The Pender UMC Choir, Handbells, Orchestra and Liturgical Dancer will present Joel Raney’s Christmas Cantata, Celebrate the Season, at 8:15 and 11:00 am on Sunday, December 7.

Contemporary and upbeat, this superb cantata celebrates the excitement, joy and true meaning of the Christmas season. Joel Raney retells the Christmas story through a unique partnering of creative, original songs with traditional carols. Most of the originals incorporate strains from traditional carols, weaving a tapestry with just enough familiarity  to warm our hearts and with enough originality to surprise our ears and lift our spirits. The styles he uses range from traditional classical, to jazz and everything in between.

At Pender’s neighbor, Christ Presbyterian:

The Cathedral Brass will perform “A Cathedral Brass Christmas” at Christ Presbyterian Church, Fairfax, on Sunday, December 7th at 4:00 pm. The concert features beloved Christmas carols and other holiday favorites, including ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, narrated by Alan Cole.

Other selections includeLeRoy Anderson’s Suite of Carols, Antonio DiLorenzo’s The Toymaker, and Alfred Reed’s Joyeux Noel. Jazz trumpeter Roger Rossi, former member of the Army Blues, will be featured. The concert is free; voluntary donations are gratefully accepted.

Cathedral Brass is a brass choir based at Vienna Presbyterian Church and performs under the direction of L. Thomas Vining.