The season of Advent is here, and the PPUMC Choir is preparing to celebrate this time of anticipation with an array of both familiar and new music to warm our spirits and light our path.
We begin on December 1 with a stirring arrangement of, “With A Voice of Singing” by Martin Shaw. This composition dates back nearly a century yet resonates with an energy that is as relevant and welcome as ever.
On December 8, we turn to the gospel stylings of Donald Moore and his hushed, moving celebration of the manger scene with, “Bethlehem Spiritual”.
December’s PoP-uP worshiP service on December 15 features a family pageant celebration of the Christmas story with scripture, music, drama and more, including the powerful traditional African American spiritual, “Jesus, Jesus, Oh, What a Wonderful Child!”
The fourth Sunday in Advent, December 22, is a Lessons & Carols service, with the entire congregation walking the path of Jesus’ birth through the wonder and mystery of that long-ago night in Bethlehem. The choir will offer three musical reflections, including “Prayer of the Norwegian Child”, by Richard Kountz; “The Hands That First Held Mary’s Child”, by Thomas Troeger and Dan Forrest; and, “We Wait”, by Ruth Elaine Schram.
We gather at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve, December 24, to join in festive celebration of Jesus’ birthday, with the choir offering up the spirit-filled, “Noel Festival” by Lloyd Larson. All this, and bubbles, too!
On December 29, we all become the choir as we state our intentions for the New Year in song! This service is a hymn-sing focused on the songs that call us to peace and justice in the year ahead.
We look forward to sharing this blessed time of year with you!