Christmas Services at St. Edward's:

Christmas is one of the two primary celebrations of the church. At St. Edward's, we celebrate with two distinct services:

4 p.m. Family Service
Rite II - Modern Langauge (You, your, etc...)
Blend of Traditional and Contemporary Music

This service is scheduled to allow families to attend with children of all ages while still getting home in time for dinner and children's bed time. Children are welcome and encouraged at this service.

9 p.m. Festival Service
Rite I - Traditional Language (Thee, thou, etc...)
Traditional Hymns with Organ and Choir

This service is more of the traditional "midnight mass" style of service with Elizabethian-style language and traditional hymns. While geared primarily for adults, children of all ages are welcome!

The Church at Christmas:

We love decorating for Christmas.  We hang garland on the modesty panels surrounding the Altar.  Candles are also placed on top of the panels.  Poinsettias, and other flowers surround the creche that is placed in front of the Altar.

We hang stars from the beams and one large gold star on the cross.  This has no symbolic meaning, although some would suggest it reminds us that Christmas without Easter is incomplete. We hang the star on the cross because we think it looks nice.

The Altar Frontal (a frontal is a fabric hanging that hangs in "front" of the altar) is a lovely tapestry.  This frontal and matching vestments were sewn by members of St. Edwards many years ago.  We use this set every Christmas.

Our Creche was purchased by St. Edward's founding pastor, Fr. Halstead, while on a trip in Germany.  Our children love to see the creche and often gather around it before and after our services.