Mahoning Valley Association of Churches plans Sacred Music Festival

By LINDA M. LINONIS

linonis@vindy.com

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The Sacred Music Festival provides an opportunity for participants to “experience different Christian traditions and musical styles,” said the Rev. Rebecca Zielke.

The pastor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Canfield is the coordinator of the festival for Mahoning Valley Association of Churches. She said the festival underscores the organization’s mission statement. It mentions “working cooperatively in the church and community” and cites diversity. To that end, various church choirs have participated to share their musical styles and presentations.

The festival is planned at 6 p.m. Sunday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2860 E. Market St. The evening will include music along with praise and prayer. The choir from the host church, the choir of St. John the Baptist Church and the youth choir of New Bethel Baptist Church in Youngstown will sing. “We want to try to involve the younger generation,” Pastor Zielke said, adding that group will carry on musical traditions.

Pastor Zielke said the program also includes three congregational songs to involve the audience. The songs also reflect different styles. They are “Shout to the Lord,” “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” and “Lift Every Voice.” Pastor Zielke said “Lift Every Voice” has special significance in the black American religious tradition

The first MVAC choir festival took place in 2011 at Third Baptist Church in Youngstown. Pastor Zielke said the event was the idea of June Ewing, a member of Third Baptist who was serving on the MVAC board at the time.

A free-will offering will be received to support the mission of MVAC. After the program, there will be refreshments and fellowship.