Throughout February, Christ United Methodist Church will celebrate Black History Month with music.
During its 9 a.m. Sunday services, the Christ Church Music Ministry will highlight selections of African-American music, including traditional spirituals, hymns and composed gospel anthems along with contemporary and traditional works.
The Christ Church Choir begins the celebration Sunday with William Dawson’s arrangement of "Ain’a that Good News." The service will end with a hymn by James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson, "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
On Feb. 13, Christ Chimers handbell ensemble will offer two selections by Kevin McChesney, "Capriccio" and "Synergy." The Christ Church Choir will sing the classic spiritual, "Elijah Rock," by Jester Hairston.
At the Feb. 20 service, the Christ Church Choir will sing the new gospel rock anthem, "Sit Down and Rest Awhile," by Patti Drennan. Then on Feb. 27, the Jubilee Bells youth handbell ensemble will offer the Prelude, and the Christ Church Youth Choir will sing "Harriet Tubman" by the contemporary African- American composer, Walter Robinson.
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The youth choir will join the Pathway Singers to perform "We Are Blessed" by Andrea Ramsey.
Rounding out the service, the Christ Church Choir will sing Mark Hayes' new arrangement of the favorite hymn, "His Eye is on the Sparrow."
Christ United Methodist Church is at 400 Fifth Ave. S.W., Rochester. For more information, call the church office at 289-4019, or visit www.cumethodist.com .
