Wheaton bell choir helps ring in the holidays

Anyone with kids recognized the Christmas tune being played Sunday by the St. Matthew United Church of Christ Bell Choir in Wheaton.

"Hallelujah," released 30 years ago by Canadian songwriter Leonard Cohen, reached younger audiences when performed by Welsh musician John Cale for the 2001 animated movie "Shrek."

On Sunday morning, its serene tones were played before a packed congregation at St. Matthew by the IntergeneRingers hand bell choir, as its lyrics were projected on a pull-down screen beside the group.

"This is the first time we've performed it," said bell choir director Kim Congdon.

St. Matthew United Church of Christ has four choirs, including two bell choirs, and a band.