Cantata Performs in Colts Neck and Surrounding Communities

For Cindy Lordi, the ability to break down denominational walls has always been a longstanding vision. Upon first attending Colts Neck Community Church, she immediately became involved in the church’s cantata, which is a choral concert proclaiming the Gospel. A churchgoer since childhood, Lordi has actively participated in cantatas and became delighted when learning of CNCC’s own harmonic group.

The ministry provides a means of serving the Lord and making Him known through song and narration. Having only sang with the choir for nearly six months, the original director of the cantata had then stepped down and departed from the church. Seeing this as a ministry that needed to persist and flourish, Lordi felt a calling to take over the position and assume all necessary duties. As director, Lordi leads, directs and teaches music. She also individually prays for each person who partakes in the choir.

“The church has a mission to spread His Gospel and wants everyone to realize that vision. My goal is to expand by performing in the community and having people from other churches join in and provide an opportunity for praise singing,” said Lordi in sharing her hope for the church and greater community.

The cantata practices for about ten weeks prior to each Christmas and Easter performance, which focuses on His birth and His death and resurrection, respectively. The choir walks the audience through these accounts in the tradition of storytelling, accompanied by music. For this Christmas season, the cantata received the opportunity to organize two shows, the evening performance held at CNCC and the afternoon one at the Monmouth Mall, located in Eatontown, NJ. Both gained overall positive feedback.

In an effort to reach Lordi’s goal of removing denominational barriers, the choir welcomes anyone with an interest in this ministry to become involved, regardless of their denomination or church affiliation.

Members of Lordi’s congregation are not the only ones who partake in the CNCC cantata. There are several others from neighboring churches who also volunteer their time to musically share the Message.

“I am a choir member who loves the Lord and music is my venue in singing my love for the Word,” said Linda Lamberti, a CNCC attender and section leader, who naturally leads the soprano group by voice. Recently it was revealed she did this unintentionally, though she takes this with great humbleness.

As the Christmas Cantata’s “The Heart of Christmas” performance largely received favorable reviews, the choir is looking forward to their upcoming Easter Cantata, “Like a Lamb,” which takes place at CNCC on Good Friday, March 29 at 7 p.m. and the Monmouth Mall on Palm Sunday, March 24 at 2 p.m.

Lordi continues to seek growth, both in gaining new members and acquiring more locations for concerts. Another hope of hers is to establish a youth and children’s choir, in order to inspire more to participate.

“It’s one of the best ways to fellowship with brothers and sisters and just make God available to the people,” said Lamberti while reflecting on her experience in the Cantata and impact on the community.

The Colts Neck Community Church is committed to helping people “Find, Live & Share Real Life”. We have activities that are open to all throughout the week including Bible Studies, Adult Education, Community Groups, Youth Nights and more. Our Sunday Services are held at 10:15 AM each week and are led by Pastor Chris Durkin (pastorchris@ourcncc.net) who can often be heard saying “At CNCC, Community is our middle name”! Visit our website for more on how we can best serve you at www.OurCNCC.org or call the Church Office at (732) 462-2779. CNCC is located at 25 Merchants Way, Colts Neck, NJ 07722.