MADISON – The “Ring and Sing Concert” at Messiah Lutheran Church in Madison has been so popular over the years that the event is celebrating its silver anniversary in 2023.

Noted for its entertaining observance of the Christmas season, the 25th Annual Ring & Sing Concert will be held on Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. This free event, known for its mix of upbeat Christmas vocal, instrument and handbell musical works, has become a community favorite.

“The Ring and Sing Concert is popular because of the festive music and the casual fun, atmosphere people experience,” Meredith Kilby, Messiah’s Communications and Technical Director, said. “Sharing the joy of Christmas with our community, friends and extended family members reflects our church mission of being ‘God’s People, Reaching Out.’”

The concert features works by the Notabella Hand Bell Choir at Messiah Lutheran. A cherished tradition of the concert is the segment when the audience in the sanctuary sings carols and plays chimes.

“The first Ring and Sing Concert was suggested to Messiah Lutheran Church by a member who enjoyed similar concerts at her former church,” long-serving director Dr. Rhonda Gaede said. “(The concert) also gives Randall Fields, Messiah Lutheran’s Music Director and Choir Director, an opportunity for Messiah’s musical groups to present music outside of what is typically planned for advent worship.”

Fields also serves as Director of Choral Music at Bob Jones High School.

In addition, the event is a celebration of Messiah Lutheran Church’s rich musical legacy that continues to enhance Sunday services of worship with high quality musicians and musical instruments and its outreach programs, such as Messiah Music Camp and the Music at Messiah Classical Concert Series, Kilby said.

The evening will conclude with a cookie reception in the Fellowship Hall. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. “So, grab a friend and wear your favorite Christmas sweater,” Kilby said.

“Free-will donations at the door support the Madison Public Library and have long been the tradition,” Kilby said.

Messiah Lutheran Church’s address is 7740 U.S. 72 W. in Madison. The congregation is a member of the Southeastern ELCA Southeastern Synod, led by Pastor Kris Schroeder. Services of worship are conducted on Sunday at 8:30 and 11 a.m.

For more information, visit mlutheran.org. For more information about the Southeastern Synod Elca of the Lutheran Church, visit ses-elca.org.