Christmas means different things to different people. For some it’s about Vegas style Santa kick lines. For others it’s about imparting biblical messages.
At North Pointe Church, Christmas is a gentle prod reminding folks that it’s a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and his teachings of peace and love.
Under the direction of creative arts pastor Sean Morton, the NPCC Kids Choir and the NPCC Rock Choir host two concerts aligned with the spirit of the season.
On Sunday, Dec. 8, the Kids Choir mounts We Three Spies, a cloak and dagger operation of three secret agents that secretly bring Christmas cheer to those in need.
“It takes a look at what Christmas really means and encourages kids to care for the needy, and it aligns with our own sphere of giving,” says Morton.
While four young thespians take centre stage acting out various character roles, a 90-voice choir sings rock and roll, and rhythm and blues mixed with a variety of spy music.
While the message of caring for those in need goes back to the early prophets, the medium of delivery is very 21st century.
“Because of the energy of the music and because of the styles of music today this works well for us. We always like to do something that reflects what’s on the radio and what kids listen to.”
The following Sunday on Dec. 15, the Rock Choir stages Glory!, a one-hour extravaganza of music based on black gospel traditions.
“We’ll have a light show as well as a video show with graphics playing in synch to music. Stylistically, it will be reflective of the Caribbean.”
The musical diversity ranges from the gospel Gloria Medley and Caribbean carol Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah to a gospel rendition of For Unto Us a Child is Born from Handel’s Messiah.
Jason Burden is slated for a solo in a jazzy version of O Holy Night even as soloists Sarah Wolfe, Tracey Kimo and Wes Irwin raise the roof with At the Manger.
Morton also fit in He Is Still the Christ of Christmas, a tune Whitney Houston sang in The Preacher’s Wife.
“It’s very up-tempo, black gospel – something you’d hear in a church in Harlem.”
An 11-piece ensemble accompanies the 66-voice choir. There’s even a trumpet section with top-notch musicians Russell Whitehead, Jeremy Maitland and Audrey Ochoa.
The entire concert will be projected on two giant monitors measuring 18-feet by 10-feet wide.
“We want to engage as many senses as we can so people can enjoy the experience as much as possible. People today are bombarded with images and we have found this is a good way to keep people’s attention.”
But while the technology is a superb enhancer, Morton notes that the talent is the big draw.
“People will be shocked to see the quality of performance. It exceeds what you would think a church would put on.”
Preview
We Three Spies<br />North Pointe Church Kids Choir<br />Sunday, Dec. 8 at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.<br />Glory!<br />North Pointe Church Rock Choir<br />Sunday, Dec. 15 at 9:30 and 11 a.m.<br />14025 – 167 Ave.<br />Free admission to both concerts
