Singers will join together at Linn Presbyterian
For the grand finale to their 175th anniversary year, Linn Presbyterian Church is reviving a popular all-community tradition of holiday choral celebration in presenting “A Christmas Tapestry” Saturday, Dec. 21.
The musical event for all ages is at the church, W3335 Willow Road on the South Shore of Lake Geneva, from 4 to 5 p.m., followed by a light holiday buffet. There is no admission fee, but a freewill donation of canned goods for local food pantries is welcomed.
“A Christmas Tapestry” is an original music program, directed by Steve Hodges, woven around the Advent themes of joy, hope, love and peace. Featuring contemporary-to-classic songs and instrumentals, the program includes modern adaptations of traditional Christmas favorites, compelling new pieces and holiday songs from other cultures, including a Ghana folk tune.
The concert will be presented by a talented mixed-voice chorus of singers and instrumentalists.
“‘A Christmas Tapestry’ draws the community together by offering a beautiful collaboration to celebrate the holidays through music and fellowship. Linn Pres has a long history of being welcoming to everyone, and as the title suggests, the many-colored tapestry of what Christmas week evokes in us all comes alive in this moving piece,” said Lisa Lynne Kirkpatrick, Linn Church’s new music ministry minister.
In addition to the Linn Church Chancel Choir, singers and instrumentalists from several other area churches will participate in the musical program as guest musicians.
“This holiday program is a special way to close out our 175th anniversary year, and it is made all the more meaningful by the involvement of our neighbor churches in song and fellowship,” Linn Church Pastor Terry Hennesy said.
For more information, call the church at 262-248-1588 or visit linnchurch.org.
New at the church
Linn Presbyterian Church’s new Music Ministry Minister Lisa Lynne Kirkpatrick says she loves that she has joined a church that self-describes itself as a “a traditional church with a contemporary vision.”
Her experience fits the Lake Geneva church’s motto to a tee. In a career that has spanned three decades, she has served as an Alto soloist and Chaplain for Broadway Inspirational Voices on Broadway in New York, a group in which she also performed, and in sacred choral programs at Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago and Riverside Church in New York City.
She has a master’s degree in Biblical literature and is currently pursuing her Masters of Divinity at Garrett Theological Seminary. In addition to her vocal work, she a pianist, Bible teacher and orator.
“Linn Church didn’t find Lisa Lynne, but rather she found us,” Hennesy said.
Last Spring, Kirkpatrick and her husband Gil moved to the Lake Geneva area from the East Coast. Gil grew up in Walworth and they have family in the area still. Settling in quickly, they went in search of a new church and found themselves drawn to worship at Linn Church.
“We’d been worshipping here for several months, when I learned that Pastor Terry was looking for someone with a ministry background who could oversee music and worship. His willingness to mentor me through the ordination process is a tremendous blessing and it is a privilege to bring my experience to such a special church community,” said Kirkpatrick, who was hired in October to unanimous approval.
Her new job is to lead and grow the historic church’s already-vibrant music program, which includes a Praise Team, Chancel Choir, Men’s Chorus, Bell Choir and Children’s Choir. She is in charge of music selection and planning, works with Pastor Hennessy as a worship colleague, and often sings and plays piano as part of the Praise Team.
“I heard Lisa Lynne practicing one day and honestly thought someone was playing an Amy Grant CD. She is an amazing talent and joyful musical minister. Her being called to Linn Church has been an exclamation point on our 175th year celebration,” said Julie Morse, who serves on the church’s 175th Year Committee.
Though not a part of her official staff duties, Kirkpatrick jumped in as a volunteer for “A Christmas Tapestry” as a choral member and soloist.
Linn Church services are held Sundays at 10 a.m. For special Christmas services and times, visit linnchurch.org or call 262-248-1588.
