December 10, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 25 Religious Notes Orpheus Club announces Holiday Gala The Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus will present its annual Holiday Gala Saturday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 21 at 4 p.m. at the Ridgewood United Methodist Church, 100 Dayton Street in Ridgewood. This year’s program will feature a diverse selection of carols and songs, including “Carol of the Bells,” Johnny Marks’ “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” Tchesnokov’s “Salvation Belongeth to Our God” in the original Russian, Faure’s “Cantique de Jean Racine” in French, “Let the River Run” by Carly Simon, and many others. This year’s guest soloist is an exciting and charismatic new talent, baritone Peter Ogrodnik. Tickets are $15 in advance and $25 at the door. Advance purchases may be made online at www.ridgewoodorpheus- club.org and at Daily Treat Restaurant, Wine Seller, and Town and Country Apothecary in Ridgewood; Lewis Drug in Westwood; Perry’s Florist and Rock Ridge Pharmacy in Glen Rock; Wine and Spirit World in Ho-Ho-Kus; and Benny’s Luncheonette in Fair Lawn. Seniors and students under 17 years of age may purchase tickets at the door for $18. The Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus has been a keystone of the cultural life of the tri-state region for 109 years. Founded in 1905, it is the oldest cultural institution in all of Bergen County. Now over 50 voices strong, the group is directed by John Palatucci and accompanied by pianist Ron Levy. Church celebrates 85 th year Immaculate Conception Church will begin its 85th year with a Ceremony of Candles on Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. Under the direction of Patricio Molina, the cantata will usher in the Season of Light with performances by the adult choir and soloists. The children of Immaculate Conception will present the story of the first Christmas through a Living Nativity. Immaculate Conception Church will celebrate Christ- mas Eve Masses on Dec. 24 at 4 p.m. in the church and in the gym, and at 6 and 8 p.m. with the adult choir. Masses for Christmas, Dec. 25, will be held at 8 and 10 a.m. and noon. The church is located at 900 Darlington Avenue in Mahwah. Saint John’s hosts Community Messiah Sing St. John’s Memorial Episcopal Church in Ramsey will resound with a chorus of voices singing Handel’s “Mes- siah” on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. Members of the com- munity are invited to add their voices to one of the greatest oratorios ever written. Listeners are also welcome. A Candlelight Reception in the church’s parish hall will immediately follow the performance. The performance will be directed by Choirmaster Drew Kreismer and accompanied by organist Richard Frey on the Nevin pipe organ, which consists of more than 1,300 pipes across three manuals. The concert soloists include soprano Manami Hattori, mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Merrill, tenor Sean Fallen, and bass Jose Pietri Coimbre. The Saint John’s Senior Choir will provide additional vocal support. Just how, where, and when the tradition of Community Messiah Sings began is less than clear. The practice of standing for the Hallelujah chorus is said to have begun when the piece was performed in London in 1743 and King George II stood upon hearing “For the Lord God omnipo- tent reigneth,” remaining on his feet until the chorus fin- ished. However the tradition began, singing Handel’s “Mes- siah” together with family, friends, and neighbors remains a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas. Tickets are $15 at the door or may be ordered in advance by calling the church. Singers may bring their own music scores or borrow one at the door. For details or directions, contact the church office at (201) 327-0703 or ellen.joyce@stjohnsramsey.org. Children’s Concert and Cookies set Local children are invited to attend a concert created especially for them. On Dec. 14, the Old Paramus Church will host a Children’s Concert and Cookies at 3 p.m. Attendees will gather in the sanctuary of the church at 660 East Glen Avenue in Ridgewood. During this interactive program, the organ will be removed from its hiding place so the children can gather around the organ console for most of the concert. Per- formers will include organist/Ridge School teacher Stew- art Holmes, trumpet player John Schmarak, and student instrumentalists from Ridge School. After the program, children will be treated to cook- ies and refreshments in the Education Building. For more information, call the church office at (201) 444-5933 or by visit www.oldparamus.org.