Epsom Christmas carols of two colleges and a council
In the first and a unique festive venture for the Borough of Epsom Ewell a special carol service was held in the Chapel of St Luke, Epsom College this evening. Organised on the joint initiatives of Julie Kapsalis (CEO NESCOT), Jackie King (CEO Epsom and Ewell Borough Council) and Mark Lascelles (Head of Epsom College).
The event brought local choirs together including NESCOT’s own choir, singers from Epsom College and the local Ukrainian choir Renaissance.
Solos were sung by Evie Kingsley, Sienna-Leigh Campbell, Benedict Raper and Caleb Mangatal-Francis.
Julie Kapasalis read from the Gospel of St Matthew 2: 1-12 and Jackie King recited her own reading “The Heart of Christmas”, reprinted below.
The service was officiated with humour and aplomb by The Reverend Canon Andrew Haviland.
Epsom Racecourse supported the service.
And no less a figure than the Worshipful Mayor of Epsom and Ewell, Cllr Robert Leach (RA Nonsuch) accompanied the congregation on the magnificent Chapel organ and played the processional at the end J.S. Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in F from his book of 8 preludes and fugues.
The carol service was an uplifting beginning for many to the festive season and promises have been made to make it a regular feature in the Borough in future years.
The Heart of Christmas
There are so many ways to tell the story of Christmas.
Some begin with angels, some with gifts, some with the hush of falling snow.
But however the story starts, it always finds its way to one place-
the warmth we share when we come together.
Christmas is found in the quiet moments:
in the smell of something baking,
the sound of wrapping paper being carefully – or not so carefully – torn,
in the giggles of children who can’t quite sleep,
and in the gentle nod of someone who’s seen many Christmases before.
It’s in the messages sent to far-off friends,
the unexpected kindness from a neighbour,
the extra chair pulled up to the table,
and the thought that maybe – just maybe –
there is more that connects us than divides us.
And in this season of gathering and giving.
we also pause for a moment to hold in our hearts
those who are not with us tonight-
loved ones we remember with tenderness,
and friends or family who are far away.
We think of Christmases past –
of laughter spilling across the table,
carols sung a little off-key,
hands held during snowy walks,
stories told beside the glow of the tree.
Those moments, though now memories,
are treasures we carry with us –
poignant reminders of love shared,
and joyful times that shaped who we are.
Their voices may have quietened,
but their light has not dimmed.
It lives in our hearts,
woven into every song, every smile, every candle we light.
Distance and time may keep us apart,
and for some, separation comes through hardship or conflict.
Tonight, we think of them too –
those far from home,
those seeking safety,
those waiting for peace.
May they feel the warmth of the world’s compassion
and know that they are not forgotten.
For love is wonderfully stubborn;
it travels in our thoughts, in our stories,
and in the quiet spaces where we still feel their presence.
Each memory, each name whispered with a smile,
becomes part of the light that surrounds us now.
For some, Christmas means faith.
For others, it means family, friendship, or the turning of the year.
But for all of us, it can mean light-
the light we share when we care,
when we welcome,
when we choose to hope.
So tonight, as the music rises and the candles glow,
may we remember what truly makes this season shine:
not the decorations or the presents,
but the people-
those beside us,
those we miss,
and those we have yet to meet.
Because the heart of Christmas is not found under a tree –
it’s found in us,
in every act of kindness,
every hand extended,
every loving thought that crosses the miles or the years.
For when we give, include, and love-
we keep the heart of Christmas alive.
Jackie King
