The History
Several music leaders at MRPC are alumni of Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA, where Madrigal Dinner traditions go back more than 30 years. This inspired the idea of hosting an Elizabethan Madrigal Feaste as part of the Music Ministry offerings to the community. The idea caught on with church leadership and a new MRPC tradition was launched in January 2001. The event, in its 8th season, has sold out every year.

The Ambiance
Decorators and set constructors work hard to recreate a "great hall" typical of a Renaissance manor in our Fellowship Hall. Scores of colorfully costumed singers, instrumentalists, jesters, magicians, jugglers and actors join forces with dozens of costumed serving wenches and footmen to recreate an exceptional "Elizabethan Christmas Rout, a party of epic proportions to celebrate the nativity of our Lord." A professional jester/magician, Christian Graham, performs, along with thespians and swordsmen engaging the crowd in period shtick, with an occasional well-placed sword thrust, in defense of, we can be sure, the modesty of a maiden.

The Music
Scores of musicians contribute to the Christmas Madrigal Feaste. The music includes mini-concerts by children's chorus, a bell choir, a renaissance recorder consort, a traveling troubadour, brass choir, and of course, the Madrigal Singers singing period and other Christmas favorites. A Renaissance consort of recorders and viols entertains, along with the singers. Old English Christmas carols also dot the musical landscape, as well as sing-along carols at evening's end.

The Food
Many chefs work for days to prepare and serve the meticulously planned seven-course banquet. The historically accurate menu items are adjusted just enough to ensure that modern palates will enjoy them. This sensory saturation of authentic period foods has typically included wassail bowl, leek soup, roasted and smoked fowl, huge savory pork roasts, salads of field greens, fresh fruits, breads, nuts, exotic cheeses,flaming desserts, coffee, and tea. The servers annually donate their gratuities in support of ministries such as: Habitat for Humanity, Bethany Christian Services, Miracle Hill Ministry, and the Widow's Ministry.

The Purpose
The evening not only celebrates all that is historic and English about the season, but also draws the guests into a truly Christian celebration of our Lord's nativity. Actors and singers, in music and drama, reveal the mystery of the Incarnation with awe, wonder and majesty. The evening is fun, but it's much more than that. It is for the larger cause and higher purpose of knowing and sharing the Christ of Christmas that volunteers spend many joyful hours over many months. The event is designed to give members and guests a wonderfully winsome way to share the true meanings of Christmas with friends and neighbors. And let's not forget, it is permissible to have fun in the meanwhile.

Childcare
Childcare is not provided for Madrigal Feaste guests' children. The Madrigal Feaste is considered age appropriate for grade 4 and older.

Tickets
If you and your family are interested in attending, the event is presented on two nights, December 11 and 12, at 6:30 p.m. The event is approximately 2.5 hours long. Seating is limited, and the tickets ($25), which go on sale in October, are expected to sell out quickly. There will be personalized place cards, so we need to know the names of all of your guests. People wishing to sit together must make their ticket request at the same time.Watch the webpage for specific dates and ticket prices during October 2009.

For additional information, contact the director and organizer,  Steve or Cathy Lawton at slawton@mrpca.org or (864) 268-2218/ext. 203.


Patriotic Pops Concert
This annual event is held during the last week of June and features a top notch orchestra and singers. For the past several years, the event has been narrated by Dale Gilbert, a fellow believer who is widely recognized in our community for his role as meteorologist for WYFF-TV4. John Philips Sousa makes frequent appearances. An offering is received.