Grace United Methodist hosts Christmas concert

Music is an important part of the services at Grace United Methodist Church in Valley Stream. Throughout the year, whether it be at a normal service or a planned special event, music reaches high for the heavens. And last Sunday, Grace Methodist wowed audiences with their Christmas concert. The concert, which has been virtual for the past two years due to Covid restrictions, returned live and in-person, filling the pews with captivated listeners.

“Over 100 people turned out for the concert,” said Kenneth Richardson, the music director for the church. “It went very well. It was very well received.”

The concert featured a 35-minute performance as an orchestra and singers told the story of Christmas. Along with the singing and playing, there was some narration of the story as well.

When Covid prevented the Christmas show and services from being in person, Richardson improvised so he could still bring music to people’s ears. He has a lot of equipment in his house, including a Hammond organ. “I turned my house into a television studio,” he said.

“My entire family sings and is musical,” Richardson said. “We would do the entire service on Zoom. We would sing all the hymns and all the choir pieces.”

Richardson would do that every single week, for every single service. He enjoyed keeping the music going any way he could, but he’s happy the Christmas show was finally able to be held in person again. “I’ve done this every year for seven years, but I’m glad it's back in-person,” he said.