Zion UCC, 2nd and Iron Streets, Lehighton will again be hosting its ecumenical Christmas Cantata.

This cantata will feature singers from many Carbon County church choirs and groups as well as members of the community who are not affiliated with any choir.This year's cantata will be held on Sunday, December 1 in the sanctuary of Zion UCC.The cantata is a combination of contemporary and traditional Christmas music as well as songs that were written and arranged specifically for the cantata.Standout songs include Steven Curtis Chapman's "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," Laura Story's "Blessings", "He Has Come for Us (God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen)"), and the new title song by Nan Allen and Tommy Walker.Also featured are such classics as "No More Night" and "Shine Jesus, Shine" as well as a congregational medley so everyone can participate.The cantata will be accompanied by Zion's Festival Orchestra, a 20-piece orchestra with members from the Lehighton Area and beyond.Rehearsal dates are as follows:• Wednesday, Oct. 30, 8:30 p.m.• Thursday, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.• Tuesday, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m.• Sunday, Nov. 17, 2:30 p.m. (dress rehearsal with orchestra).• Wednesday, Nov. 20, 8:30 p.m.• Tuesday, Nov. 26, 7:30 p.m.• Sunday, Dec. 1, 2:30 p.m., with the performance that evening at 7:30 p.m.The cantata is under the direction of Zion UCC's director of music, Bradly R. Cressley. Anyone interested in singing in the cantata can contact Cressley at 610-392-1810 or

ccmusic@ptd.net