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‘BELOVED TRADITION’
The program at Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church focused on nine lessons and carols.
YOUNGSTOWN — Prose and Scripture told the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus, and then song, dance and instrumental music repeated the glad tidings. (“For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11)
The music department of Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church, 3919 Southern Blvd., presented its 62nd annual Christmas vespers program Sunday focusing on nine lessons and carols. Featured were the Chancel Choir, Carollers Choir, Cast ’n Brass Handbell Ringers and musicians.
“Christmas vespers begins Christmas for so many because it’s a beloved tradition,” said Margie Burnett, who has been music director for 15 of the 35 years she’s been at Pleasant Grove. She said the program attracts both church members and community residents.
“As Christians, we can’t hear the story of the birth of Christ enough,” she said.
The turnout proved what Burnett said. The pews in the sanctuary were filled along with seats in the loft above.
The service focused on the nine lessons and carols of the Christmas story. The Rev. Bruce A. Ballantine, interim pastor, read the lessons taken from Scripture, beginning with Isaiah 9:2-6, which reads in part, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” The choir responded with “The Christ Child In.”
The handbell ringers punctuated the words of Scripture in part of Micah 5:2-4, “and he shall be the one of peace,” as they played clear and pure sounds in “Thou Shalt Know Him When He Comes.” That was the second lesson.
The Rev. Mr. Ballantine read Matthew 1:20-23 that relays how Mary, the virgin, would bear a son called Emmanuel in the third lesson. Don Stimple soloed on the trumpet with “Mary, Did You Know?”
The “littlest angel,” Haily Rusnak, got murmurs of approval as the white-frocked girl with a halo led the Carollers Choir of children from kindergarten through sixth grade down the aisle and up to the altar, where they sang “Light a Little Candle.”
The choir changed beat in the fourth lesson with “Calypso Lullaby” in response to the reading of Luke 2:1-7 and the last passage, “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn.”
That passage continued in the fifth lesson with Luke 2:8-14, in which the shepherds watching their flocks are visited by angels proclaiming Christ’s birth. “Do not be afraid; for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Soloist Eric McClellan presented a delightful rendition of “The First Noel.”
In a liturgical dance, Caitlin Moran interpreted the sixth lesson from Luke 2:15-16 in which the shepherds seek out the Christ Child (“so they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.”) Caitlin, dressed in white, offered an inspired change of pace.
The men’s ensemble of Eric McClellan, Jim Cline, Richard Dryburgh, Frank Tarantine, Gene Potesta, Richard Potesta, Robert Potesta and Don Stimple presented “Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella” as they sang the response to Luke 2:17-20 about how the shepherds praised God.
“What Troubles You, Old King Herod?” was the question asked in the choral response with a solo by Jim Locker to Matthew 2:1-12, which recounts King Herod’s fear about the birth of Messiah and how he tried to trick the wise men. The wise men gave gifts to the child but were warned in a dream to avoid Herod.
The ninth and last lesson from John 1:1-5, 14 and 16 discussed “And the Word became flesh” and the choral response was “One Flame” and a rousing “Joy to the World" with the congregation.
“Silent Night,” sung in candlelight, reflected the idea of Christ’s being the light of the world. (Isaiah 60:1-3, “Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of Lord has risen upon you.”)
Vera Mizen, 93, of Boardman has been a Pleasant Grove member for 80 years and attended all but one Christmas vespers. “I missed one because of a snowstorm,” she said. “I just love all the music. It’s different every year.”
Marilyn Sweeney of North Lima, a member since 1943, said, “I like the variety and how it gets you into the Christmas spirit.”
“This was absolutely beautiful and such a blessing,” said Phillip Campbell of Youngstown, noting it was “admission worthy” though the program was free. “It blended so many elements.”
Doris Weiss of Boardman came to see her daughter in choir. “It’s such a beautiful program ... in the spirit of love and Christmas,” she said.
Burnett said she hoped those attending took away “God’s message” and how God loved us so much he gave his son to the world. “Christ is reborn every Christmas,” she said.