For those eager to immerse themselves in the spirit of the season, plan to attend the First United Methodist Church Christmas Cantata, “Love,” by Joel Raney. Featuring a 15-part orchestra, the performance is Sunday, Dec. 15, at the 11 a.m. traditional service.

“We are big fans of his work,” said Emmie Gonsoulin, director of Music Ministries. “The cantata is part of a series of four works, of which we have performed two. Raney came to our church in 2021 for a composer weekend to work with the choir and help prepare us for the cantata that year.”

Rehearsals began a little late this year. Gonsoulin generally likes to see three full months of practice. Nevertheless, she is confident the choir is ready. They have put in the work despite the challenges of coordinating 30 or so different busy schedules.

Soloists are Kennedy Anderson, alto and Julia Dyer, soprano.

“I have really enjoyed watching the choir learn the music and have fun with it,” she said. “Some movements of this cantata simply make you want to dance. Raney, the composer, almost always includes an arrangement of a Christmas song in calypso style.”

Two narrators will read passages that tell the Christmas story, and emphasize the love of God that never fails, always trusts, hopes and perseveres.

Gonsoulin has been at the church for over five years after studying at Louisiana Tech and then at McNeese, where she received her degree in vocal performance in 2018.

“I have always loved what I do,” she said, “connecting with people who also love music and God and getting to work in a place where everyone is here because they want to serve.”