RIPON — The Ripon Oratorio Society will be celebrating the Christmas season with the 66th presentation of Handel’s Messiah on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 3 p.m. at the Immanuel Christian Reformed Church, 4th and Orange Streets in Ripon.

Messiah rehearsals will be held on Sunday, November 6, 13, 20 & 27, at 3 p.m. at Immanuel Christian Reformed Church. Singers are needed and welcomed. You can join them and bring your Messiah Score, F. Schirmer edition, with you. Singers are required to contribute a membership fee of $5. Child care will be available during the performance on Dec. 4, and an offering will be taken.

Involved are Director Bob De Ruiter, organist David Douma, pianist Barbara Viss, soprano soloist Dawn Peterson, alto soloist Jennifer Champeaux, tenor soloist Joe Rykert, bass soloist David Hess, and trumpeter Robert Stone.

They will be dedicating this year’s “Messiah” performance to the memory of Ernie Bucio, who suffered a massive stroke and passed away on Aug. 27. Ernie performed for the Ripon Oratorio Society for many years and will be missed. He will be remembered for helping many young people get started in music. Their prayers and thoughts are with the family.

A special thanks go for the gifts and dedication of those who have participated for these many years, director, soloist, musicians and choir members.

If you are not interested in singing, you are encouraged to come and listen to this beautiful rendition of “Handel’s Messiah” on December 4, as we sing of the birth, suffering, death, and the glorious resurrection of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.