A Community Concert and Sing-Along sponsored by Central Village Homemakers returns for the first time since 2019 and will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, in Central United Methodist Church, Mathews.

This perennial favorite dates to the 1980s, and occurred without interruption except during the Covid-19 years. Paula Johnson, chairman of the event, said the club could not find a record of the first offering, but Gazette-Journal files indicate a sing-along was held as early as 1988.

The event includes a number of performances from guest artists. These include: John Lee Callis on organ; Michele Thacker, singer; Marshall Thacker, singer; Hunter Owens, singer; William Earl Sadler, keyboard and vocals; and a newly organized entity, Plagalcadence, a folk group, making its first performance. Its members are Janet Bowman, bass; Dee Bane, acoustic guitar; Grace Mortimer, vocalist; Molly Broderson, recorder; Jim Alston, acoustic guitar, and Jan Tyndall, hammered dulcimer.

The grand finale of the concert will be an appearance by the Ebenezer Men’s Choir of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Cobbs Creek.

Acting as master of ceremonies and leading the audience in singing Christmas carols between the acts will be Roy Ethington.

A cookie social will follow the musical event.

Johnson said the concert/singalong is the homemakers club’s gift to the community, “to thank the community for its support of our projects during the year.” She stressed it is open to everyone and is not a religious service. “We would love to see a packed church.”

Joining her in organizing the event are club members Phyllis Hudgins and Dale Robinson.