Brown University's 95th Annual Lessons and Carols Service

Sunday, December 4, 2011, 4:00 p.m., Sayles Hall
Free and open to the public.

Brown University’s Annual Service of Lessons and Carols—now in its ninth decade—will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2011, at 4:00 p.m., in Sayles Hall, The College Green. The University Chorus, under the direction of Frederick Jodry, and the University Brass, under the direction of Mark Steinbach, will present music for the season. Steinbach, the University organist, will also perform on Sayles Hall's historic 1903 Hutchings-Votey Organ.

The public is cordially welcome to attend this ancient form of corporate worship for the Christmas season, with readings from the Old and New Testaments. The service was revived
for modern use at Truro Cathedral in Cornwall during the late nineteenth century and was made world famous through the broadcasts and recordings of the Kings College Choir,
Cambridge University, during the mid-twentieth century. It is now widely used in schools, colleges, and churches around the world.

Special note: Image on right—“African Mother and Child,” by Demetrice P. Dalton, Reno, Nevada, Pen & Ink, 18x24
This year, we are very pleased to feature as the cover image for this service a work by Nevada artist Demetrice P. Dalton. She is a wife and mother and has been executing her gift as a visual artist for over 30 years. “Gift” is a key word because she considers her ability a gift from God. Demetrice, who grew up in Northern Nevada, enjoys working in a variety of mediums. Her artistic accomplishments vary from illustrations to murals to secondary level art instruction. She gets her inspirations from magical moments shared between individuals as well as the rich design elements of historic cultures. To learn more about Ms. Dalton and her artwork, visit her website.

2011 Free-will offering: Each year a free-will offering is collected during this service to address directly the needs of others locally and beyond Providence. This year, the chaplains have designated Crossroads Rhode Island as the beneficiary for this offering. Formerly known as Travelers Aid of Rhode Island, Crossroads is the largest homeless services organization in the state. They provide assistance 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, for a broad spectrum of Rhode Islanders, working to solve both the immediate and long-term needs of people in desperate situations. They are committed to preserving individual dignity and respect for all people, at all times. All contributions are gratefully received. Checks may be made out to "Brown University," noting that the gift is for Crossroads. All funds will be sent to Crossroads. Learn more about Crossroads at their website.

Sponsors for the service: The Office of the Chaplains and Religious Life and the Music Department.