Carols, Children And Christmas By Candlelight In Cranford

CRANFORD, NJ - The First Presbyterian Church of Cranford has released its schedule of Christmas season worship services which begin this Sunday and end on New Year's Eve.

The schedule is as follows:

• Dec. 9 at 5 p.m.: A Service of Healing and Hope
• Dec. 23 at 10 a.m.: “A Ceremony of Lessons and Carols” by the Chancel Choir
• Dec. 24 at 4 p.m.: Children’s Christmas Pageant “Christmas Special Delivery”
• Dec. 24 at 8 p.m.: Traditional Family Worship with Candlelight
• Dec. 24 at 11 p.m.: Candlelight Service with Holy Communion
• Dec. 31 at 10:30p.m.: New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Walk

The details are as follows:

On Dec. 9 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., there will be a Service of Healing and Hope, sponsored by the “Journey to Wholeness-Healing the Grieving Heart” program. Recognizing that for many people, the holiday season may be difficult and painful due to loss of a loved one, we invite the community to come to a special service of Healing and Hope. This service will feature prayer, poems, music, and a candlelight remembrance for our loved ones. We will also have an opportunity to gather in community to receive comfort from each other. A time of fellowship will follow the service. We are handicapped accessible.

On Dec. 23 at 10 a,m,, The Chancel Choir, under the direction of Alison Ruth Nead and accompanied by Robert Grube, will present a special Christmas Cantata "A Ceremony of Lessons and Carols” arranged by Anna Laura Page and Jean Anne Shafferman. Beloved seasonal scripture readings are interspersed with carols that include a touch of Handel and Bach.

Christmas Eve Services

Christmas Eve, Sunday Dec. 24, will offer a day-full of opportunities to worship, sing and celebrate. At 4 p.m., more than 25 children from first to eighth grade, under the direction of Elsa Hahn and accompanied by Ann Weeks, will present the children’s Christmas pageant entitled “Christmas Special Delivery,” arranged by Mark Brymer and Mark Bernthal. Christmas is in the air, and so is the Christmas crunch. Deadlines, wrapping, packing, traffic and general chaos are on today’s route for mailman Gabriel Wilson, who hasn’t figured out how he’ll find the Christmas spirit with all these last-minute stops, let alone how to deliver that mysterious bulky box in his bag. A miracle is on the way, however, and it’s a heaven-sent delivery that brings Christmas straight to the heart.

At 8 p.m., Rev. J. Christian Kile will lead a traditional Christmas Eve service with plenty of familiar Christmas carols, perfect for families and all those who wish to celebrate with full choirs and organ music. Music will be led by the Chancel Choir, directed by Alison Ruth Nead and accompanied by organist Robert Grube. During the final hymn, “Silent Night, Holy Night”, the lights will be dimmed and candlelight will fill the Sanctuary.

At 11 p.m. there will be a "moving and beautiful" candlelight service. Holy Communion will be served. The service ends with dimming of the lights and the singing of “Silent Night, Holy Night” by candlelight.

New Year’s Eve Labyrinth

On Dec. 31, from 10:30 p.m. though midnight, there will be a Labyrinth walk. This calming and meditative event will help prepare hearts and minds for the coming year.

First Presbyterian Church of Cranford, NJ is a family friendly church with programs for children and teens, and a recognized passion for serving the community, the homeless and the hungry. For more information, call the church office, 908-276-8440 or visit www.firstprescranford.org, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @firstprescranford or on Twitter @firstprescranfd.

(Stock photo courtesy of Renee Schiavone/Patch)

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