Christmas Concert of Worship to celebrate true meaning of the season Dec. 3

Judson University invites the community to its Christmas Concert of Worship at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in Herrick Chapel, 1151 N. State St. in Elgin. A freewill offering will be collected at the concert.

The names of Christ - "Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Savior, Christ the Lord, Mighty God, Emmanuel, Jesus" - will be celebrated in this spirited tradition. The annual event is collaborative effort between Judson students, staff, faculty and alumni guests.

During the first half of this holiday program, Judson performance groups will minister. They include the Judson University Choir, Chamber Singers, Judson Civic Orchestra, Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and the Judson Community Music School Children's Choir. Alumnus Ben Richardson, Class of 2014, will arrange songs for the orchestra and the choir.

The second half of the concert will feature alumnus Aaron Niequist, Class of 1998, worship leader and creator of "The Practice" at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington. Niequist will lead attendees in an Advent experience that will combine prayers, readings, performance music and congregational singing - all geared toward helping the Christian body to focus on our longing for Jesus to come.

During intermission, the Judson fundraising organization Friends of Judson will provide sweet treats and nuts during its annual bake sale. Proceeds support student scholarships.

For the first time, the Demoss Center for Worship in the Performing Arts also will sell its first Christmas CD, "Merry Christmas from Judson University!" at the program during intermission and at the conclusion of the event. Cost is $10.

"This (music project) was produced because we realized we had enough excellently played and sung music recorded to warrant putting out a CD," said Dr. Warren Anderson, director of the Demoss Center. "But we also wanted to capture the spirit of our annual DCWPA Christmas Concerts of Worship, so there are, in addition to all the great performance music selections, prayers, readings and congregational singing selections. In that sense, it's a very unique recording - one that we hope will be a blessing to all for years to come."

Also available will be the "Still: Piano Music" CD project of professor Lannette Calhoun, conductor of the Judson Civic Orchestra. The CDs is also $10, with proceeds going to the Friends of Judson scholarship fund.

Visit www.judsonu.edu.