Sunday 16th of December third Sunday in Advent

This morning our 10 am service was Sung Mattins, as we have reached the third Sunday of the month, and the third Sunday of Advent. We started by lighting the third Advent Candle, this year we are remembering St John the Baptist on this day. The Venite, and the psalm appointed for the day were sung by everyone.
 After the Old Testament reading we sang the Benedicite omnia opera . The word benedicite means blessing, and the text, taken from the apocryphal book The Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Children. This canticle is sung during Advent and Lent and calls on 'Oh all ye works of the Lord, Bless ye the Lord.'
The New Testament reading was from Luke and told the story of St John the Baptist. The Anthem, sung by the Choir, accompanied by Joanna on the harpsicord, was 'This is the Record of John' by Orlando Gibbons. Barbara Green was the soloist, and James Roriston conducted.

In his Sermon, Father Stephen discussed the role of St John the Baptist, and told us that we now move to the second part of Advent, were our thought turn from repentance and reflection to hope and anticipation of the arrival of the Christ Child.

After the Service there was coffee in the Rooms, and an opportunity to see the new wall hanging now in pride of place.

The service of 9 Lessons and Carols will be next Sunday evening at 6:00 pm do come along.