SJCS Presents its First Lessons & Carols Service

On Thursday, December 11, the school presented its first Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. Father Duncan presided at the service and explained in this way:

"As we move through the Advent season, a time of hope and preparation, our community had the joy of offering a Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, a beautiful devotion that comes to us from the Anglican Christian tradition. The service was first celebrated in 1880 at Truro Cathedral and later found its familiar form at the chapel of King’s College, Cambridge. After the First World War, this service grew especially beloved, bringing a note of joy to many whose hearts had been hardened by the war’s brutality.
 

"Its format is simple: through a sequence of scripture readings (lessons) and musical responses (carols), the story of salvation unfolds. We begin in the Garden of Eden with humanity’s first hope of redemption, move through the prophetic promises to Israel and conclude with the Gospel proclamation of the Word made flesh.

"This year, our students and faculty prepared a beautiful offering of music and scripture. The service featured dance, strings, guitar, choral pieces and beloved congregational carols for all to join in singing. This service is offered not as an obligation but as a gift — an invitation to rest for an hour in sacred scripture, beautiful music and simple prayer."

We appreciate the direction of our teachers -- Mrs. Tami Kiser (Dance), Mr. Neil Casey (Strings) and Mr. Michael Fowler (Guitar) -- and the contributions of our many talented students and faculty and staff singers.

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