Roser Church in Anna Maria is welcoming everyone to a concert at its Sunday services at 8:30 and 10 a.m. Dec. 15 in the sanctuary.
The musical services will feature the Roser Cantata Choir, Chamber Orchestra and the Roser Youth Performing Arts (RYPA) Choir in “A Concert of Hope, Peace, Joy & Love.”
The Roser Sanctuary is decorated for Christmas and the light from the stained-glass windows play over the pews, setting the stage for the interactive performance.
The concert is a compilation of favorite Christmas Carols sung by the congregation and the Cantata Choir Roser Youth Performing Arts Choir with the Chamber Orchestra and narration by Beth Bernet that emphasizes the prayers of hope, peace, joy and love.
The program includes:
Congregational Hymn – O Come, All Ye Faithful.
PRAYER OF HOPE – The First Noel.
A Carol Celebration – Cantata Choir and Orchestra.
PRAYER OF PEACE – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.
Angels’ Carol – Cantata Choir and Orchestra.
Congregational Hymn – Away in a Manger.
How Quietly – Cantata Choir with RYPA Singers.
Christmas Glory – RYPA Singers.
Almost There – Narrator, Cantata Choir and Orchestra.
PRAYER OF JOY – Away in a Manger.
Congregational Hymn – O Little Town of Bethlehem.
PRAYER OF LOVE – Candlelight Carol – The day of joy returns, Father in Heaven, and crowns another year with peace and goodwill. Help us rightly to remember the birth of Jesus that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. Close the doors of hate and open the doors of love all over the world.
A Concert of Hope, Peace, Joy & Love is directed and compiled by Craig Ramberger, Roser director of music ministries, who is assisted by associate director of music ministries, Brandon Kouri.
There are 26 singers, and 11 instrumentalists, 16 RYPA shepherds, ages 5 to age 14, and two narrators.READ MORE: RoserChurch.com/a-concert-of-hope-peace-joy-love.
A notice from Bev Shepperson, Roser communication specialist, suggests worshippers arrive early to the first service for the best seats!
Annual Roser Bethlehem Walk organizes
Churchgoers and guests can join an annual tradition this month at Roser Church, the Bethlehem Walk.
To begin the journey, guests, who are encouraged to don period attire, will gather at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, outdoors at the entryway to the church sanctuary.
They will walk to Bethlehem (one block in Anna Maria) with Mary, Joseph and some animal guests (llama, donkeys, goats) in search of shelter.
The Bethlehem Walk is exciting for all ages — from the littlest angels to the wisest men.
While walking, the group sings Christmas carols, and back at the church they celebrate the birth of Jesus with cookies and refreshments.
Costumes are available in the Narthex to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis, create your own or come as you are. Please, bring a flashlight!
Cookie donations are gratefully accepted and can be dropped off on Sunday morning.
For more information, call the church office at 941-778-0414. The church is at 512 Pine Ave.