March 29, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Season of Advent gets under way at Milo > Park Street church celebrates with hanging of the greens

MILO — With the lighting of the first candle of the Advent wreath, the singing of Christmas carols, the reading of stories and the hanging of wreaths, the Advent season began Sunday in Milo. The annual hanging of the greens service was held at Park Street United Methodist Church.

Providing the prelude music were Janet Calvert, organist, and Janet Granger, pianist. Leader of the service was John Clement, chairman of the board of trustees. Clement delivered the evening’s message, “Advent, Joyous Time of Waiting.”

Readers for the service included Mary Valente, reading from Luke and “Christmas Cards”; Jason Chaffee, “Mid Balsam Boughs” and “My Favorite Gift”; Daniel Gerrish, “Notes of Friendship” and “A Child’s Wish for Christmas”; and Nathan Chaffee, “Colors of Christmas” and “The Carolers.”

The choir, directed by Merna Dunham, sang “When Christ Was Born” and “To A Maid Engaged to Joseph.” A quartet comprising Beth Dunham, Amy Green, Melissa Hussey and Erika Smart sang “Keeping Christmas,” accompanied by Janet Granger.

Placing wreaths throughout the church were Jason Chaffee and William Whitten. Ushers were Angela Smart and Nikolas Granger. Acolytes were Mary Valente and Daniel Gerrish.

Carols sung by the congregation were “Lift Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates,” “O Come, O Come Emanuel,” “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “There’s A Song in the Air” and “Angels from the Realms of Glory.”

The benediction was given by the Rev. Ronald Chaffee, pastor, followed by the choral benediction by choir and congregation.


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