Church of England in Manchester shares service of nine lessons and carols online

An online service of nine lessons and carols will be broadcast by the Diocese of Manchester

The Diocese of Manchester is broadcasting a special service of nine lessons and carols with participants from churches across Greater Manchester and Rossendale, for people who are not able to attend a traditional carol service this Christmas.

Through Bible readings, carols and reflections, which you can join in at home, the service will premiere on the Diocese of Manchester Facebook and YouTube accounts at 7pm on Wednesday 23 December 2020. The broadcast will remain available to watch later if you are unable to watch the live event.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ManchesterDiocese

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ManchesterDiocese

The Bishop of Manchester, The Rt Revd Dr David Walker, will open the service and give the closing blessing.

He said: “Wherever you are this Christmastime, isolated at home, unable to get to church or see your loved ones, and missing the opportunity to come together in celebration, we invite you to hear the timeless message of Christmas with us online.

“After a uniquely difficult year, Christmas brings hope and reassurance, and scatters the darkness which threatens to overwhelm us. Join in on your phone, tablet or laptop, and let’s celebrate Christmas together.”

Contributors to the Diocese of Manchester’s first online carol service, which contains familiar carols and readings, include:

• Bury Parish Church Choir, who provide two carols, as well as the solo verse for Once in Royal David's City
• Dobcross Silver Band’s rousing rendition of Hark the Herald
• A beautiful modern carol, ‘Don’t be Afraid’, performed by children from Edenfield CE Primary School