The service, which took place at St James’ Church in Barrow, began with a special church choir made up some of the area’s most talented singers performng Creator of the Starry Height .
The congregation was welcomed with an opening reading from The Reverend Jack Knill-Jones, team rector of north Barrow.
Then it was the younger generation’s turn to take centre stage, as the children of St James’ CE Primary School sang alongside the church choir for The Very Best Time Of Year by John Rutter.
Church choir conductor, Mark Latimer, and organist, Colin Dean, helped the choir’s music ring around St James’ walls.
The school choir then exhibited their own vocal style, as they sang a unique and jazzy version of Away in a Manger , then their instrumental skills, as the School Hand Chimes Ensemble performed Joy To The World.
Following a reading from St James’ School headteacher, Angela Rawlinson, the school choir rounded off their night with renditions of Girls and Boys , followed by Calypso Carol .
Evening Mail editor, James Higgins, took the sixth reading of the evening from the Gospel of Matthew.
Following the reading from Mr Higgins, The Reverend John Hodgkinson, team vicar of north Barrow and priest in charge of St John, Barrow Island, treated the congregation to two passages from Titus.
The Evening Mail also held a raffle for Jo’s Appeal in memory of Evening Mail journalist Jo-anne Davies, who sadly passed away in August after a long battle with ovarian cancer.
Mr Knill-Jones, in his next address, pondered the great unity in Cumbria in the wake of the recent floods and how much more the county has to offer.
He said: “The story of calamity has become real, but so has the community response to those whose homes, whose communities have been flooded over the past weeks.
“For those who have lost, this Christmas will bring both sadness and happiness.
“When there is a quiet moment this Christmas, you may ask yourself which ethic, which way of life can better transform the way we live?”
After Mr Knill-Jones’ address, the church choir performed their final solo piece of Noel! Noel! by Mack Willburg
The service had a wonderful atmosphere and helped create a sense of unity among the congregation, displaying the true spirit of Cumbria.
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