Wednesday, December 12, 2001
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Wednesday, December 12, 2001 |
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'Gloria,' handbells, mark Christmas events at Christ Our Shepherd By SALLIE
SATTERTHWAITE
"Glory to God in the Highest" is the theme of this year's choir worship concerts at Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Peachtree City, said the congregation's minister of music, David Beecher. "The theme echoes the song of the angels who announced Jesus, birth to the shepherds," he said. "Gloria," by Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741), will be the centerpiece of a program comprised of Glorias in a striking variety of styles. In addition, there will be chorales, hand bell anthems, instrumental accompaniments, and an arrangement of a Puerto Rican carol. "Congregational carols, scripture readings, and the Eucharist are integral parts of these services," Beecher said, noting that they will take place at the usual evening worship times: Saturday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. Also on Dec. 16, following the service, the church's youth will present their traditional live Nativity near the corner of Ga. Hwy. 54 and Peachtree Pkwy. North where the church is located. "Vivaldi has taken the liturgical text of our Hymn of Praise and set it to music, one phrase at a time," Beecher commented. "It is music of great vitality and energy, but there are also moments of astonishing beauty." A listener's guide will help the congregation follow the passages. The adult choir and hand bell ringers have been working on these programs since September, Beecher said, and wish to give them as gifts to the congregation and the community. "Don't allow the busy-ness of the month to keep you from experiencing the wonder of this music," he added.
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