Gary Kirchner

Inclement winter weather and the threat of freezing rain were unable to restrain the Christmas spirit at St John’s Estonian Ev. Lutheran Church on December 12. In what many hope will become an annual event, the Estonian community of Montreal came together to hear the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke and partake in some joyful Christmas music.

Roxanne Martel sang Lapse Tee and O come, O come, Emmanuel with her usual high quality performance, and the duo of Matthew Raudsepp and Greg Halpin harmonized inspired interpretations of Silent Night and O Holy Night. Karl J. Raudsepp, St John’s master of the organ, played works by Balbastre and Bach and accompanied the gathered in singing. The Gospel was read by Piret Koppel, Hille Viires, & Mary Männapso, and Rev. Kyllikki Pitts, read a touching short story called The Bird Feeder by Donna Gamache. Many thanks to Karl for putting the program together and for Kyllikki in leading the worship.

And of course there were Christmas carols, given a remarkably unique rendition by a congregation that sang in Estonian and in English simultaneously. Where else will you hear that?

One unfortunate casualty of the poor weather was the children’s presentation. Half a dozen little elves from the Saturday MES Kindergarten group had practiced diligently to be part of the Advent Candle Lighting ceremony, but the foul weather prevented them from coming.

More than forty people participated in the event. Afterwards, Rev. Pitts invited everyone to the church hall for Christmas goodies, coffee, and camaraderie.

Everyone is welcome to come celebrate the Christmas Eve service on December 24, at 14:00hrs.

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