Golden Gate Choir to sing at St. John's
Concert includes Jubilee Ringers
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

"Peace on Earth" is the title of this year's Golden Gate Choir musical to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to honor the memory of Lou Miller, long time member of the group.

The concert takes place this Sunday, December 4, at 7:00 p.m. at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Osgood and will also feature the Jubilee Ringers from Benham United Methodist Church.

Michael Whitaker will direct both the choir and the ringers, and Ellen Mulford will accompany the choir at the piano. Joining her will be percussionists Mark Grossman and Zachary Grossman.

The Rev. Mike Hendrix of Tyson United Methodist Church will serve as narrator. Soloists for the musical include Mary Norman, Dee Powers, Susanne Ketchum, Paula Grossman, Madonna Miller, and Pierce Ebinger.

Serving as the praise team are Connie DeBurger, Diane Macek, Peggy Bishop, Leatha Tudor, Billie Sue Ebinger, and Ellie Irwin.

The Jubilee Ringers, a handbell choir from Benham United Methodist Church, will perform four numbers at the beginning of the program: "Joy to the World," "What Child Is This," "Jingle Jolly Christmas," and "Go, Tell It on the Mountain."

Among the eight numbers from the Golden Gate Choir are such favorites as "Not that Far from Bethlehem," "Emmanuel," "Goin' to Bethlehem." The concert ends with "How Great Is Our God."

Director Mike Whitaker has expressed his appreciation to the Ripley County Community Foundation, Inc. for a grant awarded the Golden Gate Choir through the Benham United Methodist Church as sponsoring group.

"The blessing of the grant, which helps fund the cost of music for the performance, also allowed us to complete another project we had undertaken last spring - a four-step set of choir risers," Whitaker said.

He added appreciation to the Osgood Lions Club, Delta Rho Chapter of Tri Kappa, the Benham United Methodist Church -organizations who donated to the $2,500.00 project, along with several significant gifts from individual donors and support from members and other interested persons.

"For a group this size to complete such a large project in such a short period of time truly shows that God is working with us and in the hearts of those who have helped us," said Whitaker.

Sunday's performance is open to the public at no charge. A fellowship period will follow the musical.

MARY MARGARET MOORHEAD PHOTO

Golden Gate Choir members rehearse at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church for their performance this Sunday, December 4, at 7:00 p.m. The community choir is directed by Michael Whitaker and accompanied by Ellen Mulford.