'Singing in the Grove' takes place Dec. 16 at Oak Grove Baptist Church

Oak Grove Baptist Church will present the 3rd Annual Singing in the Grove on Dec. 16, at 6 p.m., located at 17450 Old Jefferson Highway, Prairieville; located on the corner of Hwy 73 and Hwy 42, one block off of Hwy 61.

Singing in the Grove will feature favorite Christmas songs performed by a variety of local talent.

Music featured will include traditional Christmas carols that everyone can sing-along to, such as "Away in the Manger" and "Silent Night," as well as American spirituals: "I Wonder as I Wander" and "Steal Away to Jesus." Concert-goers are assured that there will be plenty of favorites and contemporary songs ranging from rock to pop, country to blues, including "Christmas in Dixie" and "Step into Christmas." The concert will offer surprises with a few mash-ups, combining contemporary music that is sure to entertain. During the finale, members of the audience will be invited to join in "Go Tell It on the Mountain."

"This is a wonderful family concert that will usher in the Christmas season," said Daniel Dumas, coordinator of Singing in the Grove. "Many of Singing in the Grove's talented performers are soloists and ensembles that entertain, giving the concert an energetic, as well as a solemn beginning to Jesus Christ's birth."

Singing in the Grove is free and open to the public, as is parking. Following the concert, a complimentary reception with home-baked treats, hot chocolate, coffee, and cider will be available in the Fellowship Hall.

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring canned and non-perishable food items, which will be donated to Hope Ministries. In addition to non-perishable food, children's items are also needed, such as disposable diapers, formula, baby or toddler food and juice.

"We're asking the community to attend and to give generously to support this food drive," Dumas said. "There are more and more of area families who are truly hungry, and this is one way our Oak Grove family can help."

"We have been in this community for over 98 years and developed a caring and nurturing family," said John Carrigan, pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church. "Singing in the Grove is just another way of giving something back to the community. Bring the whole family and friends. All are invited and welcome."

Oak Grove Baptist Church was founded in 1914 as a family church. Today, it continues to impact the community with a strong sense of family in worship, praise and service of God. Other outreaches of the church include Singing in the Grove, a Christmas concert; nursing home ministry; a food bank for the poor; and an annual women's retreat. Lead by pastor John Carrigan, Oak Grove provides Christian centered ministries for children, youth, college, adults and seniors. Bible studies are taught on Sunday morning at 10 a.m. and evening at 5 p.m., and Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. Women's Missionary Union is alive and well at Oak Grove, meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

Hope Ministries' mission is to prevent homelessness and to promote self-sufficiency and dignity. The Client Choice Food Pantry provides families with the opportunity to shop in a grocery store-like setting and make wise selections based on tastes and nutritional needs of their families. This program helps renew and sustain families who live with food insecurity. To learn more about Hope Ministries, visit www.hopebr.org.

For more information on Singing in the Grove or about Oak Grove Baptist Church, visit www.ogbcprairieville.com or via Facebook @SingingInTheGrove.