“These groups of people worked hard to make our ‘Sounds of Hope’ joyful and beautiful,” said Lisa Cardwell, music director.
● The Joyful Tones played “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Silent Night.” The handbell choir will accompany the congregation as they sing Christmas carols.
● The chancel choir sang two new anthems by Ruth Schram, including “Underneath Starry Skies (incorporating “All Through the Night”) and “Pat-a-Pan Noel.” A favorite of the choir will also be sung: “I Bring You Good News!”
● A women’s ensemble performed Natalie Sleeth’s “Were You There on That Christmas Night?”
● The handbell choir played a variety of pieces, beginning with a processional, an Advent chant, “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”; a spiritual, “Mary Had a Baby”; and “Shepherds’ Jubilee,” which incorporates “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “How Great Our Joy,” “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks,” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.”
● Mary McNair was a featured soloist on the anthem “Children, Let’s Wait for the Baby.”
● The handbell choir accompanied the congregation as they sang carols.
Those attending also heard the nativity story from Luke 2, as read by church member Debbie Schmidt.
Everyone was invited and welcomed. A bountiful reception followed in the fellowship hall.
— Greg McNair
