Helping Hands: Sights and Sounds of Christmas

The Sights and Sounds of Christmas will be held this Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2571 Barstow Road. This is the 11th year of Sights and Sounds of Christmas.

Chairman Beth Simpson says, “The Sights and Sounds of Christmas is a wonderful way to begin the holidays. It is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a gift to the community to foster a spirit of love and service as we focus on the birth of Christ. This event is only made possible with many talented and selfless volunteers, and enriches the lives of all those who attend.” There is no charge for the event.

The program begins at 7 p.m., but Simpson suggests we come as early as 6 p.m. to get an uncrowded view of the crèche, and a good seat — as the chapel fills fast. The nativity scene, or crèche, as it is often called, is the most sacred of the Christmas traditions. It dates back to the 13th century, when St. Francis of Assisi asked local villagers of Greccio, Italy, to bring their animals and re-enact the Nativity. The displaying of the crèche has become a tradition. There will be over 100 on display of all types and sizes. You may submit your crèche for display until 5 p.m. on the 6th by contacting Barbara Coffer at 252-2153. Coffer has directed the crèche portion of the event for three years. A live Nativity will be presented by the primary children of the sponsoring church.

As is also a tradition, the Grace Notes handbell choir will begin the musical portion of the program with their “tower pealing.” The Grace Notes choir is from the First Congregational Church UCC and directed by Bonnie Randolph. The choir consists of Yvonne Lipking, Barbara Moore, Mike Padilla, Lola Shipley, Ja Vuiller and Rev. Carol Ziegler along with Debbie Alvarado, Barbara Padilla and Jeri Lyn Randolph, who will also play as a trio. During the program you can expect instruments from pianos and organs to guitars and drums with Christmas songs of old, familiar and new, from “O Holy Night” to a medley of carols.

The Community Choir will perform a fine selection of Christmas carols under the direction of Amy Ross, director of performing arts at Barstow College. Pianist Emily Johnson will accompany the choir and other performers during the evening. The choir is made up of local volunteers.
Last year the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presented a Family Values Award during the evening program to Wade and Rochelle Himmelrick and Tony and Gloria Wardell. The award is given to honor those who have, with work and tireless commitment, strengthened families in our communities. An award will be presented again this year.

There will be a segment of the program dedicated to honoring our troops and veterans with a Christmas reading by Rebecca Al Subehat and a nostalgic performance of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Dr. Richard Reeb.

Barstow’s Church of God in Christ’s Gospel Choir will perform their arrangement of the “Hallelujah Chorus,” directed by Dr. Shirley Lester.

“Refreshments and decorations play a large role in the total success of the evening,” Simpson said. “Thanks go to Golda Duffner and Denise Brown for their support along with many other behind-the-scene players.”
 
ABOUT THE WRITER:
Helen Bendure is a correspondent for the Desert Dispatch She can be contacted at rimrock83@aol.com