Allamakee Ecumenical Choir to present its annual “Festival of Lessons and Carols” this Sunday
James H. Bieber and Sarah J. Sweeney ...
The Allamakee Ecumenical Choir will present its 49th Annual Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols this Sunday, December 14 at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon. This long-standing community tradition - uniting churches, clergy, musicians, and families across northeast Iowa - continues to be one of the region’s most cherished Christmas events.
This year’s service is directed by James H. Bieber, with assistance from his daughter, Sarah J. Sweeney, and will once again feature a blend of scripture, candlelight, and sacred choral and handbell music. As attendees gather in the warm glow of the church sanctuary, they will experience the timeless telling of the Christmas story through readings offered by clergy from multiple denominations, interwoven with congregational carols accompanied by organ.
SHOWCASING COMMUNITY TALENT
Music for the evening will be presented by a remarkable array of ensembles, reflecting the ecumenical spirit at the heart of this tradition. Featured groups include:
• The Ecumenical Choir
• Ecumenical Men’s Choir (Heartland Barbershop & Gospel Singers)
• Ecumenical Children’s Choir
• St. John’s Youth Handbell Choir
• St. John’s Senior Handbell Choir
• Children’s Choir
• Waukon High School Brass Quintet.
Additional selections throughout the service include special carols, Renaissance anthems, and beloved seasonal pieces such as “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, “The First Noel”, “Silent Night”, and “Joy to the World”. The program also highlights organ, piano, and vocal soloists, showcasing the depth of musical talent within the community.
The service concludes with a candlelight rendition of “Silent Night” led by The Rev. Mark Oehlert, followed by a jubilant postlude and the Finali performed by the St. John’s Youth Bell Choir.
CLERGY PARTICIPATION
Clergy readers for this year’s service include:
• The Reverend Kim Gates - St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Waukon and Monona United Methodist Churches
• The Reverend Laura Gentry - Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Lansing
• The Reverend Cathy Jurgens - Zion United Church of Christ, Waukon
• The Rev. Mark Oehlert - St. John’s Lutheran Church, Waukon
• The Reverend Dr. Grant VanderVelden - First Presbyterian Church, Waukon.
Together, these pastors represent the ecumenical heart of the event, offering readings from the four traditional Lessons and Carols sections.
A COMMUNITY TRADITION SINCE 1978
The Allamakee Ecumenical Christmas Concert began in 1978, with both a spring and winter performance that year. Since then, the community has gathered every December to celebrate through Scripture and music. Organizers say this makes 2025 the 49th consecutive festival, marking nearly five decades of faith, fellowship, and collaboration across church communities.
50TH ANNIVERSARY
With this year marking the 49th celebration, excitement is already building for 2026, when the Allamakee Ecumenical Choir will celebrate its 50th Anniversary Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols. Plans are underway to honor this milestone year with special musical selections, expanded participation, and historical highlights reflecting the event’s lasting impact on the Waukon and northeast Iowa communities.
BROADCAST AND FELLOWSHIP
For those unable to attend in person, the concert will once again be aired on KNEI Radio 103.5 FM Christmas Day at 10 a.m., allowing listeners near and far to enjoy the service from home. All are invited to attend the December 14 celebration, and a reception will follow the service for refreshments and fellowship.
