The final event of the Festival of Lights weekend is an evening of inspirational music at the Montesano United Methodist Church. The chancel choir will present its 73rd annual Christmas Cantata on Sunday, December 10, 2017, at 7:00 P.M.

Singers from St. John’s Catholic Church, Aberdeen United Methodist, the Church of God, Montesano Presbyterian, Calvary Chapel, and the Church of Living Water will join the Montesano United Methodist Choir in presenting the choir’s annual musical Christmas gift to the community. The 33-voice choir, directed by Carol Boyer, also includes pianist Karen Hall and flautists Kathy Lauckhart and Connie Bevington. Hand bells will join the choir for the first time in several years as our youth bell choir, directed by Roger Lauckhart, accompanies the choir’s processional.

This year’s cantata is entitled “We Shall Light a Thousand Candles” The “thousand candles” represent many people—the Jewish nation preparing for the coming Messiah, the people present at that first Christmas, and believers up to and including those today. Listeners will experience the literal growth of candlelight in the church’s historic 1890 sanctuary.

Music ranges from the familiar “Wexford Carol” and “O Holy Night” to Mendelssohn’s “There Shall a Star from Jacob Come Forth” and Bach’s “Break Forth O Beauteous Heav’nly Light.” Those who arrive early will be treated to a prelude of Christmas carols for two flutes.

The church is located at 401 E. Spruce Avenue. Childcare is available and a reception will be held in Schafer Hall following the cantata.

The choir is collecting food for the Montesano Food Bank. Please bring a can of food to contribute to our neighbors in need.