Calendar of Events

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Advent Worship with Sunday School

December 1, 8, 15, 22

10 am

In the Sanctuary and on YouTube

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You may attend worship in person in the sanctuary, or you may watch via the church’s YouTube page. Sunday School will be held in-person on Decembers 1, 8,15  and 17. YouTube links and worship bulletins go out with announcements and in Friday “Materials for Worship and Spiritual Journeying” emails. You can also find the link on the homepage of the website.

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Notable worship services include:

• December 8 - Service of Advent Lessons and Carols

• December 22 - A Christmas Carol Celebration with Special Brass Accompaniment

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St Mary Schola - Christmas by Candlelight

Saturday, December 14

4pm

Sanctuary

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Surround yourself with festive choral and instrumental music of the Christmas season performed by Maine’s only professional Early Music choral and instrumental ensemble in a stunning candlelight setting. James Kennerley makes his début as Artistic Director with an immersive program that traces the evolution of the Christmas carol from its Medieval origins to the present day. The music brings to life the stages of Christmas, from the solemnity of Advent and hymns to the Virgin Mary to the lively court dances and drinking songs of holiday feasts, culminating in modern reimaginings of these ancient traditions—including a new composition by Kennerley himself. Favorites like Good King Wenceslas, In dulci jubilo, and the Boar’s Head Carol are paired with gems spanning 700 years of holiday music. Audiences are even invited to join in the tradition of Wassailing! Celebrate the joy and beauty of this cherished holiday tradition. At just 75 minutes, this concert is designed to engage and delight everyone, including families with children. Join us for a pre-concert talk that begins at 3:30pm.

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Admission is $30 in advance or $35 at the door. You may purchase tickets by CLICKING THIS LINK

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A Woodfords Christmas Celebration: Handbells, Cookies, and Carols

Sunday, December 15

2pm

Sanctuary

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Come enjoy a musical program by the Woodfords Church Handbell Ringers. Join your voice in song with a grand community Christmas sing-a-long. And of course, cookies and beverages will complete the afternoon of music! Admission is a freewill donation to benefit the Church Music Outreach Fund.

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​ChoralArt - Handel's "Messiah" Sing-Along

Monday, December 16

7pm

Sanctuary

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Join ChoralArt for a festive Messiah sing-along, conducted by ChoralArt Music Director Robert Russell and accompanied by organist Hentus van Rooyen, trumpeter Trevor Lavenbein, and musicians from the Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra. Food and cash donations for Portland’s emergency food pantry, Project FEED, will be accepted at the door.

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Details: Food Donations at the Door, benefiting Project FEED. Scores will be provided, or you may bring your own. Singers of all skill levels welcome.

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Admission: $5 at Door, Students Free; net proceeds will be donated to Project FEED.​

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Blue Christmas Service

Wednesday, December 18

6:30 pm

Sanctuary

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We understand that the holidays aren't always easy. For those who have experienced loss, the joy of the holiday season can often feel elusive and out of reach. As a result, churches around the world have adopted the practice of having a “Blue Christmas”' or a “Longest Night” service during the Advent season. These services are designed to provide space for prayer, reflection, and remembrance amidst the twinkle lights and holiday hustle and bustle. If you are weary, or grieving, or feeling out of sorts when the world expects you to be merry, this service is for you. Bring that grief. Bring that weariness. Bring that fatigue. Allow yourself a quiet space to reflect and draw near to God. May you find peace in your journey.

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Christmas Eve Worship

Christmas Eve

Tuesday, December 24

Sanctuary and YouTube                                  

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5pm: Intergenerational Family Carol Service

If you’re feeling like Charlie Brown, who cried out, “Doesn’t anyone know what Christmas is all about???” then we have an answer for you. Come and once again hear the magic of the Christmas Story. Bring your children, grandchildren, or the child within you. We'll have costumes and coloring pages and lots of good cheer. Come, follow the star to Woodfords, get in the spirit of Christmas, and celebrate Jesus' birth with love in your heart and goodwill for all. ​

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7pm: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols

A grand tradition: Beautiful music, scripture readings that tell the story of Christmas, prayers and candlelight.

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