Annual Ecumenical Christmas Cantata to Feature His Name Is Jesus
November 30 at Zion United Church of Christ, Lehighton
LEHIGHTON — Singers from approximately 25 area churches and vocal groups will unite on Sunday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m. to present the annual Ecumenical Christmas Cantata at Zion United Church of Christ, 2nd and Iron Streets, Lehighton. The program is offered under the musical direction of Bradly R. Cressley, Director of Music at Zion UCC.
This year’s featured work is His Name Is Jesus by Dennis and Nan Allen. The cantata was purchased in loving memory of Shirley Wentz, Judy Harris, Carole LaRose, and former Zion UCC director Paul R. Smith, each remembered for their dedication to church music and the life of the congregation. The orchestration was provided through the generosity of members of a former group of singers who wished to honor the tradition of this community event.
The evening’s printed bulletin is being dedicated to Dan “Deacon” Evans, a longtime participant in past cantatas who also served as narrator for several productions. His involvement, enthusiasm, and support of the cantata tradition are warmly remembered.
Selections from the cantata include His Name Is Jesus; What Did You Say Was the Baby’s Name?; O Come, O Come, Emmanuel; Angels We Have Heard on High/His Name Is Jesus (Reprise); What Child Is This?; The Shepherds Came to Bethlehem; Mary Sang a Lullaby; and The Name of Jesus/Finale. Narration will be offered by Kathy Long and Dave Riegel, with Riegel also featured vocally in What Did You Say Was the Baby’s Name?
The vocal ensemble will additionally present the anthem “The Journey Begins Tonight.” Scripture readings and the Call to Worship will be led by Rev. Dean Frey, minister of Zion UCC. Rev. Kathy Long, minister at Trinity Lutheran Church, will offer Advent reflections and prayer.
Accompaniment will be provided by Zion’s Festival Orchestra, featuring musicians from Carbon County and beyond. The orchestra will present several seasonal preludes, including Christmas Rocks at the Pops, Concert Suite from The Polar Express, A Most Wonderful Christmas, Suite of Carols (donated by orchestra member Jennifer Mann), Christmas Visions, and Rhapsody on a Christmas Carol. Additional piano and organ music will be offered by Laura Reichard, Zion’s organist.
Corporate sponsorship for the Festival Orchestra has been generously provided by Hiles Brothers Company of Summit Hill and Haggerty Financial of Jim Thorpe. Their support helps make this annual tradition possible and is deeply appreciated.
The event is free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be received to support the outreach ministries of Zion United Church of Christ.
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