On Sunday evening, Dec. 6, the First United Methodist Church will celebrate the Advent season by presenting the Community-Sing of Handel’s Messiah for the 34th consecutive year, under the direction of Glenn Rodgers, organist and Director of Music at FUMC in Moorestown. Accompanying on the organ will be Joseph Russell.
This Community-Sing of Messiah attracts singers and listeners from nearby communities, Philadelphia, North Jersey and the shore. There are no rehearsals before the event and there are no feature choirs or soloists- making this particular Messiah Sing unique. Everyone is seated together with others who sing the same vocal part (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) and the solo numbers are sung by the entire vocal section. Thus giving everybody the chance to “sing a solo.” Even though the primary intent of a Messiah-Sing is for those who come to sing there have been those who come to listen and sit in the middle of a choir of a few hundred singers.
The program will begin at 5 pm. in the church sanctuary, break for an intermission when light refreshments will be served, and will end approximately at 8 p.m. with the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Individuals may bring a music score or purchase one at the door at a cost of $8.50.
FUMC’s facilities meet the standards set by the American Disabilities Act for general access. Childcare will be available and a freewill offering will be taken.
