Sharon Baptist Church in Ironton has hosted a Christmas Cantata for many years.

This year’s event — titled “Bethlehem Morning” — will feature two performances by the church’s mixed choir, one of which will offer a community spaghetti dinner prior.

“This is the first year we have offered a free spaghetti dinner,” Kathy Markins, third-year choir director, said. “Christmas is about giving and reaching out and we could all do more for our community. We just want people to come and eat and enjoy listening to our choir perform.”

No dinners are available for carry out to encourage people who attend to stay throughout, Markins said, because getting food and leaving would defeat the event’s purpose.

“The intent is to spread the word about the spirit of Christmas,” Markins said. “Society has gotten away from focusing on Christmas’ true meaning.”

The dinner begins at 6 p.m. Friday and the cantata will follow. The choir will perform again at 7 p.m. on Sunday with no dinner prior.

 

— By Brandon Roberts