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‘Beyond the Cross’
A Boardman church prepares for Easter in song and music
By DENISE DICK
denise_dick@vindy.com
BOARDMAN
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The Calvary Youth Choir sings “We Were Made to Praise You” at Calvary Baptist Church Sunday to kick off the church’s Easter Cantata.
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Nancy Sejpner performs as part of the Adult Chancel Choir at Calvary Baptist Church in Boardman. The choir sang “Beyond the Cross,” by Robert Sterling for the church’s Easter Cantata on Sunday evening.
It was a toe-tapping evening of praise and worship Sunday at Calvary Baptist Church. The church’s Adult Chancel Choir presented its Easter Cantata, “Beyond the Cross,” by Robert Sterling.
The Rev. Mr. Burl Jernigan said the church puts on an Easter cantata — a story told in song and music — every year as part of Palm Sunday observances.
“This one is more up tempo and contemporary,” Mr. Jernigan said.
It also marked the first Easter cantata led by Jason Ray, appointed church choir director last September.
The evening kicked off with a performance by the Calvary Youth Choir. The choir, featuring children of all ages, sang “We Were Made to Praise You,” followed by “Sing for Joy,” with an island beat.
“Lift your voice and rejoice,” the children sang.
“That’s why we’re here tonight — to rejoice in the Resurrection, rejoice in our savior, rejoice,” Mr. Jernigan said.
The musical centers on familiar hymns and worship songs and focuses on redemption, renewal and the Resurrection.
Eleven clergy from churches within the Trumbull Baptist Association attended the Sunday evening service. Lenten services were conducted at several churches within the association.
The Rev. Mr. Gordon Thomas of First Baptist Church, Alliance, served as the evening’s guest minister.
“So much singing gives our Lord Jesus Christ so much honor,” Mr. Thomas said.
Choir member Danielle Rudloff delivered “A Reflection,” in the middle of the singing.
“At this time last year, we were made up of two separate bodies,” Rudloff said,
Last year, Calvary on Shields Road, and West Side Baptist Church, Matta Avenue, merged.
Parishioners worship at Calvary and the West Side building became the West Side Community Center. The center works with Neighborhood Ministries to provide a range of activities and services with the focus on youth. Neighborhood Ministries is a United Way and community foundations outreach supported by American Baptists to low-income children and adults living in and around public housing developments.
The year has seen many changes in church members’ personal lives as well, Rudloff said. Some of those changes have been positive, such as the birth of a baby or beginning a new career. Others have been negative, like the loss of a job or a loved one, she said.
“Life was created for change, not to remain stagnant,” Rudloff said.
Change is difficult for many. That’s why they should rely on faith for help, she said.