BARB BARRETT/The Luminary Tom Ruhl, Associate Director of Music for the 1st United Methodist Church in Muncy is directing a 50 plus voice choir for their upcoming Cantata scheduled Sunday, December 16. The choir has been rehearsing on Thursday nights since the beginning of October.

MUNCY – For several decades the First United Methodist Church in Muncy has been home to an annual cantata bringing together several talented voices from the Muncy area.

Tom Ruhl said the Cantata has expanded over the past ten years from a small chamber orchestra to a 30 piece orchestra.

Ruhl who is associate director of music for the church, will be directing along with Lucy Buck who is director of music.

An announcement was made in early fall to welcome those who would like to perform in the Christmas Cantata Choir. Ruhl said the response was overwhelming.

Rehearsals started in early October and are held in the sanctuary of the church which can seat up to 200 spectators.

The event is scheduled for two performances on Sunday, December 16, one during the morning worship service of the congregation at 10:45 a.m., and the other is open to the public for 2 p.m. Admission is free, offerings always accepted.

It will begin with an orchestral overture and nearly 60 voices according to Ruhl. Last year there were over 130 people in attendance for the afternoon performance.