Tuesday, December 16, 2025
The Chapel St. Chronicle
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Sermon Series
"Rejoice”
The Rev. Rob Stevens
The Third Sunday of Advent invites us to rejoice, yet sometimes life does not make that easy. I’m learning that life isn’t an either-or situation, simply rejoicing or sorrow… rather, it’s both. It’s as if the two are often holding hands. Perhaps our work this season is to be present to the fullness of our lives, in both the good — and the hard. Onward… together.
MUSIC
In case you missed it - a second showing for our Service of Lessons and Carols! We enjoyed a wonderful packed house last night, and share plenty of gratitude to go 'round for all who participated and attended, whether in-person or online!
The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a cherished service of Scripture and song, a tradition that stretches back to the late 19th century. This sacred gathering invites us to journey through the story of God’s redeeming love, as told in Scripture.
Through carefully chosen lessons, we hear of humanity’s longing and hope: from the Fall in Eden to the promise of a Messiah, the mystery of the Incarnation, and the call to share the Good News with all creation. After each lesson, our voices and hearts respond with a carol or anthem, weaving prayer and music into a tapestry of wonder and joy.
FROM THE DESK OF ANNE WILLIAMSON
Why Blue Christmas?
Someone asked me recently ‘why does St. John’s offer a Blue Christmas
Service? What’s it all about?’
As I pondered how to answer the question, and why it still seems like a
good idea to offer Blue Christmas Services at St. John’s, I received a letter
from the chaplain at Wentworth Hospice. Wentworth Hospice, and their
lovely nurse, Stephanie, and her colleagues, did such a great job supporting
my mother, and my sister and me, over the sixteen months she was under
their care.
I was reminded in Chaplain David’s letter that grief is not an event – it is a
journey, a process and takes the time it takes. For our family, we are
dealing with the ‘firsts’ – all those special days or family occasions in the
first year after a loved one has died, when the loss is so close and one’s
heart is so heavy. This is our first Christmas since my mom died and I have
said, as a hospice chaplain myself, and a parish priest, to others who have
been bereaved, the ‘firsts’ are hard. I was speaking to a friend whose
husband died just over a year ago; even though this isn’t the ‘first’
Christmas for her, she acknowledged that it is still hard.
There are many other losses that hit hard this time of year, whether it’s the
first year since the loss or 5th or 50th . The loss of a relationship, a job, a
beloved four-legged companion; there is no time limit on grief, and even
when grief eases the remembering can be bittersweet….these are some of
the reasons for a Blue Christmas Service.
In the words of Chaplain David, ‘in the midst of pain and loss, the
celebrations and traditions of the holiday season can, at times, seem like
more than one can bear.’ Our Blue Christmas service makes space to hold
the grief and sadness with the hope that comes from being held in a
community of love, by a God who longs to comfort us and is with us in all
the sorrows as well as the joys of life’s journey.
So come and see, come and be, come and find a place to honor and release
what hurts most this time of year.
Peace,
Anne
BLUE CHRISTMAS
An annual tradition here at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, our service for Blue Christmas is a time when we can, with others, acknowledge the “blue” feelings we have at Christmas time, explore the reasons for them, and offer them up to God. In this service of prayer, candlelight, and quiet music, we gather with both neighbors and strangers — a family made one by our brokenness. We come seeking comfort that we are not alone, we come with our hearts full of hope and we invite our great sign of hope, Emmanuel, God-with-us, to break through the darkness of our lives.
ADVENT OFFERINGS
Sunday, December 7, at 6PM, Lute Concert
Lutenist Joel Spears presents “The Great Mystery: Old Music for a New Advent” in Roberts Hall. With just 40 seats, tickets are limited! Click here to buy your tickets online.
Wednesday, December 10, Pageant + Family Dinner hosted by Youth Cooking
2:00-5:00 PM | Youth Cooking Ministry
4:00 PM | Pageant Rehearsal in Church!!
5:30-6:30 PM | Family Dinner Party in Thaxter Hall
Sunday, December 14, Lessons and Carols Service at 5:00 PM
A musical evening service that invites you to step into the story, the scripture, the tradition, and the music. Followed by a festive reception in Thaxter Hall.
Thursday, December 18, Blue Christmas Service at 6:00 PM
On these darkest days of the year, many of us experience feelings of grief and loss. This service invites you to express this alongside the hope of coming light, with special music.
Sunday, December 21, The Christmas Pageant at 10:00 AM
The Youth and Children present the annual St. John’s Christmas Pageant – a must see!
Wednesday, December 24, The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord
4:00 PM | A family-friend service for all ages with the children’s choir!
8:00 PM | A celebratory service with musical prelude featuring brass and choir.
11:00 PM | Late night traditional Rite I Eucharist with candlelight and vocal quartet.
Thursday, December 25, Christmas Morning Rite II Holy Eucharist with Hymns
10:00 AM | Revel in the light of Christmas morning.
Sunday, December 28, Normal Sunday Services, no livestreams available
8:00 AM | Rite I, in-person only
10:00 AM | Rite II, in-person only
Sunday, January 4, Epiphany Star Festival
10:00 AM | A celebration of wonder, light, and holy discovery
LONGEST NIGHT VIGIL
December 21 at 5PM | North Church, Portsmouth
On the winter solstice, the Seacoast Ministerium and Cross Roads House will hold a Longest Night Vigil to honor those in New Hampshire who died this year while experiencing homelessness. This outdoor vigil offers space for remembrance, grief, dignity, and hope as we stand in solidarity with all who continue to face homelessness in our community on one of the darkest nights of the year. Dress for the weather, and join us as we gather around the steps of North Church in Market Square at 5pm. All are welcome.
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