For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.’ (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Calling all singers: Christmas Carol Choir!

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols 2017: Calling All Singers!

The Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols is a beloved tradition in the Anglican Church worldwide and has been long regarded as an essential part of preparation for Christmas. Well-known Christmas Carols, sung by choir and congregation, combined with Scripture readings telling the tale of the Saviour’s birth, bring light and warmth on cold winter’s days and fill us with Christmas cheer!

This year marks the third time that the Old-Catholic parish of St Martin and Grace Anglican Church collaborate to offer this special service, and we are especially pleased that, this time, the Roman-Catholic Salvator Maria parish of St Hildegard will also join in.  We look forward to celebrating the joy of Christmas together!

Would you like to take part by singing in the Carols Choir, specially formed for the occasion?

Practices, directed by Mr Leo van Noppen, will be held on Thursday evenings, beginning October 26th.  Singers of all skill levels are welcome, as the emphasis is on fun and fellowship together.

Together with classics like ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ and ‘Hark, the Herald Angels Sing’, we will also sing some newer pieces as well as some Dutch carols.

The Festival services will be celebrated on December 9th in the St Joseph’s Cathedral and on December 10th in the San Salvator Church.  Both services begin at 7.30 pm.

To join the Carols Choir, please contact Father Victor Scheijde, by email pastoor@groningen.okkn.nl or telephone ( 06-27865967 (Tuesdays & Fridays during office hours).  Please provide us your name, address, phone number and email address, along with which voice you sing (soprano, alto, tenor or bass). Thank you!

Rehearsals begin on:   Thursday 26th October 7.30 pm (and are planned for Thursday evenings until the services)

At:   San Salvatorkerk, Van Starkenborgstraat 1, Groningen

To meet the costs for rehearsals and music, we request a choir participant contribution of €35,- per person (students and low incomes €15,-).  But we do not want these costs to inhibit anyone from participating, so if there are any difficulties, please contact one of the pastors.

Father Victor Scheijde, Old-Catholic Parish of St Martin

The Revd Sam Van Leer, Grace Anglican Church

Father Arjen Jellema, St Hildegard Parish, Salvator Maria Community