INNISFAIL – Their music was filled with hope.
The annual Christmas musical presented by the Innisfail and District Inter-Church Ministerial shared the meaning of Christmas during two performances on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.
The Christmas concerts, entitled Hope For The Ages, took place at the Innisfail Church of the Nazarene.
“We invite all the churches that are a part of the Innisfail Ministerial to be a part of this,” said Jeff Baker, pastor at Innisfail’s Church of the Nazarene. “We’ve done this every year now for the past few years and have a very good turnout from many different churches in town.
“It seems to be a hit every year,” he added.
About 65 choir members sang a selection of Christmas favourites and songs that shared a message of hope.
“The whole gist of the musical is that Jesus is our hope for the ages. The baby that came in Bethlehem was the hope that would be there for ages and ages to come. The songs will reflect that theme,” said Baker, noting traditional songs and narration were included in the performance.
Every year, the event collects donations for the Innisfail and District Food Bank.
“Again this year we are raising funds for the food bank. People will bring non-perishable food items and we’ll be taking an offering during the service. All proceeds will go towards the food bank,” he said, noting last year’s concert raised between $3,500 and $4,000 along with hundreds of pounds of food.
“It’s been a good fundraiser for them and a good outreach to our community,” said Baker.
Choir director Kathy Knopp said the Christmas concert featured solos, trios and duets throughout the performance.
“Hope For The Ages is a musical experience that involves people of all ages,” said Knopp. “We have 13 children from ages five to 14 and our choir has about 65 people.
“We’re telling the birth of Jesus because that’s what Christmas is all about and we’re doing that through the combination of Scripture, some fresh arrangements, some anthems and some best loved carols,” she added.
“Even though that was 2,000 years ago, it still means something to us today and it gives us hope.
“It’s hope for the ages, but for all ages and all people,” Knopp concluded.
