candlelight service of nine lessons and carolswelcome to our service of nine lessons and carols...

Candlelight Service of Nine Lessons

and Carols

Sunday, December 234:30 pm

Welcome to Christ ChurchWELCOME to our Service of Nine Lessons and Carols which, through story and song, foretells the birth of our Lord. We hope that this service is a meaningful part of your observance of Christmas.

This service, however, is only a beginning. As beautiful as it may be, tonight’s service serves only to shine a light and direct our gaze upon the Nativity itself, a birth for which we still wait and long. On that Holy Night of Christmas, I encourage you to make your way to your Church home to celebrate again the in-breaking of God’s love and light.

Of course, if you are looking for a church home, or if God is calling you into a closer relationship this Christmas, we welcome you here to Christ Church. Christ Church is a vibrant Christian community where you can deepen your relationship with God, experience God’s presence and love in your life, learn how to be more faithful in your spiritual and daily life, and find ways to make a difference in the community.

At Christ Church, we have programs of Christian education and nurture for all ages. There is a thriving nursery and Church School for our children, a committed youth program, and opportunities for adults to learn and grow in faith. We encourage exploration of the spiritual practices of prayer, meditation, the labyrinth, and personal spiritual direction.

The Music of Christ Church is both extensive and exciting, and fulfills an integral role within our worship, eliciting from us our very best in prayer and praise to God. In addition to the liturgical offerings of our choirs, we are fortunate to offer regular concerts throughout the year. We always welcome both those who make music and who love music to be a part of our community.

We are committed also to service in our wider community. Our parishioners are active in many ways to help those who are in any kind of need, and Christ Church supports a wide range of agencies in our city. From giving assistance to those who come through our doors to providing Summer Starter Baskets for children in Detroit and partnering with Crossroads of Michigan, Christ Church continues its ministry to those in need. Our annual Christmas Gift Project program provides hundreds of gifts for the clients of the Ruth Ellis Center and the Front Porch, and the proceeds from our recent Gifts and Greens Sale and the entirety of our Christmas Offering will provide significant support to vital agencies serving metro-Detroit.

For many years, Christ Church has striven to be welcoming and inclusive of all. We rejoice in the diversity of our Church and our willingness to ask the hard questions about life and faith. There are no easy answers in life, and there are no easy answers in faith. So we find that we explore these difficult questions best as a community, and we give strength to each other on our journey. Christ Church welcomes all those who seek a Christian community where all may find a home, regardless of race, sexual orientation, marital status, economic circumstances, or physical and mental challenges. We welcome you, too, if you have never been involved much in a spiritual community or church before.

Christmas is an invitation to each of us here today to become more deeply involved, to be a part of something larger than ourselves. God calls each of us to a unique relationship of love and commitment, and we encourage you to enter into that exciting pilgrimage with us here at Christ Church Grosse Pointe, where you will find a warm welcome.

The Rector, Staff, Wardens, Vestry, and People of Christ Churchwish you a blessed Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

festival of nine lessons and carols 3

Organ COnCert Dexter Kennedy, organist

FÊte Jean Langlais (1907-1991)

Prelude and Fugue in C major, BWV 547 Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Dieu Parmi Nous, from La Nativité du SeigNeur Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992)

4 christ church grosse pointe

the WelCOme and annOunCements The Reverend Andrew Van Culin

the Order Of serviCe

The people stand at the sound of a bell.

hymn Once in royal David’s city Irbyarr. David Willcocks

(1919-2015)

Choir sings verses 1 and 2. Choir and Congregation sing verses 3 through 6 together.


the Bidding Prayer

Officiant Beloved in Christ, in this Advent season, let it be our care and delight to hear again the message of the Angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger.

Let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our disobedience unto the glorious Redemption brought us by this holy Child; and let us make this place glad with our carols of praise.

But first, let us pray for the needs of his whole world; for peace and goodwill over all the earth; for the mission and unity of the Church for which he died, and especially in this country and within this community.

And because this of all things would rejoice his heart, let us at this time remember in his name the poor and the helpless, the hungry and the oppressed; the soldiers far from home; the sick and those who mourn; the lonely and the unloved; the aged and the little children; and all those who know not the love of God.

Lastly, let us remember before God his pure and lowly Mother, and all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore and in a greater light, that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in this Lord Jesus, we for evermore are one.

These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to the throne of heaven, in the words which Christ himself hath taught us:

People Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Almighty God bless us with his grace; Christ give us the joys of everlasting life; and unto the fellowship of the citizens above may the King of Angels bring us all.People Amen.

The people are seated.


invitatOry Sussex Carol arr. David Willcocks(1934-1992)

On Christmas night all Christians sing,To hear the news the angels bring – News of great joy, news of great mirth,News of our merciful King’s birth.

Then why should men on earth be so sad,Since our Redeemer made us glad,When from our sin he set us free,All for to gain our liberty?

When sin departs before his grace,Then life and health come in its place;Angels and men with joy may sing,All for to see the newborn King.

All out of darkness we have light,Which made the angels sing this night:‘Glory to God and peace to men,Now and for evermore. Amen.’

first lessOn Genesis 3:8-15 read by: A Boy Chorister

Adam and Eve rebel against God and are cast out of the Garden of Eden.

They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent tricked me, and I ate.” The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you among all animals and among all wild creatures; upon your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”

CarOl O remember Adam’s fall Grayston Ives(b. 1948)

O remember Adam’s fall,O thou man, O thou man!O remember Adam’s fall,From heaven to hell.

In a stable was he born,O thou man, O thou man!The Redeemer took no scorn,Of flesh to take.

O remember Adam’s fall,How we were condemned allInto hell perpetual,There for to dwell.

O the angels all did sing,O thou man, O thou man!O the angels all did sing,On heaven’s high hill.

O remember God’s goodness,O thou man, O thou man!O remember God’s goodnessAnd promise made!

All the angels all did sing,Praise be to our glorious King.And on earth, in everything,To men good will.

Anonymous, 16th century


CarOl Adam lay ybounden Boris Ord(1897-1961)

Adam lay ybounden, Bounden in a bond; Four thousand winter Thought he not too long.

And all was for an apple, An apple that he took, As clerkès finden Written in their book.

Ne had the apple taken been, The apple taken been, Ne had never our Lady A been heavené queen.

Blessed be the time That apple taken was, Therefore we moun singen, Deo Gratias!

15th century

seCOnd lessOn Genesis 22:5-18 read by: A Girl Chorister

God promises to the faithful Abraham that in his seedshall the nations of the earth be blessed.

The angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, and said, “By myself I have sworn, says the Lord: Because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will indeed bless you, and I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of their enemies, and by your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessing for themselves, because you have obeyed my voice.”

CarOl I saw three ships arr. Simon Preston (b. 1938)

I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day, I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas Day in the morning.

And what was in those ships all three? Our Saviour Christ and his lady. Pray, whither sailed those ships all three? O, they sailed into Bethlehem.

And all the bells on earth shall ring, And all the angels in heaven shall sing, And all the souls on earth shall sing, Then let us all rejoice amain!

Traditional English Carol

The people stand for the hymn.


hymn It came upon the midnight clear Noelarr. D. Willcocks



third lessOn Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 read by: The Head Acolyte

Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onwards and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

CarOl The Lamb John Tavener (1944-2013)

Little Lamb, who made thee? Dost thou know who made thee? Gave thee life, and bid thee feed By the stream and o’er the mead; Gave thee clothing of delight, Softest clothing, woolly, bright; Gave thee such a tender voice, Making all the vales rejoice? Little Lamb, who made thee? Dost thou know who made thee?

Little Lamb, I’ll tell thee, Little Lamb, I’ll tell thee, He is called by thy name, For he calls himself a Lamb. He is meek, and he is mild; He became a little child. I, a child, and thou a lamb, We are called by his name. Little Lamb, God bless thee! Little Lamb, God bless thee!

William Blake (1757-1827)

CarOl Ding Dong! merrily on high arr. Mack Wilberg(b. 1955)

Ding dong! merrily on high in heav’n the bells are ringing: Ding dong! verily the sky is riv’n with angel singing. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

E’en so here below, below, let steeple bells be swungenAnd i-o, i-o, i-o, by priest and people sungen. Refrain.

Pray you dutifully prime your matin chime, ye ringers;May you beautifully rime your evetime song, ye singers. Refrain.

George Ratcliffe Woodward(1848-1934)


fOurth lessOn Isaiah 11:1-4 read by: The Director of Music

The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown.

A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.

CarOl A spotless Rose Herbert Howells (1892-1983)

A spotless Rose is blowing,Sprung from a tender root,Of ancient seers’ foreshowing,Of Jesse promised fruit;Its fairest bud unfolds to lightAmid the cold, cold winter,And in the dark midnight.

The Rose which I am singing,Whereof Isaiah said,Is from its sweet root springingIn Mary, purest Maid;For, through our God’s great love and might,The blessèd Babe she bare usIn a cold, cold winter’s night.

15th century German;translated by C. Winkworth

fifth lessOn Luke 1:26-35

The angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Marythat she will bear the Son of the Most High.

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.”


CarOl A maiden most gentle arr. Andrew Carter(b. 1939)

A maiden most gentle and tender we sing: Of Mary the mother of Jesus our King. Ave Maria.

How blessed is the birth of her heavenly child, Who came to redeem us in Mary so mild. Ave Maria.

The Archangel Gabriel foretold by his call The Lord of creation, and Saviour of all. Ave Maria.

Three kings came to worship with gifts rich and rare, And marveled in awe at the babe in her care. Ave Maria.

Rejoice and be glad at this Christmas we pray; Sing praise to the Saviour, sing endless ‘Ave.’ Ave Maria.

paraphrased from The Venerable Bede

CarOl The seven joys of Mary arr. William Whitehead (b. 1970)

The first good joy our Mary had, It was the joy of one; To see the blessed Jesus Christ When he was first her son, good man: And blessed may he be, Both Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, To all eternity.

The next good joy our Mary had, It was the joy of two; To see her own son Jesus Christ To make the lame to go, good man: Refrain

The next good joy our Mary had, It was the joy of three; To see her own son Jesus Christ To make the blind to see, good man: Refrain

The next good joy our Mary had, It was the joy of four; To see her own son Jesus Christ To read the Bible o’er, good man: Refrain

The next good joy our Mary had, It was the joy of five; To see her own son Jesus Christ To raise the dead alive, good man: RefrainThe next good joy our Mary had, It was the joy of six; To see her own son Jesus Christ To bear the Crucifix, good man: Refrain

The next good joy our Mary had, It was the joy of seven; To see her own son Jesus Christ To wear the Crown of heaven, good man: Refrain

Anonymous, 14th century


sixth lessOn Luke 2:1-7 read by: The Director of Crossroads

Jesus is born at Bethlehem.

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

CarOl I wonder as I wander arr. A. Carter

I wonder as I wander out under the sky, How Jesus the Savior did come for to die. For poor on’ry people like you and like I… I wonder as I wander out under the sky.

When Mary birthed Jesus ‘twas in a cow’s stall, With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all. But high from God’s heaven a star’s light did fall, And the promise of ages it then did recall.

If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing, A star in the sky, or a bird on the wing, Or all of God’s angels in heav’n for to sing, He surely could have it, ‘cause he was the King.

Appalachian Folk Carol

CarOl Tomorrow shall be my dancing day John Gardner (1917-2012)

Tomorrow shall be my dancing day: I would my true love did so chance To see the legend of my play, To call my true love to my dance: Sing O my love, my love, my love; This have I done for my true love.

Then was I born of a virgin pure, Of her I took fleshly substance; Thus was I knit to man’s nature, To call my true love to my dance: Refrain

In a manger laid and wrapped I was, So very poor this was my chance, Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass, To call my true love to my dance: Refrain

Then afterwards baptized I was; The Holy Ghost on me did glance, My Father’s voice heard from above, To call my true love to my dance. Refrain

Appalachian Folk Carol


seventh lessOn Luke 2:8-16 read by: The Junior Warden

The shepherds go to the manger.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.

CarOl In the bleak midwinter Harold Darke (1888-1976)

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,In the bleak midwinter, long ago.

Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain;Heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign:In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficedThe Lord God almighty, Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim, worship night and day,A breast full of milk, and a manger full of hay.Enough for Him, whom angels, fall down before,The ox and ass and camel, which adore.

What can I give Him, poor as I am?If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lambIf I were a wise man, I would do my part.Yet what I can I give Him, give my heart.

Christina Rossetti(1830-1894)



hymn God rest you merry gentlemen God Rest You Merryarr. D. Willcocks


eighth lessOn Matthew 2:1-11 read by: The Senior Warden

The wise men are led by the star to Jesus.

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering


the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

CarOl Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child Kenneth Leighton (1929-1988)

Lully, lulla, thou little tiny childBy by, lully, lullay, thou little tiny childBy by, lully lullay

O sisters too,How may we doFor to preserve this dayThis poor younglingFor whom we singBy by, lully lullay?

Herod, the kingIn his ragingCharg’d he hath this dayHis men of might In his own sight,All children young to slay.

That woe is mePoor child for thee!And ever mourn and day,For thy partingNor say nor singBy by, lully lullay!

The Pageant of the Shearman and Tailors, Coventry, 15th century

ninth lessOn John 1:1-14 read by: The Rector

The Word was made flesh and we have seen his glory.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.



hymn O come, all ye faithful Adeste fidelesarr. D. Willcocks



the OffertOry

An offering is received to support the ministries of Christ Church.The loose offering today will be donated to “Crossroads of Michigan Emergency Services.”

CarOl Alleluya, a new work is come on hand Peter Wishart (1921-1984)

Alleluya, a new work is come on hand Through might and grace of Gode’s sonTo save the lost of every land.For now is free that erst was boundwe may well sing Alleluya.

Now is fulfilled the prophecyOf David and of JeremyAnd also of Isaiah.Sing we therefore both loud and highAlleluya.

Alleluya, this sweetè songOut of a green branch it sprung;God send us the life that lasteth long.Now joy and bliss be him amongThat thus can sing Alleluya.

CarOl Star Carol John Rutter(b. 1945)

Sing this night, for a boy is born in Bethlehem, Christ our Lord in a lowly manger lies; Bring your gifts, come and worship at his cradle, Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary! See his star shining bright in the sky this Christmas night! Follow me joyfully; Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary!

Angels bright, come from heaven’s highest glory, Bear the news with its message of good cheer: “Sing, rejoice, for a King is come to save us, Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary!” Refrain

See, he lies in his mother’s tender keeping; Jesus Christ in her loving arms asleep. Shepherds poor, come to worship and adore him, Offer their humble gifts before the son of Mary. Refrain

Let us all pay our homage at the manger, Sing his praise on this joyful Christmas Night; Christ is come, bringing promise of salvation; Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary! Refrain



hymn Joy to the world! the Lord is come Antioch


The people kneel.

the COlleCt

Officiant The Lord be with you.People And also with you.

Let us pray. O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity

of our human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

People Amen.

the Blessing

May Christ who by his Incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with his joy and peace; and the blessing of God Almighty the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.

People Amen.

OrisOn The Infant King D. Willcocks

Sing lullaby! Lullaby baby, now reclining,Sing lullaby! Hush, do not wake the Infant King.Angels are watching, stars are shiningover the place where he is lying: Sing lullaby!

Sing lullaby! Lullaby baby, now a-sleeping,Sing lullaby! Hush, do not wake the infant King.Soon will come sorrow with the morning,soon will come bitter grief and weeping: Sing lullaby!

Sing lullaby! Lullaby baby, now a-dozing,Sing lullaby! Hush do not wake the King.Soon comes the cross, the nails, the piercing,then in the grave at last reposing: Sing lullaby!

Sing lullaby! Lullaby! is the babe awaking?Sing lullaby! Hush, do not stir the Infant King.Dreaming of Easter, glad-some morning,conquering death, its bondage breaking: Sing lullaby!

The Reverend Sabine Baring-Gould(1834-1924)



hymn Hark! the herald angels sing Mendelssohnarr. D. Willcocks

vOluntary In dulci jubilo, BWV 729 J. S. Bach


Christmas at Christ ChurchPlease Join Us to Celebrate the Messiah’s Birth

The Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord MONDAY, DECEMBER 24

4 pm – Crèche Procession & Festival Eucharist* 8 pm – Festival Eucharist 11 pm – Festival Eucharist (Incense used) Choral Prelude at 10:30 pm

The Nativity of Our LordTUESDAY, DECEMBER 25

10 am – Festival Eucharist* Childcare provided.


Christ Church Grosse PointeWherever you are

in your journey of faith, there is a place for you here.

WorshipThe worship of God lies at the center of all that we do at Christ Church and forms the foundation of our Christian community. Each week, each day even, we gather in prayer to offer our gratitude to God from who all life proceeds. And it is from this great well of gratitude that our lives and ministries – our hospitality and fellowship, our service to the poor within our community, and our formation as Christians – collectively flow.

MusicMusic is at the heart of our Christ Church community and is one of the primary ways in which we worship, love, and serve our Lord Jesus Christ. Our choirs sing at over 100 choral worship services every year. The choirs also sing at special liturgies, including the Advent and Epiphany Processions, Christmas and Easter Lessons and Carols, and the triduum liturgies in Holy Week.

Children & YouthChrist Church is a place where children are loved and valued, and we strive to provide fertile ground for our children to grow spiritually, physically, mentally, and socially. The Church School offers a variety of regular classes and activities for children through the 5th grade. We work together to lead our children through age-appropriate lessons, crafts, and interactive discussions as they explore a new theme each week.

LearnChristian Formation is a multi-faceted and life-long process of transformation. Christian Education gives language to our experiences of the Holy and provides us a place to explore the deep questions and implication of our faith. It is our profound hope that the Educational programs offered at Christ Church—for children, youth, and adults—will aid you and your children in your journey of faith.

ConnectMany people find the anonymity of a large parish safe when they first begin attending. At some point, however, most seek a community, a way to join with a group of people sharing the same journey. We gather all the time in different kinds of groups: for prayer, study, to help others, and just for fun. Whether you don’t know what a nave is or you are an expert at navigating Coffee Hour, there is a community here for you.

ServeAt Christ Church we believe that the expression of our Christian faith and life is made complete in the life of service. Throughout the year our Outreach Ministries provide opportunities for members to bring God’s love into the our community and world through acts of compassion and service. In partenrship with area agencies we build homes, feed the hungry, visit the sick and homebound, and clothe the poor.

To learn more please contact the Rev’d Drew Van Culin at 313-885-4841, ext. 107 or

visit christchurchgp.org


Concerts and Special Services2018-19 Music Season

CONCERTSThere will be a pre-concert lecture before each Concert at 1:30 pm hosted by Scott Hanoian.

SPECIAL SERVICESFree and open to the public

Palm Sunday, April 14, 2019 | 3 pm St. John Passion | Bob Chilcott

Christ Church Choirs with Orchestra

Sunday, May 5, 2019 | 3 pm The Creation | Franz Joseph Haydn

Christ Church Chorale with Orchestra

Sunday, January 6, 2019, 3 pm

Epiphany Procession

Friday, February 1, 2019, 7 pmEve of the Feast of the

Presentation

Sunday, May 12, 2019, 3 pm

Easter Lessons and Carols

Thursday, May 30, 2019, 7 pmFeast of the Ascension

61 Grosse Pointe BoulevardGrosse Pointe Farms, Michigan 48236

313-885-4841 www.ChristChurchGP.org

candlelight service of nine lessons and carolswelcome to our service of nine lessons and carols...

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