By Morgan Mizell

NATCHEZ — Community Chapel Church of God will host a “Singspiration” at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Donald Shupe, the church music director, said the evening of singing has been presented since he joined the church more than 20 years ago.

“I really cannot say who started this event,” Shupe said. “It could have been our former pastor, the Rev. Steve Pearson, but I don’t know for certain. What I do know is that we have done this for many years and everyone enjoys it.”

The event is every fifth Sunday of the month. This Sunday’s event will be one of five for the year of 2017.  The other months this year with five Sundays include April, July, October and December.

“We just let people sign up to sing,” Shupe said. “We usually have about 12 participants, but we have had as many as 15.”

Not everyone who performs is a member of Community Chapel, and Shupe said anyone who wishes to participate is welcome.

“Sometimes we have people from other churches who want to sing here because they have not really had the chance to sing at their church,” Shupe said. “Of course we welcome them here, but we are not looking to try and steal members from other churches. It is just about making a joyful noise to the Lord.”

Shupe said participants usually select a song and bring their music to the church. Occasionally, someone may request that a musician accompany them.

“Most people will perform with music on a CD or some other device,” Shupe said. “But, sometimes we will get people who want to sing to live music and we have a few musicians in the church who can assist them with those requests.”

Shupe says his favorite thing to see is the various people perform.

“We have all kinds of folks singing,” Shupe said. “We get young kids and adults as well as beginners and some really good singers. We just get together and have a great time and that is what it is all about.”

Shupe encourages anyone who may not have a Sunday evening service to come out and enjoy the service, which typically lasts about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes. There is no fee and it is open to all in the community.

Anyone who is interested in coming to sing during the next event can contact the church office and let them know they want to participate in the singing and leave a message for Shupe at 601-442-8215.