THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 30, 1995 TAG: 9511290175
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
JESUS AS THE gift of Christmas and giver of the gift is the poignant theme of ``The Gift of Christmas,'' a cantata to be performed by the 50-voice choir of First Baptist Church.
The musical event will be presented this weekend - Saturday's performance at 7 p.m., Sunday's at 6 p.m.
``The format is traditional, with a contemporary flavor,'' said Andy Madsen, minister of music at First Baptist. ``This is a praise musical in a worship setting, with every song reflecting something about Christ as the gift.''
The 60-minute musical involves narration, congregational singing and the adult and children's choirs. The music will be enhanced by choreography directed by Jennifer Harvey, a member of the congregation and a student at James Madison University.
Harvey will be assisted by Janice Bibbo, Shawn Brinkley, Beth Gayle, Karen Jones and Laura Lathrop, using interpretive movement with various songs.
``For me, the choreography makes the music more visual and real,'' Harvey said. ``Within the context of the musical interpretation, the message of worship is clearly present.''
``The Gift of Christmas'' begins with Mary and Joseph reflecting on the difficult circumstances they find themselves in before Christ's birth. The music includes the introspective ``Breath of Heaven,'' and the finale's powerful ballad ``The Gift of a Lifetime,'' accompanied by a processional of Magi and the unfurling of a majestic worship banner.
This banner, designed and constructed by Susan Harvey, highlights the name ``Jesus,'' using purple metallic and white satin materials embellished with Austrian crystals.
``It's a very powerful, inspiring ending,'' Madsen said.
Presented in the church's 800-seat auditorium, the celebration will showcase the adult choir, dressed in formal attire, encircling a 12-foot Christmas tree adorned with miniature white lights and Chrismon ornaments. Each stained glass window in the sanctuary will be decorated with a gold ornamented Christmas wreath and luminaries.
``This is the biggest musical production of our year,'' noted Todd Estes, minister of Christian education at the church.
``I'm really excited about this year's music,'' said choir member Barbara Bridger. ``It's upbeat and clearly shares the message that the greatest gift of Christmas is Jesus.''
``Our Christmas Festival is our church's Christmas gift to the community,'' Madsen added.
Both performances of ``The Gift of Christmas'' are free and open to the community. A nursery will be provided, and ample parking is available in the church's Main Street parking lot. A love offering will be received at each service.
The church is at 237 N. Main St. Call the church office at 539-4152 for additional information.
First Baptist Church also will be one of the four Main Street churches opened for guided tours during Saturday's and Sunday's downtown historic Christmas tour. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Jennifer Harvey will direct choreography that will acconpany ``The
Gift of Christmas,'' a cantata to be performed by the First Baptist
Church choir.
by CNB