Mayoral Carol Service is shared success

His carol service this evening was shared with that of Sackville Road Methodist Church, with the collection going to the Mayoral Appeal in aid of Hastings and Rother Crossroads and Bexhill Museum and conducted by the Minister the Rev Stephen Maunder.

The call to worship took the form of a reading by Daphne Parks of Who Would Think, followed by Once In Royal David's City.

The first lesson, on the promise of a saviour from the Book of Isaiah was by the Deputy Town Mayor, Cllr Patrick Duart.

O Little Town Of Bethlehem was followed by the second lesson, the birth of Jesus as foretold by St Luke, read by Sandra Melvin.

Becci Maunder read A Giving Time, by Virginia Becher.

The singing of The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came was followed by the third lesson, St Luke's account of the birth of Jesus, read by Angela Maunder and He Comes, read by the Mayor's father and mayoral consort, Ron Lendon.

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly was followed by the fourth lesson, Luke's telling of the visit of the shepherds, read by Patricia Cramp.

Charles Causley's Angels' Song was ready by David Hanson.

God Rest You Merry Gentlemen was followed by St Matthew's account of the visit of the Magi, read by the Mayor.

In The Bleak Midwinter was followed by the Minister's reading from St John's Gospel, "The word become flesh," the Minister's Christmas address, prayers of thanksgiving and Hark The Herald Angels Sing.

Away In A Manager, sung while seated, brought to a close a service in which prayer was offered on behalf of the Deputy Mayor, whose father had died that morning.

Mince pies and coffee or tea were served afterwards in the church.