Sunday, March 9 | 5:00 pm | Nave -
The St. John's Choir will offer a service of Choral Evensong on March 9, the first Sunday of Lent, at 5:00 pm.
Choral Evensong, a beautiful service from the Anglican tradition, combines Vespers and Compline and follows the order found in The Book of Common Prayer. The choir sings the Psalm, the Songs of Mary and Simeon (Magnificat and Nunc dimittis) and an anthem; the congregation participates by singing a hymn and responses with the choir and clergy. Biblical readings and prayers are interspersed throughout the service.
The choir’s selections are all by English composers. The Phos Hilaron “O Gracious Light” is by modern English composer Andrew Walker. This atmospheric piece is sung while the all the candles in the front of the church are lit.
Evensong offers a time of respite from the world in a beautiful and calming sacred space. While the choir sings on their behalf, congregants are free to listen reflectively and offer to God their own thoughts and prayers—an appropriate start to the Lenten season of self-reflection and repentance.
The service will be followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. If you cannot attend in person, follow along online at YouTube.com/StJohnsNorwood/streams.