Area church presents ‘Christmas Reflections’

Published 10:33 pm Saturday, November 23, 2013

NEW HEBRON – The New Hebron United Methodist Women present their Third Annual “Christmas Reflections,” a candlelight night of mostly instrumental Christmas music, Monday evening, Dec. 2, at 6:30 at the church, located on Main Street in New Hebron.

The lineup this year promises some of the top musical talent from the area, said Kathy Roberts, church music director.

Included on the program will be two Brookhaven residents, Durr Walker and Steve Huey. “Steve will be our only vocalist,” Roberts said.

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Other musicians on the evening’s program include Becky Yarbrough and Debbie Bush, both of New Hebron; Brenda Jones of Mendenhall; Delwyn Pruett of Mendenhall; and Max Ponder of Magee.

Walker, a native of Jeff Davis County, has been organist at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Brookhaven since 2011. He is retired chair of the Division of Humanities at Copiah-Lincoln Community College and has served at various churches in Jeff Davis, Lincoln, Copiah and Hinds Counties.

Huey is a native of Monticello and a graduate of Mississippi College. He is a veteran and was married to Teresa P. Huey until her death in 2012. He has led the music in many churches over the past 45 years. He is currently choral director at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Brookhaven.

Yarbrough, a native of New Hebron, is a graduate of USM with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree. She is a retired band director and elementary and high school choral music teacher. She currently teaches private piano lessons and has serving as New Hebron Baptist Church organist for 40 years. She also serves New Hebron United Methodist Church as interim pianist.

Bush, a native of New Hebron, is a graduate of USM and William Carey College. She recently retired from Copiah-Lincoln Community College, where she taught English. She has been involved in the music program of New Hebron Methodist Church for 35 years and currently serves as organist.

Jones has a Bachelor of Music and Piano Degree. She has taught both in public and private education. She has been pianist in various churches and also served as music director for Magee United Methodist Church.

Pruett studied music at Liberty University where she accompanied the Liberty Baptist Concert Choir and received her Bachelor Music of Education from USM. She now serves as organist at First Baptist Church of Mendenhall.

Ponder recently retired from a 28-year career in education, serving 23 years as band director and five years in school administration. He holds music and education degrees from Mississippi College and William Carey. He is currently serving in his 22nd year as pianist for First Baptist Church of Mendenhall.

Everyone is invited to catch the glow of the Christmas spirit through the special program, Roberts said. “It’s probably my favorite program of the year,” she continued, explaining that the program features soft candlelight and beautiful, mostly instrumental music designed to leave listeners with a holiday glow that she hopes they will take with them when they leave.

“Come early to get a seat,” she added.

For additional information or to get directions to the church, call Roberts at (601) 906-9226. A reception will follow the program.