A capacity audience of worshipers Sunday night at Blackshear First Baptist Church was taken into a special holiday experience when members of the children’s choir sang and danced to “Back to the Manger.'' 'Lively and spirited,” echoed as parents, grandparents, greatgrandparents and family friends applauded the musical, directed by Amy Gambrell, wife of the senior pastor, the Rev. Justin Gambrell and Jenni Richey.
Along with the “excellent” presentation, the audience joined in complimenting the set design and construction directors Mrs. Gambrell and her son Jackson Gambrell. All marveled at the stage setting highlighted with a large white church, enhanced by Christmas trees. “It was a joyful evening and I am so very proud of the children and everyone involved in tonight's performance,” Mrs. Gambrell said.
The musical with its well-performing children, followed a plot, taking place as friends in an outreach from a pretending church discover a time machine in the basement of their church. After accidentally hitting a lever, they embark on an adventure throughout the 20th century and learn how helping others changes lives. This leads to the main character coming to know Christ better and discovers the true value of God’s gift and why His birth is celebrated. The manger scene with Joseph, portrayed by Judah Peters, and Mary, portrayed by Peyton Middleton, featured a real baby! The precious baby in the manger was Malachi Massengale, son of Philip and Evey Massengale.
The children with their festive tunes and delightful storytelling, showed their dedicated rehearsal successes and were surrounded by applause and admiration from their special audience.
Choir members include: Hannah Rowland, Griffin Walsh, Kate Joiner, Evelyn Strader, Liam Barber, Ranson Thigpen, Leila Ruth Roberts, Joran Carter, Caroline Ferrell, Ayla Carter, Peyton Middleton, Elouise Sports, Landri Bennett, Alary Bedford, Mila Anderson, Hadley Bullard, Allie Brewer, Will Joiner, Brooks Brannon, Dorothy Sports, Emma James Mattox, Chandler Bennett, Brooke Pruit, Everest Anderson, Charlotte Dyer, Charlie Grace Brewer, Mabel Howard, Abbie Carter, Addison Bullard, Maren Burgess, Micah Gilleon and Judah Peters Prior to the musical, members of the Pre-K and Kindergarten choirs sang. Director is Lisa Brannon.
In her praise for choir members and those making the musical “so special,'” Mrs. Gambrell thanked the audio, video and lighting crew, including the worship pastor, the Rev. Matt Peters, Jay Jones and the audio-visual team. Stephanie Carter was among those with special appreciation.
In his appreciation and praise for the choir members and those assisting, the church senior pastor, Dr. Justin Gambrell commented, “This performance was all about Jesus. Slow down and worship the Lord Jesus.”
The evening was begun with the Rev. Peters welcoming the audience with prayer.
