St. Edmund’s in Oslo, hosted and led the Church of England's weekly online Sunday service this week. 

The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was led by Revd Canon Joanna Udal, Senior Chaplain to the Anglican Chaplaincy in Norway. 

Joanna’s sermon reflected on the early arrival of winter in Oslo and the severe impact of climate change, particularly on those at the margins of society, like reindeer herders in Norway. She emphasised the urgent need for action and support for those affected by the changing climate. You can read her full sermon via this link. 

The St. Edmund’s choir sang carols, including "As Once in Royal David’s City," "Adam Lay Ybounden," "Angels from the Realms of Glory," "Sans Dat Caro," "Candlelight Carol," "The First Nowell," "Away in the Manger," "While Shepherds Watched," "O Come, All Ye Faithful," and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." 

The nine lessons were read by various members of the St. Edmund’s community. The first lesson, from Genesis 3:8-15, by Addy John, a dedicated youth member. Subsequent lessons, featured passages from Genesis 22:15–18, Isaiah 9:2-7, Isaiah 11:1-9, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-7, Luke 2:8-16, Matthew 2:1-12, and John 1:11-14. Read by Nick Pearson-Woodd, Tristan Larsen, Emma Lane, Sherine Omondi, Beth Noble, H.E. Ms Jan Thompson (HM Ambassador to Norway), and Michael Brook, respectively. 

The chaplaincy extends beyond Oslo, encompassing Trondheim, Bergen and Stavanger, fostering a sense of community and connection across Norway.