Lessons and Carols at SJE Church

An estimated 400 people worshiped together at the annual ‘Lessons and Carols Service’ at St. John the Evangelist, Edmonton on December 15. As in past years, Organist and Music Director, Dr. Jacobus (Kobie) Kloppers worked with both junior and senior choirs to prepare musical selections which, this year, included favourite old hymns, beautiful choral arrangements, and some well-known pieces from Handel’s Messiah. In the week before the service, guest vocalists and instrumentalists joined musicians from St. John’s and all was brought together under the leadership of guest-conductor Dr. Debra Cairns. Dr. Cairns is a founder of i Coristi Chamber Choir and (retired) professor in the department of music at the University of Alberta.

The Ven. Richard King, newly appointed rector at St. John's, said it was "fantastic to see the talents of the St. John's church family appreciated by so many." Members of the congregation said the music brought tears to their eyes, especially the pieces from Messiah, and two songs presented by the junior choir. Around 20 children meet early every Sunday morning throughout the year in order to take part in leading the worship in music at St. John’s. Parishioners attribute this to the gentle leadership of Dr. Kloppers (which includes – it is said – the provision of chocolate and ice cream on some occasions). The senior choir leads worship at the 11:00 service each week.

Photos by Doug Cowan