Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, will present John Rutter's "Gloria" on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The performance will include adult and children's choirs, soloists, players of brass instruments, and readers.

Rutter grew up living over the Globe pub in London. As a young chorister at Highgate School in the 1960s, he took part in the first recording of Benjamin Britten's "War Requiem." Rutter later founded his own choir, the Cambridge Singers, which has recorded a plethora of sacred repertoire, including his own works, under his personal label, Collegium Records.

"Gloria" is a musical setting of the Gloria portion of the Mass in Latin and was composed by Rutter in 1974. The text is structured in three sections, and the music is scored for choir, brass, percussion, and organ. This dramatic backdrop - the carols - will showcase Scriptures - the lessons - read at various intervals throughout the evening, a Christmas tradition of "Lessons and Carols" observed each year. These passages from the Bible lead listeners through the Christmas story.

The first movement declares "Gloria in excelsis Deo!" (Glory to God in the highest), which the angels shared with shepherds according to Luke 2. The second movement "Domine Deus" (Lord God) asks Jesus, the Lamb of God, for mercy in a gentle prayer. The third movement is "Quoniam tu solus sanctus" (For you alone are holy).

The sanctuary is handicapped-accessible. Admission is free, and parking is available. For more information, visit http://www.westpca.com/music.