THE FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS, Sunday Dec.5

Pictures by Walt Jaap, Dick Nelson, Tammy Zybura

(For email subscribers, please click on the blog link http://comeseestthomas.blogspot.com/ to see the slide show)

This glorious and beautiful service began with ‘The Bells of St. Thomas’. Then came the angelic voices of the Celestial Choir singing, 'Once in Royal David’s City' joined in the second verse by the Chancel Choir. The church was hushed with the atmosphere of the lighted candles at the end of every pew and the afternoon sun lighted the beautiful stained glass window above the altar.

Each of the Readers telling the story with a brief reading beginning at Genesis, through faithful Abraham, and Christ’s birth followed by the kingdom as foretold by Isaiah. Then Luke tells of Gabriel saluting Blessed Virgin Mary and Matthew tells of the birth of Christ.

The Acolytes lit the candles of all the people in the congregation representing the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.
It was beautifully presented and we thank Louise Yardumian for the great work she does with our choir.
Following the Festival of 'Lessons and Carols' a reception was held in the Parish Hall. In keeping with the beginning of the Christmas season the tables were beautifully laid and Keith Tulloch served coffee and hot chocolate while Ed and Marilyn Lanctot served a refreshing punch with a fresh cranberry mold float.

The table was laden with all goodies from baked brie to sweets for every taste baked by an all volunteer bake staff.   A group of many volunteers helped with this glorious event:
-set up: Ruth Piper, Elaine Patrick, Sean Patrick, Katherine Snow Smith, Vonnah Hollands and Chris and Bettina Schuller.
-kitchen: Pam Hamby, Glenn Mosby, Betty Bowley and Keith Tulloch.
-clean up: Pam Hamby, Glenn Mosby, Marilyn Lanctot and Ed Lanctot, Betty Bowley and Liz Stiles.
We thank all of the volunteers for making this a lovely festive event.

Submitted by Mary Hochadel