Celebrate Christmas at St. John the Divine
Christmas services at St. John the Divine are a holiday tradition for hundreds of families. The message, the music, the decorations, and the infectious joy make this holiday celebration special for people of all ages. St. John the Divine has four services on Christmas Eve and one service on Christmas Day. If you do not already have a church home, we would be delighted for you to join us in a joyful celebration of the birth of Christ.
Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve, we have two afternoon services for young families and children and two evening services with full choir, orchestra and Eucharist. After each service we invite you to join us in Sumners Hall across from the Church for Christmas cookies, wassail and hot chocolate.
Children’s Services
3:30 pm & 5:00 pm – Children & Youth Choir; Christmas Story with participation by children Our two children’s services, at 3:30 and 5:00 pm, are specially planned for young families and young children, though you an see grandparents, aunts and uncles there, too! The Children and Youth choir sings and the children of the parish participate in the service dressed in characters from the story of the birth of the Christ Child – stars and angels, shepherds and sheep. Visiting children are also encouraged to join in – with or without costumes! All children are invited to come up and sit at the altar to hear the Christmas Story and sing Christmas carols. Both of these services are the same and are very popular.
Choral Prelude & Festive Eucharist
7:00 pm – Prelude of Carols for Choir and Congregation 7:30 pm – Festive Eucharist, Rite I 10:00 pm – Prelude of Carols for Choir and Congregation 10:30 pm – Festive Eucharist, Rite II Our evening services are more traditional with choir, orchestra and Eucharist. Both services begin with a musical prelude of carols for choir and congregation. The 7:30 pm service is Rite I and follows the more traditional service in The Book of Common Prayer. The 10:30 pm service is Rite II with more contemporary language.
Christmas Day
10:00 am – Holy Eucharist, Rite I On Christmas morning at 10:00 am we welcome the birth of our Lord with a quiet, reflective Rite I Eucharist.
Epiphany
Sunday, January 4, 6:00 pm – Taizé Prayer for Epiphany Join us for Taizé Prayer in celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany at 5:00 pm in the Church. The service, lasting about 45-50 minutes, will be followed by a time of conversation and hospitality. Bring your friends and your family. Child care is available for children who would find the peaceful and inherent quiet nature of Taizé uncomfortable to maintain.
For more information, please visit our website.
