Christmas Concert and Sing-Along bring joy to Plains

The spirit of Christmas came alive Saturday evening during the annual Community Christmas Concert and Sing-Along. Sponsored by Plains Bible Chapel and organized by Jeanine Croft — who also directed the choir — the event brought together members from local congregations who contributed both instrumental and vocal talents.

Croft, who has been the driving force behind the program each year, said she begins planning for the next concert as soon as the previous one ends.

Pastor Rich Culbertson opened the concert with a brief reflection on the meaning of the Christmas season. Following his remarks, a 20-member choir performed 19 songs, many of which encouraged audience participation. A perennial favorite, “The 12 Days of Christmas,” once again called for help from the crowd. Audience members were given slips of paper with their assigned verse.

“Everybody is so hesitant when I pass out the papers. It’s so fun,” choir director Croft said with a smile. “As you start the song people are like, ‘I don’t know,’ and by the time you get to the end everybody is getting into it. It gets better every time.”

Under Croft’s direction, the choir delivered each hymn with strength and precise timing. Several selections were also performed by 14 members of the Clark Fork Christian Homeschool Co-op. A moving rendition of “Silent Night” featured four youth named Pepper McLimans, Joanna Hitchcock, Ailie Avilla, and Dilyn Doble who signed the lyrics while Jen Avilla accompanied on piano. Sisters Anaelle and Ailie Avilla followed with a piano duet of “What Child Is This.”

A new piece added to this year’s program was “Montana Christmas,” sung by Croft with support from the choir and the audience. “We did more difficult songs this year,” Croft said. “Every year we try a bit harder things. I think it went great.”

On stage for the fifth year was choir member Kate French, joined by her two children—3½-year-old Titus and 18-month-old Leona. Titus sat on his mother’s lap with a microphone in hand while Leona stayed close by, charming the audience.

“This is my first year at the annual Christmas Concert and Sing-Along,” attendee Ashley Jelich said. “I think they did an excellent job. It was fun to see the range of ages, and it was such a family-friendly event. I loved how the congregation — the people listening and the audience — were involved. It was a beautiful tribute to our Lord and Savior. I loved it.”

“It’s nice that Jeanine brings in people from all over and from different religions, and we all come here to worship,” Donnie Croft added. “It’s a Christmas thing. It’s really nice she is able to pull this off and get everybody in here.”

At the conclusion of the concert, light snacks prepared by Debbie Linborg and friends were offered to the attendees.

    Director Jeanine Croft leads the choir and audience during the "12 days of Christmas." (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Kate French with Titus French and Leona French at the Community Christmas Concert Sing-Along. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Sisters Anaelle and Allie Avilla perform "What Child is This." (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)