Enjoy a free Christmas choir concert Dec. 13 at Central United Methodist Church
By Steffen Klenk
With cooler temperatures in the air and Christmas lights shining everywhere, there is a true sense of holiday spirit these days, especially at Central United Methodist Church in Linwood where the Chancel Choir is preparing for its annual showcase of Christmas classics Dec. 13.
The concert will feature traditional renditions of Christmas favorites in a spectacular showcase that you won’t want to miss. The performance will open with familiar songs and seasonal hymns, followed by an original cantata of songs with a spiritual message.
Longtime Mainland resident Jeff Seals will be conducting the program. Seals is a former band director for the Somers Point School District where he worked for 36 years alongside his wife, Ruth, who served as the school’s choral director.
“I have always loved music,” Jeff Seals said. “It was an exciting thrill to start (introducing music) to a kid in the fourth grade and keep going with them all the way through high school.”
Seals traces his love of music to his family. His dad performed clarinet in the Army Band during World War II, and his mom played the piano. Seals’ two children currently work as music teachers in Atlantic County, and his seven grandchildren are all musical. “It’s wonderful,” he said.
While attending The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College) as a piano major, one of Seals’ professors took him to Trinity Cathedral in Trenton. “It was a huge cathedral with a magnificent organ.”
What began as assisting and turning sheet music pages at the console became a newfound excitement. “The next day I switched my major to organ and the rest is history.”
In 2019 Seals became director of Central UMC’s Chancel Choir, replacing longtime director James Grant. With more than 30 members, it’s regarded as one of the most distinguished church choirs in our area, with members ranging in age from 32 all the way to 90.
“They are such a family,” Seals said. “They were this way before I even got here, but they all care about each other.”
Every Thursday night, members of the choir meet for rehearsals at the church. “The choir has such a fine reputation, and they sing very high-quality music,” Seals said.
On Sundays throughout the summer months, Seals can be heard playing the organ at the Ocean City Tabernacle, a position he has held for more than 38 years.
The Chancel Choir is scheduled to perform 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. The concert will include several instrumental pieces, familiar choral anthems and an exciting cantata titled, “Bethlehem’s Child,” written by Victor Johnson and Lloyd Larson. The narrator of the program is William “Biff” Price, with solo performances by Sue Bontempo, Rev. Frank Reeder, and Carl Wagner, with accompaniment by Jean Kiebler. Everyone is invited to enjoy this festive concert, which will surely put you in the Christmas spirit.
Central United Methodist Church is located at 5 Marvin Ave. in Linwood. Parking is conveniently located behind the church off of Central Avenue. The concert is free to attend. A free will offering will be accepted and light refreshments will be served in the adjacent Adam’s Hall following the performance.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
