Church to present Family Christmas Concert

The First Congregational Church's annual Family Christmas Concert, "Loves Pure Light" at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, features the 55-member adult Vestry Choir, the Jubilate Bell Choir and the junior high youth Chancel Choir. The program includes traditional carols like "Silent Night" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" as well as contemporary pieces like "Throw the Yule Log On," "Uncle John" and "Jingle Bell Swing."

The adult Vestry Choir will perform works by William Mathias, Norman Dello Joio and Moses Hogan as well as a men's piece arranged by First Congregational Church's organist, Barb Thorsen. A string ensemble will accompany the Vestry Choir in Dietrich Buxtehude's Alleluja.

The Jubilate Bell Choir selections include "Hark! Christmas Bells," "Pat-a-pan" and "On this Day Earth Shall Ring." The Chancel Choir will sing "Christmas Lullaby," a Scottish folk melody, and "Ding Dong Merrily on High" with the Vestry Choir.

Ann Tucker, Director of Music, and Toni Gambini, Bellmaster, directs the performance and Barb Thorsen is the accompanist.

The church is at 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake