in aid ofIraqi Christians in Need

www.icin.org.uk

www.icin.org.uk

Saturday 2nd December 2017 at 7:30 pm

St John’s Notting HillLandsdowne Crescent

LONDON W11 2NN

ChristmasA

celebration

Welcome to you all! As we approach this season of goodwill, let us especially remember our brothers and sisters returning to their Nineveh villages to rebuild their lives. May God bring peace to Iraq and the whole of the Middle East. This evening, we are honoured to have with us Her Worship The Mayor Councillor Marie-Thérèse Rossi and her Consort Councillor Gerard Hargreaves. We welcome from abroad His Grace Bishop Saad Sirop who is representing our patron His Beatitude Patriarch Sako. Your Grace: you are most welcome! I wish to thank our patron the Reverend Canon Dr William Taylor and staff of St John’s Notting Hill for their continued support and for the use of this beautiful church. We are delighted to have the participation of the Iraqi churches in London represented by Mgr Nizar Semaan and the Mar Behnam Youth choir of the Syriac Catholic church1 and by Fr. Nadhir Dakko and the Children’s choir of the Chaldean Catholic church2. The children will be performing in Aramaic, Arabic and English. Our benefactors continue with their unwavering support by meeting the entire cost of tonight’s event. God bless them and the many volunteers who worked hard for tonight’s success. Finally, a big thank you goes to our readers and musicians: the Quartet of soloists Billie Robson, Simone Ibbett Browne, Francis Melville and Jake Muffett led by Tom Primrose, Director of Music and Organist of St John’s NH, Dicky Thomas and the Pafties3 of St Benedict’s School, Ealing, the Children and Youth choirs and Carl Bahoshy. The service is conducted by Joe Bahoshy except where otherwise indicated. We wish you a most enjoyable evening.

1 Emily Matloob, Natalie Matloob, Luna Khundy, Olivea Keryakoz, Angela Abo Rania Al-Wakeel with Rasha Elkary on keyboard, Majid Al-Wakeel (Guitar) and directed by Linda Rassam. 2 Leanne Jebbo, Christina Audisho, Sophie Tammo, Mary Gegorian, Odelia Dako, Abelia Dako, Maryana Ismail, Joanne Christina Ismail, Georgina Holmyard, with Fayrouz Shabo on keyboard and directed by Adraa George 3 Charles Ayson-Parrish, Rory Beeston, Luke Bissett, Finley Carty-Howe, Jack Edis, Alice Gedye, Harry Lubkowski, Stephanie Maalouf, Joe McDonald, Harry Pye, Zoe Rutherford, Henry Saunders, Rosalind Sheehan, Nicholas Arratoon, Mark Lyons & led by Dicky Thomas.

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Kindly refrain from any applause until the end - thank you. All stand for Procession during Organ voluntary

Chorale Prelude IN DULCI JUBILO - BWV 729 (J S Bach)

Carl Bahoshy (Organ)

WELCOME & OPENING PRAYERS Rev Canon Dr William Taylor

O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL 1. O come, O come, Emmanuel - solo (Alice Gedye, soprano)

2. O come, Thou Rod of Jesse – Choir Only

3. O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here Disperse the gloomy clouds of night And death's dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

4. O come, Thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heavenly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

All sit The First Reading – from the Gospel according to St Luke 1:26-38

Reader: Her Worship The Mayor of RBKC

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won

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God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you,’ the angel answered, ‘and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. Know this too: your kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, herself conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God.’ ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary; ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her. The Choirs sing

In the bleak mid-winter (Harold Darke) All stand

THE FIRST NOWELL

1. The First Nowell the angel did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields as they lay, keeping their sheep, On a cold winter's night that was so deep. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel. 2. They looked up and saw a star Shining in the east beyond them far, And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued both day and night. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel. 3. And by the light of that same star Three wise men came from country far; To seek for a king was their intent, And to follow the star wherever it went. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel. All sit The Second Reading - Christmas Poem by Ronald Doe

Reader: Zain Habba

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During the holiday season let us remember to be grateful for the gifts God has bestowed upon us instead of envious of the gifts He has bestowed upon others. Christmas Time is finally here, It only comes but once a year. And it's a time to spread good cheer, To those we love and hold so dear. Christmas Time is a time of glee, A time when peace and love run free. A time for those like you and me, To sit beneath the Christmas Tree. Christmas Time is a time of joy, A time to sit back and enjoy. The smile on each girl and boy, As they play with a Christmas Toy. Christmas Time is a time to share, The passing of another year. Birth of Jesus, a joyful prayer, To show loved ones how much we care. Christmas Time is a time for song, A time for us to get along. To make us feel Lord Jesus strong, Forgive all those who did us wrong. Christmas Time is a time to pray, Put love and kindness on display. Show compassion along the way, Christmas Time should be everyday. All stand to sing

O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL

1. O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant! O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold him, Born the King of Angels: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. 2. God of God, Light of Light, Lo, he abhors not the Virgin’s womb; Very God, Begotten, not created: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. 3. See how the Shepherds …etc. – Choir Only 4. Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of Heaven above! Glory to God In the highest: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

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All sit

The Third Reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 2:1-14 Reader: Rev. Dr. Alan Everett

Now at this time Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census of the whole world to be taken. This census – the first – took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and everyone went to his own town to be registered. So Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and traveled up to Judaea, to the town of David called Bethlehem, since he was of David’s House and line, in order to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn. In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, ‘Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to men who enjoy his favour.’ All sit The Choirs sing

O Holy Night (Adam – arr Rutter)

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining. Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! O night divine, the night when Christ was born; O night, O Holy Night, O night divine! O night, O Holy Night, O night divine! Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother. And in his name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, With all our hearts we praise His holy name. Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we, His power and glory ever more proclaim! His power and glory ever more proclaim!

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The Fourth Reading – Christmas Morning © Marian Swinger Reader: Mia Bahoshy

The stockings hanging on the beds Were thin last night, now fat instead. It’s still quite dark, but children creep Down the stairs, all half asleep. Shapes that they can hardly see Lie underneath the Christmas tree, Exciting shapes, some big, some small, Mysterious objects, wall to wall. Then there’s rustling paper, creaks and bumps, happy cries and muffled thumps And Mum and Dad wake up and yawn. “It’s dark!” they groan. “Not even dawn.” But downstairs children laugh and play At 5 a.m. on Christmas Day. The Chaldean Children’s Choir sings Breekh Hanana - Blessed is Your Compassion (in Chaldean Aramaic)

Woled Al Maseeh - Christ is Born! (in Arabic)

giving praise to God for the incarnation of the infant King who saves us from sin and blesses us with His grace followed by a declamatory chant that Christ is born - Alleluia! The Mar Behnam Youth Choir sings

Ha al Ruaat – Ye Shepherds (in Arabic)

Woleda Almaseeh – Christ is Born (in Syriac Aramiac & Arabic)

which describes the Annunciation to the shepherds followed by a hymn to the Birth of Christ and the adoration of the three wise men.

The Fifth Reading: Carol of the Poor Children (Richard B Middleton) Reader: Susanna Salgado

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We are the poor children, come out to see the sights On this day of all days, on this night of nights, The stars in merry parties are dancing in the sky, A fine star, a new star, is shining on high!

We are the poor children, our lips are frosty blue, We cannot sing our carol as well as rich folk do, Our bellies are so empty we have no singing voice, But this night of all nights good children must rejoice.

We do rejoice, we do rejoice, as hard as we can try, A fine star, a new star is shining in the sky! And while we sing our carol, we think of the delight The happy kings and shepherds make in Bethlehem to-night.

Are we naked, mother, and are we starving poor-- Oh, see what gifts the kings have brought outside the stable door, Are we cold, mother, the ass will give his hay To make the manger warm and keep the cruel winds away.

We are the poor children, but not so poor who sing Our carol with our voiceless hearts to greet the newborn king, On this night of all nights, when in the frosty sky A new star, a kind star, is shining on high!

St John’s NH Choir – conducted by Tom Primrose - sings

The Lamb (John Taverner) Little Lamb who made thee? Dost thou know who made thee? Gave thee life & bid thee feed. By the stream & o’er the mead; Gave thee clothing of delight, Softest clothing woolly bright; Gave thee such a tender voice, Making all the vales rejoice! Little Lamb who made thee? Dost thou know who made thee? Little Lamb I’ll tell thee, Little Lamb I’ll tell thee! He is called by thy name, For he calls himself a Lamb: He is meek & he is mild, He became a little child: I a child & thou a lamb, We are called by his name. Little Lamb, God bless thee. Little Lamb, God bless thee. All stand to sing

IT CAME UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR

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1. It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth, To touch their harps of gold: “Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, From heaven’s all-gracious King.” The world in solemn stillness lay, To hear the angels sing. 2. Still through the cloven skies they come, With peaceful wings unfurled, And still their heavenly music floats O’er all the weary world; Above its sad and lowly plains, They bend on hovering wing, And ever o’er its Babel sounds The 8lessed angels sing. 3. Yet with the woes of sin and strife - Choir only 4. For lo!, the days are hastening on, By prophet bards foretold, When with the ever-circling years Comes round the age of gold When peace shall over all the earth Its ancient splendors fling, And the whole world give back the song Which now the angels sing.

Please remain standing and light hand-held candles The Sixth Reading – from the Gospel according to St John 1: 1-14

Reader: Rev Canon Alexander Sherbrooke In the beginning was the Word: the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things came into being, not one thing came into being except through him. What has come into being in him was life, life that was the light of men; and light shines in darkness, and darkness could not overpower it.

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A man came, sent by God. His name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness to the light, so that everyone might believe through him. He was not the light, he was to bear witness to the light. The Word was the real light that gives light to everyone; he was coming into the world. He was in the world that had come into being through him, and the world did not recognise him. He came to his own and his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believed in his name who were born not from human stock or human desire or human will but from God himself. The Word became flesh, he lived among us, and we saw his glory, the glory that he has from the Father as only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth All extinguish candles and sit while the Choirs sing

Gesù Bambino (Pietro A. Yon & Fredrick Martens) When blossoms flower e'er 'mid the snows, Upon a winter night, Was born the child, the Christmas rose, The king of love and light. The angels sang, the shepherds sang, The grateful earth rejoiced; And at his blessed birth the stars Their exultation voiced. O come let us adore him. O come let us adore him. O come let us adore him. Christ the lord. Again the heart with rapture glows To greet the holy night, That gave the world it's Christmas rose, Its king of love and light Let ev'ry voice acclaim his name, The grateful chorus swell From paradise to earth he came That we with him might dwell. And now for something different by The Pafties

CLOSE HARMONY SONGS Chaldean Children’s Choir & Mar Behnam Youth Choir sing

Do You Hear What I Hear (Noël Regney & Gloria Shayne Baker) Carl Bahoshy (piano)

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Said the night wind to the little lamb, do you see what I see Way up in the sky, little lamb, do you see what I see A star, a star, dancing in the night, With a tail as big as a kite Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy, do you hear what I hear Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy, do you hear what I hear A song, a song, high above the trees, With a voice as big as the sea Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king, do you know what I know In your palace warm, mighty king, do you know what I know A Child, a Child shivers in the cold, Let us bring Him silver and gold Said the king to the people everywhere, listen to what I say Pray for peace, people everywhere! listen to what I say The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night, He will bring us goodness and light All stand

HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING 1. Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new born King,

peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!" Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; with th' angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!" Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new born King!"

2. Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord;

late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin's womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th' incarnate Deity, pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new born King!"

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3. Hail the heavn-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new born King!" Final Blessing - His Grace Bishop Saad Sirop

All stand during procession

Toccata – Suite Gothique Op 25 (Léon Boëllmann) Carl Bahoshy (Organ)

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ICIN, Iraqi Christians in Need, is a UK-registered charity no. 1119427 founded in 2007 for the benefit of Iraqi Christians displaced inside Iraq and the neighbouring countries. During these 10 years, ICIN has raised over US$2.6 million and provided aid & grants to 24 projects. Projects The liberation of Mosul and the Nineveh Plain earlier this year saw many Christians of the Nineveh villages return to their homes. However, the level of devastation to homes, schools and associated infrastructure is such that $250 million is required for reconstruction. Much work has already begun in rebuilding homes and churches and ICIN has committed almost $140,000 for a Youth Vocational Centre in Teleskuf. Please continue to support these Christians who are trying to rebuild not just their homes, their schools, their churches and their villages but their very lives. Much help is needed to allow them to set aside their fears and their hatred for what has been done to them and to their loved ones. Please pray for them that they may be able to reconcile their differences with their neighbours and look forward to a future of joy and peace. During the last financial year ended 31 March 2017, ICIN donated almost £184,000 to a broad range of projects in Iraq & Jordan including: • Jordan Educational Aid/Marka School £35,753 • Baghdad Educational Support Programme £24,497 • Bait Anya Hostel for the Elderly, Baghdad £29,762 • Medical Clinic/St Joseph Clinic, Erbil £20,222 • Kirkuk Students Programme £18,956 • Al Karma Housing Centre, Erbil £23,146 • Mahabba & Farah for the care of those with special needs £ 9,377 Please DONATE Online at www.icin.org.uk OR by cheque payable to ICIN & mailed to 43 Queen’s Drive, Thames Ditton, Surrey KT7 0TJ OR by bank transfer to ICIN account at HSBC, acct no. 31373927 and sort code 40-47-19 (International transfers: BIC: HBUKGB4164P and IBAN: GB57HBUK40471931373927) And remember if you are a UK tax-payer, then your donation may qualify for Gift-Aid; declaration form on website or upon request.

in aid ofIraqi Christians in Need

www.icin.org.uk

www.icin.org.uk

Saturday 2nd December 2017 at 7:30 pm

St John’s Notting HillLandsdowne Crescent

LONDON W11 2NN