On Sunday, November 27 at 5 p.m. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Montrose, will usher in the season of Advent with an Advent Procession of Lessons and Carols based on The Great O Antiphons. This service of lessons, accompanied by the simple plainsong antiphons will be sung in candlelight, and followed by English Tea.
The Great O Antiphons are seven brief prayers that are traditionally chanted or sung on successive evenings starting on December 17. The precise origin of these texts is unknown. However, by the 8th and 9th centuries, the church in Rome and monastic communities throughout western Europe were using them at evening worship services during the season of Advent. These ancient supplications beautifully express the Christian church's profound yearning for her long expected Savior. They continue to be part of the seasonal devotions of many churches today. The Great O Antiphons form the basis of the popular Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” by English hymnographer John Neale.
The choir and drama group of the First Baptist Church, Susquehanna, will present a Christmas cantata and drama, "Ten Thousand Hallelujahs," on Friday and Saturday, December 2 and 3 at 7:00 p.m. and again on Sunday, December 4 at 11:00 a.m. The drama, under the direction of Becky Lewis, is about an elderly, godly patient who attempts to soften the heart of the icy head nurse on the evening shift at the hospital. The cantata is under the direction of Miriam Page. The words and music for the cantata were written by Ron Hamilton. The cantata ends with the majestic "Hallelujah Chorus" written by G. F. Handel. Refreshments will be served after the presentation. The public is cordially invited to come and enjoy this Christmas gift to the community.
The Thompson United Methodist Church is delighted to host the annual Christmas Cantata with the hope of peace and good will to all during this Christmas season. The Ecumenical Choir consisting of voices from various multi-denomination churches from Wayne and Susquehanna counties will perform on Sunday, December 4 at 2:00 p.m.
The Cantata, entitled “Rejoice Believers,” written by John E. Coates, is truly a beautiful expression of the joy of the season. The choir is presented at the direction of Mrs. Brenda Tiffany with the exuberant piano accompaniment of Jeffery Keyes. This beautiful work, in harmony combines beautiful music and narration read by Lori Hubal to celebrate the blessed season. This Cantata is a gift in memory of Bronson Gillette.
Help celebrate the season and keep Christ in Christmas. All are welcome to share in fellowship and refreshments following the performance.
Three churches in Montrose will all hold their Christmas bazaars on Saturday, December 3.
The Montrose United Methodist Church, 526 Church Street, will open the doors of The Christmas Department Store from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lunch will be available.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 276 Church Street, will open the doors of The Country Store from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be available in The North Pole Café.
The Altar and Rosary Society of Holy Name of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 278 South Main Street, will hold their annual Christmas Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A continental breakfast and lunch will be available.
In addition, the Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library Association will be continuing their Christmas book sale at The Inn at Montrose, 26 South Main Street.
The churches of Montrose invite you to come and celebrate the holidays in Montrose!
