A Jazz Christmas: Vespers in a Minor Key Service

This year’s A Jazz Christmas: Vespers in a Minor Key Service (known in some churches as a Blue Christmas Service) will be held on Saturday, December 21 at 7:00pm in the St. Matt’s Sanctuary (729 St. Clair Ave West, Toronto) and on Zoomchurch.

At this service, we recognize and make space for those who experience Christmas with less of the sparkle and the merriment, and more with an awareness of loss, or trauma, or difficulty. Some familiar prayers and readings will be a part of it, as well as lighting of candles, and some carols. And, there will also be a jazz combo led by Mikey Zahorak, with Rob Clutton on upright bass, Brendan Vandepol returning on drums, and Randi Helmers on vocals.

You will hear Christmas Time Is Here by Vince Guaraldi from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” and Solitude by Duke Ellington, and River by Joni Mitchell, as well as arrangements of carols including In the Bleak Midwinter and What Child Is This?, and even Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

There will also be quiet time to be in community with others, who will also be there to support one another, and to listen.

Everyone, and all of your feelings, are welcomed.