Zion UCC, Second and Iron streets in Lehighton, will again be hosting its ecumenical Christmas Cantata.

The 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 is Dec. 3 in the sanctuary of Zion UCC.

“The Thrill of Hope” is a special cantata consisting of a mix of contemporary and traditional songs. It includes O Come, O Come, Emmanuel; O Come, All Ye Faithful; O Children Come; Advent Hymn; All Is Well; Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus; What a Beautiful Name; Noel; Let the World Sing Gloria; One King; The Thrill of Hope and O Holy Night.

It’s a new cantata for the group and was purchased with memorial gifts that were given to Zion UCC in memory of the cantata’s creators Paul R. and Linnea Smith.

Practice CDs will be made available. Experience isn’t necessary, and anyone ninth grade or older is invited to join the group.

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:

• Wednesday, Oct, 11, 8:30 p.m.

• Thursday, Oct. 19. 7:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, Nov. 1, 8:30 p.m.

• Thursday, Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m.

• Sunday, Nov. 19, 3 p.m. (practice with orchestra).

• Wednesday, Nov. 22, 8:30 p.m.

• Thursday, Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m.

• Sunday, Dec. 3, at 3 p.m. (performance 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 may contact Cressley at 610-392-1810 or ccmusic@ptd.net.