Zion UCC, Second and Iron streets in Lehighton, will once again be hosting its ecumenical Christmas cantata, which 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 onNov. 27, 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.The title for this year's cantata is "Breath of Heaven" arranged by Russell Maldin, and combines readings and music to tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. This particular cantata is unique in that it tells the story through the eyes of Mary and Joseph.Songs include "Breath of Heaven," "Welcome to Our World," "Magnificat," as well as other standard Christmas songs like "O Holy Night," "Emmanuel," "O Come All Ye Faithful" and many more.Experience is not necessary, and anyone ninth grade and older is invited to join this fun and welcoming group.Last year's cantata reached and exceeded the goal of 100 singers, and the Zion UCC is hopeful they will have even more singers this year.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. 12, at 8:30 p.m.• Thursday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m.• Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m.• Wednesday, Nov. 2, at 8:30 p.m.• Thursday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m.• Sunday, Nov. 13, at 2:30 p.m. (Practice with orchestra)• Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m.• Wednesday, Nov. 23, at 8:30 p.m.• Sunday, Nov. 27, at 2:30 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 can contact Cressley at 610-392-1810, or

ccmusic@ptd.net.You may also preregister by visiting

www.zionlehighton.org and click on the registration link found in the news article about the cantata.