Evensong to be Presented in February

Christ Episcopal Church in Newton will offer Choral Evensong on Thursday, February 2nd, 7:00 p.m. in celebration of Candlemas, the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus, and the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Evensong, the choral version of the Evening Prayer liturgy used in the Anglican tradition, will be sung by the Christ Church Newton Senior Choir under the direction of Music Director Joe Mello. Christ Church is located at 62 Main Street in Newton.

The choir will chant the Evening service by John Merbecke and Psalm 24 by Joseph Barnby. In addition to hymns, the “Magnificat and Nunc dimittis” by C. V. Stanford and “In Peace and Joy I Now Depart” by David Fetler will be offered. Christ Church Interim Rector Tim Mulder will preach.

“As early as the fourth century, Christians commemorated the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, but, at the time, there was no feast name attached,” explains Mello. “In seventh-century Rome, the Church named the celebration the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Mother Mary, and it remained that way for nearly 1,300 years. Clearly the events of purification and presentation that took place when Jesus was 40 days old are tied together and thus commemorated together. Also, in several countries, Candlemas is simultaneously celebrated on this day and involves a candlelight procession that was popularized in the Middle Ages.”

The event is free and open to the public, although a free will offering will be taken. For more information about Christ Episcopal Church call 973-383-2245 or visit www.christchurchnewton.org.