Pastor Luke Fodor said singing and music during the holiday season helps build community.
“In my opinion, there is nothing more musical than Christmas,” he said. “Everywhere you go, you hear the chimes of bells. There is a desire to start singing. Music has been part of the Christian liturgy since the beginning, and singing together builds community and increases understanding of community. Masu.”
The church’s first music event is this Saturday, December 9th. The event, called “Candlelight Christmas,” begins at 7 p.m. at the church, located at 410 N. Main St. The Chadacoin Chamber Ensemble will perform and sing along with church members. Minister of Music Loren Masunk. The songs will focus on the Baroque period from 1600 to 1750, and will feature pieces by luminaries such as Vavardi and Bach. There will also be some Christmas favorites, and the event will be lit by candlelight.
The Christ Carroll Pub Crawl begins on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. The event begins at The Pub, located at 209 Main Street, before carolers move on to Cherry Lounge, Brazil Lounge and Beer Snob.
Fodor said the event is about spreading good cheer.
“If people want to come and eat in front of it, they can do that,” he said. “We give out booklets to everyone and go around. Loren (Masanque) will be the a cappella teacher. Pub hopping is a great way to learn caroling, which is probably less invasive than regular caroling in people’s homes. It gives us a way to celebrate the holidays and get together.”
Fodor said everyone is welcome to participate. They will sing traditional carols along with some “silly songs.”
An event will be held on Christmas Eve featuring the Chadacoin Chamber Ensemble. The traditional celebration in the church that evening begins with a carol lesson prelude event set to allow people to experience the traditional Christmas story with the addition of singing. Everyone is welcome to join in and sing, and then the church enters into the traditional Christmas Eve liturgy. The event begins at the church at 10:45 p.m.
Handel’s “Messiah Sings Along” will be held on Friday, Dec. 29, at 7 p.m. It will also feature the Chadacoin Chamber Ensemble, and a sing-along will welcome out-of-town guests for solo performances. The actual performance will be on the 29th, and the orchestra rehearsal will be on the 28th.
“This allows the community to come together in a low-risk environment,” Masunk said. “It allows us to meet people where they are. It allows us to celebrate our own humanity and the humanity of Christ’s life. It allows us to speak to anyone who comes. can.”
The church’s final music program is the launch of the Ron McEntire Choir Scholars Program. Mr Masunk said money had been set aside in Ron McIntyre’s name for the church to use and after discussion it was decided to honor him in the form of a scholarship program.
Four high school students will become St. Luke’s choral researchers, exposed to and created their own sacred music. Students will participate in the musical liturgy at St. Luke’s Church, singing in the choir and performing their own solos. You will also receive his one-hour lesson with Mr. Masanque, a letter of recommendation, and a $250 scholarship. If you are interested in applying, please visit stlukesjamestown.org or email Masanque at loren.masanque@stlukesjamestown.org.
Mr Masanke said people should participate in any or all of these events to lift their spirits as per their needs this season.
“One of the things people expect during the holiday season is high emotions,” Masunk said. “While it can be difficult for some people, singing has been proven to help. Singing moves your body and sends messages to your brain that you are happy, healthy, and safe.”
Masanku added that the last event was planned for December 29 because there is often a downturn in the economy after Christmas.
Fodor said the incident may encourage people to go out.
“It’s easier to stay at home, but going out into the world requires energy,” he says. “What moves us is awe, and these events bring about collective uplift, and that’s the most impactful kind of awe. These community events help us celebrate and encourage you to too. We want you to be a part of great stories, and when you show up, the stories get better.”
Masanku added that everyone is welcome no matter what.
“You’ll find a home here,” he said. “We want you to come here not to host an event, but to find a community and be a part of helping that community move forward post-COVID. Space for that. We will ensure that.”