Christmas Festival of Lessons & Carols

The Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols is a celebration of Old and New Testament readings, carols, and music to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The St. Barnabas Adult, Youth, and Handbell Choirs performed anthems and lead the congregation in beautiful carols we all love.

The first Lessons & Carols service was drawn up in 1880 by E.W. Benson, and in 1918, the service was adapted for use in the chapel of King's College, Cambridge. Used by schools and universities around the world, each year we tell the story of the loving purposes of God seen through the windows and words of the Bible.

We are blessed with the music leadership of Director of Music and Choir/Organist Michael Chertock, Assistant Director of Music and Handbell Choir Janet Beckmeyer, and Directors of Youth Choir Joshua Goines, Diane Byrne, and Bert Nelson who all guide the dedicated St. Barnabas musicians in service to the glory of God.

We are thankful for the presence of community leaders who served as readers. These groups represent the fabric of our outreach ministries, and we celebrate them as partners in our combined commitment to the needs of the community.

• John Nolan, outreach committee and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity

• Ann Barfels, NEEDS (Northeast Emergency Distribution Services)

• Adam Hayden, Director of Kids4Peace Cincinnati

• Ed Lee, President and chief executive officer, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati

• Diane Krumanaker, volunteer with Panera Bread ministry donations

• Lisa Elmendorf, volunteer with Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cincinnati

• Robert Killins, Greater Cincinnati Foundations and former president of Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses Board

• Satya Thanaseelan, volunteer with Matthew 25:ministries

• The Rev. Canon George A. Hill III, St. Barnabas Rector Emeritus