For the sixth year, First Church of God in Shelby will host the annual Community Jazz Christmas Dinner Theater. The event begins at 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 22 and will take place at the FCG which is located at 3616 State Route 39.
“The goal of the evening is to have as many people as possible join us for an evening filled with Christmas spirit, great food, great music and great fun for two great causes,”said Dr. Rich Rader, founder and Executive Director of the Richland County Chaplain Corps.
Founded by Dr. Rader in 2005, RCCC is a collegial organization of police and fire chaplains serving nine agencies and 13 fire agencies throughout Richland County.
Proceeds from the evenings event will benefit the services provided by the RCCC to the community.
A portion of the proceeds will also go to benefit Shelby Help Line Ministries (SHLM) located at 29 Walnut Street in Shelby. SHLM is a non-profit, needs-based ministry that assists with financial aid, clothing, furniture, medical equipment and school supplies. SHLM operates with over 200 volunteers and also provides a free meal every Thursday from 6 to 7p.m. at the United Methodist Church.
Tickets to the fundraiser are $15, guests will enjoy a full-service dinner catered by Ben Lash and Paul’s Drive-In, followed by the nights featured entertainment of traditional Big Band Jazz music.
Entertainment for the holiday event has varied year to year from small jazz combos to 19-piece big bands. This years entertainment features a seven-member group under the musical direction of Artistic Director Paul Martin, director of Music & Worship at First Lutheran Church in Shelby. Rader describes this year’s program as small group traditional jazz.
Members of the performing group are all professional musicians who have performed for many years in different capacities. They have come together in this special group specifically for this event.
Rader also serves CEO and founder of MyJourney Home – the sponsor of the event. Rader added he looks forward to the event each year and the opportunity it provides to bring the community together.
Those interested in attending the dinner can contact the First Church of God at 419-342-4636 for tickets and reservations. You may also contact Shelby Help Line Ministries at 419-347-6307 or Dr. Rader at 419-543-1366.