Yamhill County will host a series of Community Christmas Cantatas throughout December, showcasing the spirit of the season. These choral events are not only a celebration of music but also serve as a crucial fundraising initiative for the Yamhill Community Action Partnership food bank, which addresses local food insecurity.
Event Details for Yamhill County Christmas Cantatas
This year’s cantatas will run from December 7 to December 22. The theme, “Christmas Changes Everything,” aims to bring joy and hope to the community during this festive time.
Performance Schedule
- December 7: 4 p.m. at Amity Christian Church
- December 11: 7 p.m. at Church of the Nazarene, 23177 Old Yamhill Road, Newberg
- December 12: 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Dayton
- December 14: 6 p.m. at Seventh-day Adventist Church, McMinnville
- December 20: 3 p.m. at Joyful Servant Lutheran Church, 1716 N. Villa Road, Newberg (livestream available)
- December 21: 4 p.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church, Yamhill
- December 22: 7 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church, McMinnville
All performances will include American Sign Language interpretation to accommodate the hearing impaired.
A Rich History of Musical Tradition
The Christmas Cantata in Yamhill County celebrates its 39th year. This year’s presentation features a blend of narration and both contemporary and traditional Christmas music, first arranged by gospel minister Mike Speck in 2020.
Nearly 60 volunteers will participate, including a nondenominational choir with members of all ages, a youth chorus, and an orchestra featuring a variety of instruments. The choir consists of individuals from over 17 communities across Oregon, with a diverse representation from various faiths.
Preparation and Leadership
Rehearsals for the cantata began in early October, led by Lee Schrepel, who has directed the choir for 35 years. The public is encouraged to attend, and they can expect a warm welcome at all performances.
Community Impact and Fundraising Goals
Since its inception, the Christmas Cantata has raised nearly $356,000 for local food assistance programs. Organizers are hopeful that this year’s performances will contribute significantly to that total.
For the latest updates on performance schedules or any potential weather-related changes, attendees are advised to contact the hosting churches. More information is available at CantataChoir.org.
