The Lamb of God

By LINDA MCMILLIAN

Alpharetta-Milton, Ga. — Easter, for the Christian community, has been described as “...the most long-awaited and glorious event in the history of the world. It is the day that changed everything. On that day, my life changed. Your life changed. The destiny of all God’s children changed.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

To commemorate the sacred event over 100 talented North Georgia musical artists combining choir, orchestra and soloists from 17 different congregations (wards) are coming together to present the Lamb of God, a musical portrayal of the final days in the life of Jesus Christ.

The General Public is invited to the FREE performances on April 19th and 20th at 7 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 500 Norcross St, Roswell, GA 30075. No ticket is required and the doors will open at 6:30.

“This musical endeavor is not part of a ceremony or church service, but rather a musical feast where each individual can have their own special experience as they listen,” according to event Producer Meghann Gavin.

Lamb of God was recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra in 2010 and has been performed thousands of times around the world by many different Christian denominations.

The oratorio is a different twist on the Easter theme as it is told exclusively through the New Testament perspective of Peter, John, Thomas, Mary and Martha of Bethany, Mary Magdalene and his mother Mary.

“It's hard to relate to the savior's experience because of who he is and what he went through, but it's easier to relate to Peter and Thomas, who we see as human and having failings, who overcome those, and to see how that goes was a lot more compelling to me and teaching how the atonement works and not just what the story is,” composer Rob Gardner remarked.

Inspiration for the project came to Gardner while he was serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the France Bordeaux mission from 1996 to 1998.

Christine Smith, Conductor and fellow Producer for this month's performances, said, “The beautiful music helps bring Biblical scripture to life and inspires hope and gratitude for a loving savior that sacrificed Himself for the world. Our purpose for this concert is to share that hope and peace with the community.”

Also during the occasion, the Church will be collecting food for those in need in our area. Attendees (who are able) are asked to contribute by bringing canned goods to the Church. Boxes will be available to collect the donated food for North Fulton Charities.

One Church member observed, “Collecting food for the poor seems most appropriate during Easter, as Christ himself said at this time in His life, 'Love one another; as I have loved you' (John 13:34), and it was His final commandment.”

Roswell Georgia Stake President, Reed Macdonald, encouraged community involvement, “We are looking forward to sharing this sacred musical event with all of our neighbors here in North Georgia. Everyone is welcome no matter what your religion or belief. Join us!”