 1744
On Dec. 21, we will have Lessons and Carols in three of our Sunday services – each of them offering a unique perspective on our Christmas preparation. At 11:15 a.m. in The Church, we will present a traditional Festival of Nine Lesson and Carols service featuring our Parish Choir, Youth Choir and the Gloria Dei Organ. Hearing the lessons read and singing the carols in such a majestic and beautiful space is a wonderful experience that many families look forward to all year. It is a great way to prepare for Christmas!
Family Table will have Lessons and Carols at 9:15 a.m. in the Parish Life Center. This more intimate service features anthems sung by our Young Singers, led by Carole Nelson. The Young Singers and the Family Table Band will also lead the congregation to sing many of the seasonal carols and hymns we love. As always, Family Table is a safe and welcoming place for every member of the family – from babies to great-grandparents!
Our 11:15 a.m. Riverway Contemporary Service will put a unique spin on Lessons and Carols again this year. This service is primarily Advent worship. The songs and lessons are chosen to help us acknowledge our longing for Christ to come. Join us in the Parish Life Center as the Riverway Band will lead as we sing such favorites as “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.” This is a unique service of longing and anticipation – preparing us for Christmas Eve only three days later!