As part of the 2014 Concert Series of the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Morrison, Emmanuel’s 90-voice outreach choir cordially invites the area to experience its eighth annual Christmas cantata, “Christmas with the Voices of Praise!” Music of the season will be presented in three performances, Friday and Sunday evenings, December 12 and 14, at 7:00 p.m. A Saturday afternoon matinee, December 13, will take place at 3:00 p.m.
All performances are in the beautifully decorated sanctuary of Emmanuel Reformed Church, 202 E. Morris, Morrison, IL. Doors will open at 6:00 each evening and at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.
A free shuttle bus will be provided for one hour prior to, and following, all three performances. This shuttle bus will pick up from Ebenezer Reformed Church’s parking lot, 309 E. Park Street, just two blocks south of Emmanuel’s campus. Riders will be dropped off at the curb in front of Emmanuel. This convenient service will aid in your parking.
No tickets are needed for this 75-minute concert ,and a free-will offering will be received. All ages are welcome. The church is handicapped accessible. A fellowship hour will follow all performances, hosted by the women of Emmanuel.
Under the direction of Ministry Coordinator Rich Criss, “Voices of Praise” is the 90-voice outreach choir, comprised of those from the 60-voice Sanctuary Choir of Emmanuel Reformed Church as well as members of other churches in the area. Illinois churches represented are Albany United Methodist Church, Albany; Bethel Christian Reformed Church, Fulton; Bethel Reformed Church, Sterling; The Bridge at Beans (Brethren in Christ), Sterling; Christian Reformed Church, Morrison; Crossroads Community Church, Morrison; Ebenezer Reformed, Morrison; Emmanuel Reformed, Morrison; First Lutheran Church, Chadwick; Gateway Faith Fellowship, Fulton; Hanover Presbyterian Church, Hanover; Harvest Time Bible Church, Rock Falls; Hope United Methodist Church, Chadwick; Milledgeville Brethren Church, Milledgeville; Open Bible Fellowship, rural Fulton; St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Morrison; St. Peter Lutheran Church, Morrison; Second Reformed Church, Fulton; Spring Valley Reformed Church, rural Fulton; Trinity Lutheran Church (WELS), rural Mt. Carroll; Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Milledgeville.
All members have come together unified under one Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to share the story of Christmas through powerful music.
“Christmas with the Voices of Praise” is a cantata of wonderful music compiled by Criss and features the most variety of music styles the group has ever sung. No matter your age or musical interest, there will be music for you! Guaranteed! This cantata is full of one thing our audiences always ask for–familiar carols. There is even one point where the audience will be invited to sing some of those familiar carols with the choir. Also included is a medley of familiar carols set in a rousing Celtic style.
The ballad “This is My Wish,” a beautiful song that talks about our desire for peace on Earth, will stir your heart. “Home,” a brand new song by Heather Sorenson, reminds us that all of us have a home in the arms of Jesus. David Phelps’ “The Singer (Let There be Light!)” is a song that will thrill you. Songs from the Hoppers, the Collingsworth Family, and Greater Vision are also included. The finale, Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” celebrates tradition with contemporary styles and concludes the concert.
For more information, please visit the church’s web site at www.emmanuelreformedchurch.org and click on the “Concert Series” button.