Festival of Choirs to offer ''Lessons and Carols'

The Christmas story will be told through song and scripture at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7 when the Festival of Choirs takes place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spencer. Nine Spencer churches will present "A Festival of Lessons and Carols," based on the ancient service held annually in King's College Chapel of Cambridge, England.

The performance will commence with an organ prelude by Tom Fuchsen. The choirs will process by candlelight and are joined by the congregation singing "O Come All Ye Faithful, with Kurt Schwarck featured on the trumpet.

The Rev. Paul Kaldahl of First English Lutheran Church will offer the invocation, preceding the festival which will be narrated by Rev. Peter Maisenbach of Trinity Lutheran Church.

The Rev. Russell Muilenburg of Hope Reformed Church will lead us in the offertory prayer. During the offertory, Elise Burnham, violinist, will perform, "For unto Us a Child is Born," accompanied by Devin Van Holsteijn.

Marianne Fuchsen will accompany the nine choirs and the congregation as they sing "Silent Night." Randy Orthmann will serve as the afternoon's song leader.

The festival concludes with all participating choirs singing "The Hallelujah Chorus," which will be directed by Michael Palm and accompanied by Marianne Fuchsen and Laurie Ruden.

Rev. Brent Lingle of Sacred Heart Catholic Church will offer the benediction which will lead into the recessional when the choirs and congregation will join together to sing "Joy to the World."

A free will offering will be taken and nursery care will be provided.