November 2004

Christmas Choral Community Celebrations

There is something that happens this time of year. It is something simple, beautiful, uplifting and can carry a message of love and oneness with creation. This same simple thing will fill me with so much emotion that I might actually shed tears in public, or conversely it might strike me with the motivation to go out and create wonders. This time of year, with the Christmas commercialism and frustrations, is still a wonderful time of peace for me because of the music. The music on the radio, in waiting rooms, when on hold on the phone and even the feed music at the mall penetrate through my stressed out self to help me find a sense of peace. Whether festive songs or Christian hymns, there is no mistake about the music's message. Enjoy life and find peace. Take heart, for winter will not last forever. Darkness will lift and Light in all its wonder will shine through. Music is the medium that carries this message through to my soul. Music is what makes this time of year wonderful.

If you are like me and love the music of this season the downtown core churches invite you to partake in some choral events.

Fifth Avenue United Church invites you to join them on Dec. 19th at 10am for a Choral Christmas. They are also hosting the Armstrong Singers "Choirs and Candles" Choral Christmas Card on Nov. 30th and Dec. 1st at 7:30pm, $8/adult $4/child, tickets at Redcliff Greenhouses, Stonefurs, at the door or any choir member.

St. Barnabas Anglican Church invites you to join them Nov. 28th Dec. 5th, and Dec. 19th at 10:30am, as they celebrate the Christmas season with especially selected anthems.

St. John's Presbyterian Church invites you to their Cantata, with guests Riverside Presbyterian Choir, on Dec. 19th at 10:30am. They are also hosting the Tartones Christmas Concert on Dec. 22nd at 7pm. Contact Sandy at 526-4542.

St. Patrick's Catholic Church College Adult Choir Concert is on Dec. 11th at 7:30pm. Contact Joanne Collier at 504-5800. On Dec. 12th at 7pm is St. Patrick's Church Christmas Concert. The cost is $5/person, or $15/family, plus a food bank item.

Westminster United Church is hosting a Christmas Choral Celebration on Dec. 19th at 7pm. This concert features choirs from St. Patrick's, St. John's, St. Barnabas, Fifth Avenue and Westminster. Refreshments are to follow. Dec. 17th at 7pm everyone is welcome as they go caroling in the community. Their Cantata is on Dec. 19th, 10:25am.

Riverside Presbyterian Church invites you to their Cantata on Dec. 19th at 4pm; their guests are St. John's Choir, with a potluck supper to follow. Also on Dec. 14th, members and friends of Riverside go caroling to shut-ins and the elderly, all welcome. Contact Edna Deering at 527-6734.

I would like to remind you to keep your ears open for any musical events occurring throughout our city and to partake in as many as possible.

Questions for me? Please e-mail BeKean@telusplanet.net