Local Church Holds Community outdoor Carol Sing-Along

For more Information: :The Rev. Robert C. Douglas
St. Mark’s Rector(914) 320-0595

Karen Kennedy-Hall
Kennedy Consulting
(352) 445-3075

Local Church Hosts Old-Fashioned Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along

CITRUS PARK — Get into the holiday spirit at an old-fashioned, outdoor Christmas Carol Sing-Along presented by the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Choir and friends.There will be luminaries lighting the path, live music, refreshments, printed sheets with lyrics and a lot of camaraderie going on starting at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13 in the courtyard of the church on Cain Road off Gunn Highway. The event moves indoors in inclement weather.

“The Community Carol Sing Along has long been a tradition of St. Mark’s,” said The Rev. Robert C. Douglas, rector. “It offers all who come an opportunity to slow down from the busyness of the season and turn our gaze toward the Nativity of our Lord. You will be blessed by joining with us.”

In its ninth year, more than 100 people from all over Tampa Bay and other churches are expected to attend the holiday affair this year. “It will be very festive outside,” said event founder and church member Virginia Chirchirillo.

“We put out 100 luminaries. They line both driveways and there are some inside the courtyard.” She said the courtyard will be decorated in red and green and people can park and follow the lights through the atrium with the large decorated Christmas tree into the courtyard. Two tables lit by candles will have plated cookies and hot chocolate for people to enjoy before, during and after the Sing-Along. She also suggests bringing a flash light to read the lyrics.

Chirchirillo started the annual event in 2011 at St. Mark’s mimicking a similar event held outside the historic stone library Southport, Conn., where she lived for several years. She is happy now that one group from another Tampa Episcopal church attends the St. Mark’s event each year. “It’s part of their tradition. It kicks off Christmas for them. I hope it becomes part of the tradition for other people.”

The live music will be presented by The Chapel Band, a group of church members who play guitar, drums, piano and base, said church member Sherre Henley, who helped start the church-sponsored event and spearheads the music. “It’s gotten larger over the years,” she said of the attendance now. The list of Carols also grew too.“We started with a small list (of Carols) and added more. We do sing the favorites,” Henley said.

Some of the 14 favorites they now sing include “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Silent Night,” “The First Noel” and of course “Jingle Bells.”

The Chapel Band plays together for several special events at the church during the year but said they love playing the Carol Sing-Along. “It’s a great way to invite the community in and celebrate the songs we love at Christmas and spend time visiting with each other over cookies and hot chocolate,” said Henley. -END-