The new year arrived in the Miss-Lou during a glorious weekend filled with sunny days and sparkling nights. It carried with it all of our hopes and prayers for a year of positive changes and renewed spirits that will see us grow as a community and as individuals.

On Sunday, Jan. 8, we will have the opportunity to celebrate an event at Jefferson Street United Methodist Church which is symbolic of the spirit of this new year. The church will be celebrating the restoration of the magnificent organ which has enhanced worship services and lifted souls at 511 Jefferson St. in Natchez for nearly 100 years.

The Democrat published an outstanding piece in the Lifestyle section which paid tribute to the organ’s history in the church, the work and commitment required to revitalize its parts, its ability to reflect the personalities of the masters who touch its keys and coax all of its potential to the forefront, and the promise it holds to touch hearts, create goosebumps and lift spirits for many years to come.

Our magnificent organ will be formally dedicated during the regular worship service at the church at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday and will be played by Diane Mize, the Jefferson Street church organist.

At 3 that afternoon, the church will host a public concert and a magnificent program of music presented by three other premier organists in the community: Jeanie Lanneau, Dr. Patrick Doherty and Vincent Bache CSJ.

A reception will follow the program in the Christian Life Center at Jefferson Street under the direction of Margaret Brown and her team of hostesses, who are widely known for their ability to showcase Southern hospitality and Christian spirit outreach at its best.

So what a great way to kick off the new year! Please join us as we celebrate restoration and renewal.

Celebrate the renovation of an instrument which has spanned a century in Natchez, and witness what love and care and investment and dedication can do to make the old new and vital once again.

Treat your soul to the joy and inspiration which can be brought your way as rich organ music is carried from the hands of our artists to the core of your being.

Use the opportunity this program affords to share in a period of Christian fellowship, and let it help focus your own spirit to be the best it can be in the new year ahead.

Stephanie Hutchins is a member of Jefferson Street United Methodist Church.