On Sunday 22nd December, I had the pleasure of attending the Borough Carol Service at the Collegiate Church of St Mary in Stafford, which was also attended by the Worshipful Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Gareth Jones and Mrs Renee Robinson, as well as other members of Stafford County Council.
The service began with a rendition of “Once in Royal David’s City”, before the Reverend Prebendary Richard Grigson, the Rector of Stafford, led us in the Bidding Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer. The first lesson was read by Mrs S Savage, Town Warden, and was taken from Genesis 3, 8-15. Ms A Dando then read the second lesson, Genesis 22, verses 15-18, before the third lesson, Isaiah 9, verses 2, 6 and 7, was led by Mr A Alecock of the Stafford Samaritans. We all then joined in with the hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem”.
The fourth lesson, Micah 5, verses 2-4, was read by Mrs I Moran, and she was followed by the St Mary’s Children’s Choir, which wonderfully sang “Ragtime Carol”. The Reverend J Davis MBE, Town Centre Chaplain, then read the fifth lesson, Luke 1, verses 26 – 33 and 38. The entire congregation joined in with “Silent Night”, before Councillor PMM Farrington read the sixth lesson, Luke 2, verses 1-7.
The next hymn, “While shepherds watched their flocks by night”, was followed by the seventh and eight lessons, which were read by Councillor E G R Jones, Mayor of the Borough of Stafford, and Councillor P W Jones, Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Stafford, respectively.
The Reverend Prebendary R Grigson, Rector of Stafford, led us in the ninth and final lesson taken from St John 1, verses 1-14, before we sang the last hymn of the service, “O come all ye faithful”.
It was a beautiful service, with extremely talented choirs and delightful readings. Thank you again to the Mayor and Mayoress of Stafford for their kind invitation.