Handel’s Messiah, TODAY at 3:30 and 7 pm: The Rutland Area Chorus will be presenting Handel’s Messiah on Dec. 3, 2023, at 3:30 pm and 7 pm. The concert will also include the world premiere of Messiah Born anew festive overture for chorus, soloists, organ, hand bells and orchestra by Alastair Stout. Freewill offering accepted. All welcome! No tickets this year; seating is first come, first served. See the Rutland Herald article
Advent Handbell Service, Sunday, Dec. 10 at 10 am: The Grace Church handbell choir, Tintinnabula, will offer seasonal music during the 10 am worship service. Bring a friend to worship to hear this quintessential Christmas sound!
Lessons and Carols, Sunday, Dec.17 at 10 am: Please join all the Grace Church choirs for a service of Lessons and Carols during Sunday morning worship.The story of the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus is told in readings from Genesis, the prophetic books and the Gospels, interspersed with beautiful anthems and familiar carols. The service first took place in Truro Cathedral in 1880 and has since been celebrated in churches and cathedrals throughout the world. It is most famously broadcast from King’s College,Cambridge, and heard by millions of people world-wide.
Longest Night Service,Tuesday. Dec. 19 at 7 pm in Chapel: In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we need a space to slow down, gather our wits, and re-center ourselves on Love and Blessing. For many of us, this season carries mixed emotions, and on some days, we feel overwhelmed with the weight of loss, grief, and the suffering in the world. Our“Longest Night” service gives us a safe space and a set-aside time, to acknowledge all the feelings we have, and open ourselves to receive acceptance, understanding, and comfort from God — and from ourselves. Join us in the Grace Church Chapel for a time of inspiration and encouragement.
**Christmas Eve Services, December 24 at 10 am and 8 pm**
Bring your family to the 10 am service this Christmas Eve. This is a family-friendly service with Festival Brass music, choir and children’s Christmas pageant. Service will be followed by a festive hospitality time.
The Candlelight Evening Service begins at 8:30 pm this year, with a 8 pm Musical Prelude. We will all share in the beauty and comfort of lighting candles and singing “Silent Night”as the wonder and mystery of Christmas unfolds.
