By Mary Ann Carson
For The Independent

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Independent/Lane Hickenbottom Members of the Interfaith Community Choir practice for the 27th annual Easter Cantata held at the First Christian Church Saturday, March 15 and Easter Sunday, March 23. Independent/Lane Hickenbottom Members of the Interfaith Community Choir practice for the 27th annual Easter Cantata held at the First Christian Church Saturday, March 15 and Easter Sunday, March 23. Click Thumbnails to View

An Easter tradition since 1982, the Interfaith Community Choir will present "We Were There," its annual cantata, at 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Easter Sunday at the First Christian Church.

Louise Morrison-Wood of Grand Island has been part of the project since the beginning, when she organized the first interfaith choir.

"I asked Bonnie Range to be the first director," she said, "and decided to do an Easter cantata because there were so many activities at Christmastime. We felt Easter time might give us better attendance."

Morrison-Wood and Range distributed posters, sent out letters and took out ads, inviting people to come and sing in the first interfaith Easter cantata.

With the help of a board and Morrison-Wood as coordinator, audiences have had the opportunity to hear the Easter cantata for 26 years.

"We've had over 400 different people sing with our group over the years," Morrison-Wood said. "Some drop out for a time and then come back as their life allows."

Practices for the Easter performance begin the first Sunday after New Year's and continue every Sunday until Easter.

Director Pam Ahlman has served in that position for nine years. She first sang with the group as a senior in high school, but then college, marriage and motherhood took her away for a time. Part of the director's job is choosing the piece to perform.

"My biggest challenge is picking the cantata for our next performance," she said. "I pray about it and begin looking at cantatas in August. The project has to speak to me and convey a good message. Whatever is going on in my life at the time also influences my selection."

"We Were There" tells the story, through monologues and song, of the final hours of Jesus' life. The characters speak about Jesus' life and their feelings about the events in first person.

Priscilla Gizinski of Grand Island sings alto with the group and has participated in the Easter cantatas for 10 years.

"I was invited by a friend to join the group," she said, "and loved the experience so much that I decided to stay."

John Dahlstrom of Grand Island has sang baritone with the interfaith group for 22 years. His wife, Linda, also sings with the group.

"We moved to Grand Island in 1984 and heard about the interfaith Easter cantata," he said. "We were searching for just such an experience as we love to celebrate the Easter season."

Love of singing brings the members of the cantata together, but they also have the higher mission of getting the Easter message out.

"The Easter message of the resurrection and new beginnings is uplifting for all persons of faith," Dahlstrom said.

After seeing an ad for singers in the Grand Island newspaper, newcomer Cindy Baker of Loup City joined the choral group.

"Our music conveys the Easter message of hope," Baker said. "It's all very enjoyable. The group blends well, especially with our director and coordinator."

Dahlstrom and Gizinski agree that one of the great rewards of singing with the group is the Christian fellowship and the friends that the singers make. Dahlstrom invites anyone who has a love of singing "to come and sing with us."

"It truly is an interfaith group," Gizinski said. "Anyone of any faith is urged to get involved. Part of the beauty of the performances is that each member wears the (choir) robe from their own church."

Morrison-Wood echoes the sentiment that lifelong friendships are made while singing with the group.

"Each year, the cantata experience brings a sense of renewal into our lives that enriches us all," she said. "Through the years, 26 different churches and 13 denominations have participated in the Easter cantatas. No one is turned away."

This year, about 40 people are taking part. In the past, as many as 89 singers have participated.

The cantata runs about an hour and 15 minutes and is open to all at no charge. A freewill offering is taken up at each performance to help pay expenses.

The Interfaith Community Choir is a nonprofit group that embraces everyone that wants to sing.

"With today's changing family dynamics, the group can't be hard-nosed about practice," Ahlman said. "Singers come when they can.

"In the end, our members gain from participating in the Easter cantata, and that joy is passed on to our audience. The success of our performances has to do with heart, not only vocal cords."