The congregation of Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Marshall is once again working to put on two special holiday performances for the community here in East Texas, with a planned performance by the church choir and the annual A live Nativity scene event is planned.
On Dec. 10, the church’s chancel choir will perform two special holiday performances at both Marshall Church and its sister church in Jefferson.
Marshall’s performance will take place at 9:30 a.m. during regular Sunday services and will feature a wide range of traditional holiday music recognized by the community. This includes songs such as “The Road to Bethlehem” and “Come Messiah!” “Shepherd’s in a Field” etc.
Rusty Rustenhaven from the church said, “It’s very easy to listen to music. Personally, I think it’s a great holiday event.”
The group then moves to the Jefferson Church, 501 E. Jefferson St., to perform at 6 p.m.
Robert Jones will conduct the performance with special piano accompaniment by June Jones.
The following week, on December 16th and 17th, the annual “Walk to Bethlehem” live birthday event will be held at Marshall Church.
Rustenhaven said the event will feature five different scenes from the Christmas story, including Mary and the angel, Joseph and the angel, the angel and the Shepherd family, the manger scene and the visit from the wise men.
Community members can attend the free event and listen to Bible readings while walking through the outdoor landscape.
Rustenhaven said golf carts will be available for those who need assistance getting from site to site, as well as a variety of free activities for area residents to enjoy.
This year, live animals will be incorporated into the scene, as well as a petting zoo that local residents can visit during the event.
The church choir will again perform in the chapel space during the event. Community members are free to come and go and enjoy the music. Additionally, there will be crafts for children to keep families entertained as they wait for the Nativity scene groups to form.
The church will also provide hot chocolate and coffee to those in attendance.
The event will be held next Saturday and Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Marshall, 501 Indian Springs Road.