BAY MINETTE — The First Baptist Church of Bay Minette plans to lift praises to God — and to lift up joyful noises as the Sanctuary Choir performs a Christmas cantata on Sunday at 6 p.m.

The Rev. Luke Tolar, associate and music pastor, looks forward to the performance.

“It will be a time of celebration for our lord, Jesus Christ,” he said.

The choir will sing songs like “Emanuel the King’s King", “Ring the Bells", and “Sing We Now", he said.

“There will be some familiar songs and a lot of new songs,” he said.

Amanda Philips, choir member for the past eight years, said there is a variety of music.

“There’s something for everybody in this musical — some of the more traditional sounding Christmas music and some upbeat music,” she said. “I think it will reach more people.”

The group of about 45 people has practiced every Wednesday after church since August and held about five additional rehearsals, she said.

“We’ve been practicing a lot,” she said with a laugh. “Everybody in the choir is so loving and they’re there for the right reason — to worship.”

“It’s just been a real blessing.”

Tolar agreed.

“Our group is very committed to their ministry,” he said. “They see it as serving — they are highly involved and very dedicated.”

“I’ve seen some strong development, musically speaking," he said. “We’ve really come a long way since I’ve been here.”

The church tries to keep a full calendar of events to attract all ages and tastes, according to their website.

“The Easter, Christmas, and patriotic programs are spiritually uplifting and bring many visitors as well as members to the church,” according to fbcbm.com. “First Baptist Church is committed to reaching people for Jesus and teaching people about Jesus.”

The First Baptist Church of Bay Minette offers Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; worship service at 10:45 a.m.; and evening service at 6 p.m. every Sunday.

The church is located at 1201 Hand Ave.; for more information on the musical or other services, call (251) 937-9536.