Lift Every Voice and Sing," the inaugural Landisville Area Church Choir Festival, will take place on Thursday, May 23, at 7:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 85 E. Brandt Blvd., Landisville. Doors to the sanctuary will open at 7 p.m.

This event will feature choirs from four local churches. In addition to the choir from Zion led by John Landis, the festival will include singers from Hempfield Church of the Brethren led by Laura Meiser, Landisville Mennonite Church led by Eric Henderson, and Wayside Presbyterian Church led by Janelle Pabon. More than 50 singers will be involved.

Each group will present three or four anthems from its recent repertoire. After the individual groups have performed, all participants will join in singing two pieces under the direction of guest conductor Alejandro Ramos, the choral director at Hempfield High School. The first number will be "Draw the Circle Wide," a folk-style hymn written by Gordon Light in 1994. This anthem speaks to the need for everyone to reach beyond their comfort zone to include others. The second combined piece will be "The Lord Bless You and Keep You," a farewell anthem that includes "Sevenfold Amen."

A reception will follow in the social hall and will feature desserts provided by members of Zion. All participants and audience members are invited to attend.

The concert is free and open to the public, and a freewill offering will be accepted. Parking is available in front of and behind the church as well as in the overflow lot on Cooper Street. Audience members from other churches are encouraged to carpool.

The event aims to build relationships within the community and foster fellowship among neighbors.