Music at Christ Church
December 2010-January 2011
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Whoever you are, and wherever you find yourself on the journey of faith, all are welcome at Christ Church, as you are, to receive the blessings of God so freely given.

Greetings!

'Tis the season! Music at Christ Church is in full effect this month of December, and it seems to just keep going into 2011.

 

First, I want to remind you and warmly invite you to our annual Service of Advent Lessons & Carols, this Sunday, Dec 5, at 5pm. The Christ Church Choir leads a selection of traditional carols and hymns, some of them in new arrangements, interspersed with readings of prophesy, preparation, and expectation. This candlelit service is a wonderful way to be inspired to reflect on the true meaning of the season. Stay afterward (and bring a dish!) for a potluck supper in Neighborhood House at 6pm.

On Dec 14, and every second Tuesday, at 7:30pm, Christ Church Neighborhood House hosts the Old City Sacred Harp Sing, a participatory singing of American shape-note hymns from the 18th-20th centuries. It's a truly wondrous sound. Come at 7 for a singing tutorial to learn how to read the shapes-all are welcome, with no experience necessary.

On Dec 24, the Christ Church Choir, along with the Franklin Brass and timpani, leads a festive Christmas Eve service, beginning at 10:30pm with Johann Pachelbel's rousing Magnificat in C, and proceeding with favorite carols and hymns for the 11:00 eucharist. Come early to secure a seat!

On Dec 25 at 10am, we offer a Christmas Day Eucharist with congregational hymns and carols, and on Sunday, Dec 26 at 11am, a service of Congregational Lessons & Carols for Christmas. The choir is off for these two services, but returns to sing on January 2.

On January 7 at 8pm, the Poor Richard String Quartet offers the first First Friday concert of 2011. If you haven't heard this wonderful group perform in the pristine acoustic of Christ Church, you're in for a treat. Brave the cold-it's more than worth it.

On February 4 at 8pm, the Chancel Choir and Gospel Choir of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas-America's first black Episcopal Church-heat up the church even more with a rousing First Friday performance of spirituals, gospel songs, and classical works. The St. Thomas choirs were with us several years ago for a First Friday, and people are still talking about it. This one is definitely not to be missed.

Finally, First Friday and all other events are unticketed, but free will offerings are collected and greatly appreciated. Right now, we are greatly in need of donations to support First Fridays and other musical offerings at Christ Church. In this season of giving, please consider making a donation to one of our music ministries-you can specify on your check "First Friday Concerts", "Christmas Music", or "Organ", for example.

All the above information and more is available through our website, www.christchurchphila.org/music

Thanks for reading, and I wish you a wonderful Christmas and holiday season.

Parker Kitterman

Director of Music & Organist

Christ Church Philadelphia

www.christchurchphila.org

215-922-1695


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Sung Eucharist every Sunday at 9am, and at 11am with full choir.

 

NO FIRST FRIDAY CONCERT IN DECEMBER 

Dec 5, 5pm. A Festival of Advent Lessons & Carols. A candlelit service of traditional readings, carols, and congregational hymns, led by the Christ Church Choir. A free will offering will be collected, and a potluck supper will follow at 6 in Neighborhood House.

 

Dec 14, 7:30-9:30 pm. Old City Sacred Harp Sing in Neighborhood House. Come at 7 to learn how to read and sing the shapes-no experience necessary. 

Dec 24, 10:30pm. Christmas Eve at Christ Church.  Johann Pachelbel Magnificat in C, plus favorite carols and festive hymns with the Christ Church Choir, Franklin Brass, organ, and timpani. Holy Eucharist begins at 11pm, but come early to secure a seat.

 

Dec 25, 10am. Christmas Day. Holy Eucharist with congregational hymns and carols.

 

Dec 26, 11am. Lessons & Carols for Christmas Sunday. Congregational Lessons & Carols for all to sing. 

Jan 7, 8pm. The Poor Richard String Quartet gives the first First Friday concert of 2011. A free will offering will be collected.

 

Jan 11, 7-9:30pm. Old City Sacred Harp Sing in Neighborhood House. Come at 7 to learn how to read and sing the shapes-no experience necessary. 

LOOKING AHEAD

Feb 4, 8pm. The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Chancel Choir and Gospel Choir will perform a rousing selection of spirituals, gospel songs, and classical works for First Friday. A free will offering will be collected.
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Telephone: 215.922.1695