Poem included in the service – This was written by Gwenda Lowry of Hereford Tupsley Guild for a local service a few years ago but seems particularly apt at this time. TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILDS ‘VIRTUAL’ NATIONAL CAROL SERVICE TH Songs of Praise FRIDAY 4 DECEMBER 2020 AT 14:00 FROM

As we sing our favourite carols, praising God for Jesus’, birth

Wishing, hoping that this Christmas, would bring peace to all on Earth.

May we be grateful for our blessings, so many more than we can tell.

We have our homes and friends and freedom and a peaceful land in which to dwell.

Sad thoughts come of those who’ve left us, cherished members of the Guild.

Friends are gone but not forgotten, their places never can be filled.

Others too who’ve lost their loved ones, may they all be comforted,

By the love and friendship shown them in the days that lie ahead.

Though the world is full of sadness, and the night is dark and long,

The light of dawn sees hope returning, so raise your voice once more in song.

Praise His name – to Him the glory, who sent his only son to earth.

Sing again our favourite Carols praising God for Jesus’ birth. SERVICE CONDUCTED BY: NICOLA STANLEY,

THE OF BRISTOL CATHEDRAL. NATIONAL CHAIR: PENNY RYAN, TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILDS. CHOIRS: WULFRUNA LADIES CHOIR, SOUTHEND VOX CHAMBER CHOIR & BRISTOL CATHEDRAL CHOIR. SPECIAL GUESTS: OUR PATRON, HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL. THIS IS A PRE-RECORDED SERVICE. WELCOME AND PRAYER: Canon Nicola Stanley, the Precentor of Bristol READING: Luke 2:4-20 - as we get to the heart of our story – Emperor Cathedral. Augustus ordered a census of the whole Roman Empire and everyone had to go their own town to register. Read by Mary March, of Bristol Knowle WELCOME TO BRISTOL: The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Bristol, Guild. Councillor Jos Clark. MUSIC: A Guiding Star, performed by Southend Vox Chamber Choir. MUSIC: O Radiant Dawn. Music by James MacMillan & words: Advent Antiphon: O Oriens. READING: Matthew 2:1-17 - Our final gospel reading brings more visitors to the new family. Read by National Vice Chairman Jean Watkins, Chair of READING: Luke 1:5-25 - We begin our telling of the Christmas Story in Bournemouth Federation. Jerusalem where an older relative of Mary is undertaking priestly duties at the temple. Read by Valerie , President of Henleaze E Guild and MUSIC: Hodie. Music by James Whitbourn & words by Robert Tear. Chairman of Bristol NW Federation. ADDRESS: Canon Nicola Stanley. MUSIC: The hands that first held, performed by Wulfruna Ladies Choir. MOMENT OF SILENCE: Please join us to reflect on the past year. READING: Luke 1:26-56 - Our attention now moves to Nazareth and the POEM: Songs of Praise, written by Gwenda Lowry, of Hereford Tupsley home of a teenage girl called Mary. Read by Former National Chairman, Guild. Read by National Chairman Penny Ryan. Iris Shanahan MBE, of Beaufort Guild. PRAYERS: Canon Nicola Stanley. MUSIC: In the stillness. Music by Sally Beamish & words by Katrina Shepherd. MUSIC: Carol Medley, performed by Wulfruna Ladies Choir. READING: Matthew 1:18-25 – Back in Nazareth Mary has a problem, how HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL: Message. is she going to explain her pregnancy to the man she is engaged to? BLESSING: Canon Nicola Stanley. Read by Former National Chairman, Jenny Rideout, of Wimborne Evening Guild. MUSIC: Mele Kalikimaka, Southend Vox Chamber Choir. MUSIC & PLACING OF NATIVITY: During lockdown members of Bristol Knowle Guild craft group have been busy creating our nativity scene. The recording will be available to watch for at least 7 days from the Background music is the TG Anthem: Small part of the world, an organ broadcasting date via https://the-tg.com/townswomens-guilds-carol- recording from Cathedral. service.aspx. From all of us at TGHQ, thank you for joining us today. We look forward to seeing you all hopefully in

the near future and wish you health and happiness for 2021!