St. John's Episcopal Church, 239 E. Market St., Marietta, will offer a service of nine lessons and carols on Sunday, Dec. 31, at 10:30 a.m.

Based on the traditional service originating at King's College, Cambridge, England, the event includes Scripture readings tracing Old Testament promises of God through to the Epiphany of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, and each lesson is followed by a carol. The first eight readings will be read by eight different laymen, with the last, from John 1:1-14, read by interim rector the Rev. Julian Eibin.

The congregation will sing the carols, led by Karl E. Moyer at the organ. The selections will include "Once in Royal David's City," "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," and "O Little Town of Bethlehem." "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" by Charles Wesley will close the lessons and carols part of the service.

Baptized Christians will be invited to participate in Holy Communion following the offering. Everyone present will also be invited to a coffee hour in the parish social hall after the closing hymn, "Joy to the World."

St. John's has been a witness to the Gospel in Marietta since 1866.