COVINGTON — Plans are in place for the Fifth Annual Community Christmas Concert being hosted at 5 p.m. EST Sunday at the Covington United Methodist Church, 419 Washington St., Covington.
Funding for the concert is being provided by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Indiana Arts Commission and the Arts Federation. There is no admission charge. A free-will offering will be received with donations assisting with concert costs and supporting local missions.
The concert will be followed by a reception for all attending.
Take some time during the busy holiday season to relax and celebrate the season with the featured performers The Dave Melton Family singers are a full-time gospel singing group based out of Columbus, Indiana. Melton and his wife, Krista, are joined by their children, Kyle, Kadee, Macy and Gracie as they travel the nation singing. Over the past 11 years, they have been blessed to sing for hundreds of events and to see lives changed and hearts blessed by the gospel message. With a pure family blend and heartfelt authenticity, their music will bring a smile to your face, and will inspire and uplift your soul.
Dave is no stranger to gospel music. He grew up in a singing family and continued to sing with his parents even after he reached adulthood as a part of the “Melton Family Singers.” For more than 35 years, he has made singing his full-time ministry. He also is an ordained minister and spent five years in the located preaching ministry. Dave has a God-given passion for preaching and singing about the Lord. It is his desire that the family’s music always points others to the Savior.
Krista began singing for the Lord at an early age. By the time she was 16 she was giving gospel concerts. After marrying Dave, she traveled with “The Melton Family Singers.’’ Krista is also a gifted songwriter and a speaker. She’s available to speak or sing for ladies events. Because of the families’ traveling schedule, Krista home schools their children.
Kyle is known for his energy on stage and for singing “I’ve Been Everywhere.” He is currently enrolled at Summit Theological Seminary where he’s studying ministry and preaching. Kyle loves to sing and preach.
Kadee is 18 and is finishing high school. When not singing, Kadee enjoys crafting and sewing. She is an avid lover of musicals. Her favorite family member is their puppy, “Briar.”
Macy and Gracie are twins and are the family’s “Dynamic Duo.” They are 13 years old. Macy enjoys cooking and baking. Gracie loves to read and draw.
The Meltons have an older son, Trevin, who no longer sings with the family on a regular basis. He recently graduated from college with a degree in database management and he lives in Seymour.
The evening’s concert will open at 4:45 p.m. with preludial pipe organ music provided by Joni Weeks, concert organist from Terre Haute, followed by the Covington United Methodist Church Handbell Choir. The choir was formed a little more than four years ago by the church and then pastor Mason Shambach. It consists of three octaves of bells as well as tone chimes played by 12 ringers. Gay Talbert, director, was recruited by Shambach and is experienced having worked with the choir at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. She also directs a handbell choir during the time she winters in McAllen, Texas.
This year’s concert promises to get you in the mood from the holidays as we celebrate the true meaning of the season. You won’t want to miss this evening of holiday entertainment.
