When many minds meet, good things tend to happen. A Star(k)filled Christmas is one of them. Eight churches in and near downtown Starkville are partnering to present this family-friendly event Sunday, Dec. 10 around the Christmas tree in front of City Hall on Main Street. Organizers hope it’s the start of a new tradition.
All are encouraged to start off with free hot chocolate and refreshments at 4:30 p.m. as a children’s choir from First Baptist Church Starkville sing. At 5 p.m. an adult mass choir representing multiple churches and accompanied by an instrumental ensemble will present “A Carol Fantasia.”
“The audience is invited to sing along,” said Peter Infanger, director of music ministries at Starkville’s First United Methodist Church. Following the musical program, all will be invited to visit a live nativity, complete with animals.
The concept originated with Cindy Melby and Infanger. “She’s very community-minded, and that’s kind of how this was born,” Infanger remarked.
“We hope this will be a unity event,” said Melby.
Rev. Joseph Stone Jr. of Second Baptist Church will read from the gospel of Luke during the program.
“With all that’s going on in the world, it’s a great thing for churches to come together and show people we can come from different backgrounds and circumstances and let the city, county and state know there is a Christ. He is alive, and as churches we lay aside our denominational differences to come celebrate him together.”
Presenting churches are First Baptist Church, Second Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, Griffin United Methodist Church, Peter’s Rock Church, First Presbyterian Church, Saint Joseph Catholic Church and the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection.
“I have visited all the different churches (involved) and everybody is very excited about this and looking forward to making this our gift to the community,” Infanger said.
In the event of rain, plans are to move the event to the First United Methodist Church Christian Life Center at 300 W. Lampkin St.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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