By Susan Paynter
Emmanuel changed from Advent purple to Christmas red on the evening of December 22nd as many parishioners came together for the Greening of the Church. Fortified by hot mulled cider, the Emmanuel “elves” trimmed the church with magnolia, holly, and poinsettias. The tree was hoisted and decorated as young John Scott kept spirits bright by playing Christmas carols on the piano.
On Friday, Christmas Eve night, the service was preceded by a festival of 14 carols, accompanied by Kenyon Scott on the piano and then the pipe organ. The voices of the Emmanuel Choir and parishioners were joined by those of guests from the community and families visiting for the holidays. Mark dePaulo read the Nativity Gospel of Luke. The Rev. Jim Mathieson preached the Christmas sermon and celebrated the Holy Eucharist.
After the worship service all repaired to the parish hall -- which Beth Coles had decorated beautifully -- to enjoy good company, homemade eggnog and seasonal delicacies.
The big snow hit on Christmas evening, and the service of lessons and carols planned for Sunday, the 26th, was cancelled.
