Experience the life of Jesus Christ through the music of Johann Sebastian Bach in “Blessings of Bach: A Festival Choir and Orchestra Concert,” 7:30 p.m. March 23, Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, 3461 S. Cedar Crest Boulevard, Emmaus.

Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit Music Director Sharon MacCabe describes the concert as a collaboration between congregation members and community musicians. MacCabe conducts and accompanies on harpsichord.

“The vocalists are members of the congregation. We are very fortunate and grateful to have very talented and dedicated volunteers, both vocally and instrumentally.

“The orchestra that will be playing this concert are professionals from throughout the Lehigh Valley and will include strings, trumpets, timpani, oboes and flutes. It’s a nice-sized orchestra and I’m very, very happy with it.” says MacCabe.

Movements from the “Magnificat,” “St. Matthew’s Passion,” “Jesu Meine Freude” and the “Dona Nobis Pacem” from the “B Minor Mass” will be presented.

“‘Dona Nobis Pacem’ simply means ‘we grant you peace,’” MacCabe says. “In a world that doesn’t seem to really have that right now, I think it’s really important to end anything I do to grant everyone peace and safety and health and happiness.

“We have so many ways in music to celebrate the life of Christ while he was here on earth. This is somewhat of a traditional way and there are also contemporary ways.

“Bach seems to be the one in our 500th anniversary of the Reformation. He was the pinnacle of that music. He was a very busy composer and working for a fairly demanding group of people. He wrote a lot that should be heard,” says MacCabe.

The music programming at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit features genres and opportunities for all ages.

“I direct everything from the adults to the little ones in our program. I have a drumming ensemble. Our children usually present something in worship. I kind of float through Sunday School and present music throughout the year.

“We have an adult handbell choir, all five octaves. We have something really incredibly special and something I am so honored to be apart of and that’s our ‘Rejoicing Spirits’ program. These are young people with developmental and physical disabilities and we have a handbell choir for them. They’re so incredibly dedicated. In fact, they’re celebrating their 10th anniversary this Sunday.

“We have an adult choir. We have a praise ensemble that plays at our contemporary worship. Sometimes, we have bluegrass music. It’s a very variety-filled program to meet the needs of a very variety-filled congregation.” says MacCabe.

The music programming focuses on ministering to church members through inspirational music.

“One of the things we work on is that we are not performing for the congregation but we are part of the congregation. We choose to be in the congregation and help them experience their faith through all sorts of different music. We want them to be a part of us and be a part of our dedication to the story,” says MacCabe.

Admission is free, but a freewill offering will be taken. Information: 610- 967-2220