Renovo Community Choir Ushers in Holiday Season

The Renovo Area Community Choir Sunday presented their annual Christmas Concert, “A Season of Love, Peace, and Joy” at First United Methodist Church.

Under the direction of Patricia Lacy and accompanied by Martena Rogers, the choir offered an afternoon of holiday season songs.

The offering began with “It’s the Season of Love!” by Jill Gallina.  The theme of peace on earth was reflected in the familiar words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” beautifully arranged by Mac Huff.   “A Holly Jolly Christmas” by Johnny Marks reminded attendees that it’s the best time of the year.  From Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas came “Where Are You Christmas?” arranged by Mac Huff and featured Charly Kepler.  “A Christmas Wish” by Dave and Jean Perry was a festive number that hopes every life is filled with peace.  The first half of the concert ended with a joyful tune arranged by Jill Gallina, “It’s the Holiday Season.”

From a Charlie Brown Christmas, with a reading by Mckenna Bissman, “Christmas Time is Here” arranged by Steve Zegree, began the second part of the concert.  Erica Dorman and Sylvia Moore lead the choir in asking the question, “Who’s That Baby?” by Jay Althouse.   A tender selection “A Christmas Blessing” by Pamela Stewart and Loyd Larson incorporated the always peaceful “Silent Night.”  Combining two traditional spirituals, Mary McDonald arranged a great number “Amen!  Tell It on the Mountain!”  Next was Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” combined with traditional carols.  Lon Beery arranged “Christmas Canon” with a special part for the men of the choir.  The concert ended with “Joyful, Joyful to the World” arranged by Jay Althouse, blending “Joy to the World” and “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”.

The audience was entertained with special holiday music presented by Autumn Gavlock, a member of the choir, and friends of the choir, Shelley and Dave Sorgen.