Advent

Bishop William Willimon Preacher	Steven Darsey Music Director	The Sonny Houston Band Bluegrass -Gospel Music	Meridian Chorale	Saturday, December 5, 4:00 PM Old Church, Oxford	Directions Old Church
As Christmas approaches, Atlanta is host to a unique worship service based on materials native to Georgia: "Southern Folk Advent" uses folk hymns from the historic Sacred Harp tunebook, compiled in Georgia in 1844. These hymns arose from the life experience of poor folk struggling to survive in the early 19th century South. Their haunting music embodies the struggles and dreams of generations singing and praying for the coming of Christ. This service is designed to rekindle this longing for Christ. Southern Folk Advent has Sacred Harp tunes as a structure through which Bishop William Willimon will weave brief sermons. The tunes are presented in a variety of formats, with the Meridian Chorale singing some in original arrangements and the congregation singing others both a cappella and with folk instrumental accompaniment. Steven Darsey will lead the music. His Georgia heritage and graduate work on the Sacred Harp have engendered a deep love for this music and the people from whom it sprang. Southern Folk Advent will be presented Saturday, December 5, 4:00 PM at Old Church, Oxford. Oxford is located 38 miles east of Atlanta, out I20. There is no admission charge and no tickets are required. A free-will offering will be taken. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis.

The Sonny Houston Band
Bluegrass -Gospel Music

Saturday, December 5, 4:00 PM
Old Church, Oxford

As Christmas approaches, Atlanta is host to a unique worship service based on materials native to Georgia: "Southern Folk Advent" uses folk hymns from the historic Sacred Harp tunebook, compiled in Georgia in 1844.

These hymns arose from the life experience of poor folk struggling to survive in the early 19th century South. Their haunting music embodies the struggles and dreams of generations singing and praying for the coming of Christ. This service is designed to rekindle this longing for Christ.

Southern Folk Advent has Sacred Harp tunes as a structure through which Bishop William Willimon will weave brief sermons. The tunes are presented in a variety of formats, with the Meridian Chorale singing some in original arrangements and the congregation singing others both a cappella and with folk instrumental accompaniment. Steven Darsey will lead the music. His Georgia heritage and graduate work on the Sacred Harp have engendered a deep love for this music and the people from whom it sprang.

Southern Folk Advent will be presented Saturday, December 5, 4:00 PM at Old Church, Oxford. Oxford is located 38 miles east of Atlanta, out I20. There is no admission charge and no tickets are required. A free-will offering will be taken. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis.

Gordon Boice
Southern Folk Advent