GARDINER — Music will fill the rafters at the Christ Church Episcopal this Christmas season during two special services open to the public.

A special carol service is scheduled at 10 a.m. Sunday, followed Thursday by a “blue Eucharist” service at 6:30 p.m. for those who have lost loved ones.

Organist Jodi Clark said everyone has been “rehearsing our little hearts out” for the special services.

“There’s going to be lots of music and no sermons,” Clark said Tuesday. “It’s all music. It’s absolutely wonderful.”

Clark, 79, a retired teacher from Gardiner, said the service of lessons and carols is a special advent service to prepare for Christmas. She said it will include seven Bible readings connected by five carols and musical selections, including “Glory to God” from Handel’s Messiah.

“I’ve been trying to wrap my feet around that one,” she said. “As the organist my feet are going to be very busy.”

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She said the Christ Church choir is led by Ruby Shields-Morse. Sunday’s service will include a performance of the bell choir and an unplugged musical selection with guitar. There will also be a special participation by the Sunday school students.

She said it’s a once-in-a-year service.

“It’s very special for us,” she said. “It’s preparing us for Jesus’ birth. No sermons — just Bible readings and music.”

Shields-Morse of Topsham said a lot of work went into preparing for Sunday’s service.

“But it’s wonderful work that we enjoy doing,” Shields-Morse said.

Clark said the Eucharist service on Thursday is a special, quiet Christmas service with holy communion for those who may be grieving.

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“There are so many people who lose loved ones around the holidays,” Clark said. “I have a dear friend who lost her husband Christmas Eve.”

Clark also invites people to attend a soup supper at 6 p.m. on Wednesday that will include caroling.

“Everyone is invited,” Clark said. “The more the merrier.”

Mechele Cooper — 621-5663

mcooper@centralmaine.com


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