SPIRIT OF THE SEASON LIGHTS UP CHURCH.Byline: Holly Andres Staff Writer WOODLAND HILLS- The spirit of Christmas will be shared through song and drama at Woodland Hills Community Church on Sunday and on Christmas Eve. The community is invited to experience choral cho·ral adj. 1. Of or relating to a chorus or choir. 2. Performed or written for performance by a chorus. [Medieval Latin chor music, a Christmas concert, drama and a candlelight Christmas Eve service at the oldest church in Woodland Hills. ``This church prides itself on their long-standing music program. The choir tradition is so strong that all five choirs have their own robes robe n. 1. A long loose flowing outer garment, especially: a. An official garment worn on formal occasions to show office or rank, as by a judge or high church official. b. An academic gown. c. in different colors,'' said Dianne Meyer, musical director for the church. First up on the Christmas programming will be the Chancel chancel, primarily that part of the church close to the altar and used by the officiating clergy. In the early churches it was separated from the nave by a low parapet or open railing (cancellus), its name being thus derived. Choir's performance of John Purifoy's ``Touched by a Child, Touched by a King'' at the morning service on Sunday. The church's 15-member adult choir, with piano accompaniment, will sing 10 separate numbers interspersed with narration. Later that night, the four children choirs and the adult choirs will present a holiday concert, ``Songs of the Season.'' Proceeds will benefit the church's music program. ``The music will be a mix of sacred and secular music any music or songs not adapted to sacred uses. See also: Secular including `Reindeer reindeer, ruminant mammal, genus Rangifer, of the deer family, found in arctic and subarctic regions of Eurasia and North America. It is the only deer in which both sexes have antlers. Hop,' `Carol of the Bells' and `We Need a Little Christmas Little Christmas, or Nollaig Bheag in the Irish language, is one of the traditional names in Ireland for January 6, more commonly known in the rest of the world as the Epiphany. ,''' Meyer said. ``Our soloists, Diane Ketchie and Ray Saar, who have appeared on Broadway, will also be singing.'' The Christmas Eve services, dubbed dub 1 tr.v. dubbed, dub·bing, dubs 1. To tap lightly on the shoulder by way of conferring knighthood. 2. To honor with a new title or description. 3. ``Christmas Eve Spectacular,'' will include the pantomime pantomime or mime (păn`təmīm) [Gr.,=all in mimic], silent form of the drama in which the story is developed by movement, gesture, facial expression, and stage properties. musical play, ``Why the Bells Chimed.'' Jim Hardesty, a 30-year member of Woodland Hills Community Church and its Chancel Choir, will portray a king in the play. ``The role of singers - the choir - is to enhance the worship not only through the music but with the text. It's the heart of what we're trying to do,'' Hardesty said. ``Music has been a big part of my spiritual development.'' The church's theology, the community involvement and living close are what appeal to Hardesty's family. ``We're a mainstream, liberal church. We try to reach out to others. Over the years we've sponsored refugees, helped with Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity, nonprofit ecumenical Christian organization that enables low-income people to own affordable, livable housing. Headquartered in Americus, Ga., it was founded in 1976 by businessman Millard Fuller and his wife. and supported the Valley Interfaith Council, the West Valley Food Pantry, Haven Hills and MEND.'' Ruth Abel, the spokeswoman at WHCC WHCC Warwick Hills Country Club (Grand Blanc, Michigan; site of the Buick Open) WHCC Washington Health Care Center (Washington, DC) , characterized the church as ``pretty diverse and having members from A to Z professions.'' ``We're definitely a family,'' Abel said. ``That's shown in our logo - a pastor holding hands with children and their parents.'' ``I think we're a warm and friendly place with an upbeat message on Sunday. We're a very supportive community. You're not bad because you're a sinner sin·ner n. 1. One that sins or does wrong; a transgressor. 2. A scamp. Noun 1. sinner - a person who sins (without repenting) evildoer . There's no hellfire and damnation. We look at the good side of people,'' Abel said. He is confident that as candles are lighted while the congregation sings ``Silent Night'' to conclude the 11 p.m. service Tuesday, the church's Christmas programs will have made clear the ``reason for the season.'' ``It's a fun time to have parties and give presents, but that's the secular aspect. The Christmas message, to me, is love, forgiveness and peace. This is what we want to share with the community.'' The Chancel Choir will sing at the 10 a.m. Sunday service. ``Songs of the Season'' will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $10 for ages 11 and up and $5 for ages 5-10. The family Christmas Eve service will be held at 7 p.m., and the candlelight service is scheduled for 11 p.m. Tuesday. Woodland Hills Community Church, 21338 Dumetz Road, Woodland Hills. Call (818) 346-0820. CAPTION(S): 2 photos Photo: (1) Members of Woodland Hills Community Church, from left, Jim Hardesty, Melissa DeVol, Paul De Montesquiou. Danny Cagan and Cara Cagan will perform in a Christmas play, ``Why the Bells Chimed,'' presented during Christmas Eve services Tuesday. (2) Jim Hardesty plays the king in a Christmas story production set for Tuesday night at the Woodland Hills Community Church.John Lazar/Staff Photographer |
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