Dr. David D. Ireland, Lead Pastor

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERMarlinda K. Ireland

ProducersJoshua LozadaFilipe MoraJena FisherPatrick Fider

Production CoordinatorsZynide BanksJoseph M. Smith

WritersKelly B. Lewis Luis Tosado

Media ProducerPatrick Fider

Marketing/DesignJerry LaguerreSara Passafiume

LightingLuis TosadoDanny MoraSierra Hudson

PHOTOGRAPHYMichael GatlinNataly Mora

CamerasAl Bryan LomotanLovelene GlaudeFelix OtengCristian CastilloJoshua SiniscalKelly KopecTennyson DepeizaJean Rene Estinval Sherry BlakeSaveyon BlakeBrandon EllisDavid TaylorRon KellyKaren Woolridge-DaleHarry MasekoIbn-Mustafa MuhammadSal SernaBriana BrittonIvorine Fung Crystal BellNoel Holmes

Set DesignMarco Hernandez

Video ControlVictor McLean

Audio EngineersRick HernandezWayne Williams Juan PerezNatnael IssacLewis DenisJason WorthemJoshua GerenaIsiah Johnson

DirectorJena Fisher

Musical DirectorsJoshua LozadaFilipe Mora

Vocal Directors & ArrangementsKezia HarleyJosephine Quaye

Musical ArrangementsFilipe MoraJoshua Lozada

Video DirectorZerome KiflemariamHunter DeSimoneSteve Williams

Technical DirectorMoise LaPorteDawn Williams

Choral DirectorsNancey Jackson JohnsonCourtney McCain

Computer GraphicsRobert HollowayByron WilliamsonJudy IsaacsKayanna RichardsAudrey Archer

PRESENTS

Thank you for making Christ Church a part of your holiday plans. Christmas is a special time of year when people from all different walks of life find common ground by celebrating Jesus’ birth.

Christ Church has been blessed with many talented artists who are passionate about using

their gifts to share God’s message of hope. We pray that our Christmas concert will bring you hope for tomorrow. 

We would be delighted to have you return for one of our weekend services. Check out our website at ChristChurchUSA.org for times and locations. Also, follow us on Instagram and join us on Facebook for life-giving conversations!

Merry Christmas!Drs. David & Marlinda Ireland

Uniting People to God and People to People

Thanks For Visiting

Carol of the BellsViolinist

Charisa Rouse

DancersLuis Tosado

Alexxus Jegede

Introduction: The Conductor, Hope Train Station

O Come, All Ye FaithfulSoloist

Willie Matos

Christ Church Choir

God Rest Ye Merry GentlemenSoloists

Ricardo Peña Anne Joseph

GuitarFilipe Mora

What Child Is This?Soloist

Charisa Rouse

Christ Church Ensemble Singers

Scene 1: The Lost Child

Light of the World/O Holy Night

SoloistsAnne Joseph

Damaris Richardson Ruth Peña

Christ Church Ensemble Singers

O Come, O Come EmmanuelSoloist

Kezia HarleyRap Artist

Sebastien (K-Proetic) Francois

Scene 2: The Longing Couple

Give Hope(Instrumental)

Silent NightSoloist

Amanda Camille (Rolon)Bass

Josh Lozada

Agnus Dei/A Christmas AlleluiaSoloists

Christine Cullen Ruth Peña

Betty Rivera

Christ Church Choir

Offering

Live in the Wonderful Motif

Scene 3: The Widow

Mary, Did You Know?Soloist

Jena Fisher

UyangiholaChrist Church Choir

Scene 4: Journey to Hope

Homily

A Song for ChristmasSoloist/ViolinistCharisa Rouse

Joy to the WorldSoloist

Kimberly Fuller

Christ Church Choir

Songs & Scenes

Actors

Special Features

Christ Church Band

Ensemble Singers

Conductor (A Ticket to Hope)

Lily (The Lost Child)

Husband (The Longing Couple)

Wife (The Longing Couple)

Widow (The Widow)

Joseph M. Smith

Adaeze Ajeroh

EJ Frain

Shekinah Powlett

Erin Murphy

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Give Hope (Ticket to Hope Theme Song)To the tune of “Live in the Wonderful” (Lakewood Church)

Acoustic GuitarSuriel Zayas 

Bass Guitar Josh Lozada 

DrumsRyan Smyth 

Electric GuitarFilipe Mora Suriel Zayas

 

Cast

Joyce WilliamsJude Piezema  

Marcus Daniels  Sharonda Scroggins 

Angela HarrisonDavid Hilaire 

Ellen RyanMarcia DoverNeivis Paulino

Shalom RomeroShavonne Goldsmith

Susan TownsendYolanda Johnson

Ohemaah NtiamoahLarry Clifton

Damaris RichardsonVashti Johnson

Wodline Hippolyte

KeysDarius Smith

PianoDonnie Atis

ViolinCharisa Rouse 

CelloRaina Brooks

N e w s e r m o n s e r i e s

Join us as this challenging question is tackled by Pastor David Ireland, Ph.D.,

and our teaching team. Using Bible-based practical strategies, we will help you filter out the noise, crystalize your 2020 vision,

and uncover What Really Matters!

Schedule for Worship Services

MONTCLAIR CAMPUSSaturday: 7 p.m.

Sunday: 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., & 1:30 p.m.

ROCKAWAY CAMPUSSunday: 9:00 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.

BEGINS JANUARY 4–5

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Jena FisherDirector/Producer, Soloist, Mary, Did You Know?

Jena Fisher has appeared in several Christ Church Christmas productions over the last decade and has been featured in major theatrical and musical productions such as The Mile-Long Opera and August Wilson’s acclaimed stage play, The Piano Lesson. Jena’s passion for music and for worship is shown in her work as a published songwriter (SEASAC)––most notably with collaborations featuring global recording artists Uche Agu and Nathan Curtis. Jena, a graduate of Calvin College in Michigan (B.A. in History and Sec-ondary Education), also spent 10 years as a high school advanced-placement history teacher.

In addition, Jena is a principal worship leader at Christ Church and her work as a songwriter, production man-ager, and vocalist can be experienced on the Christ Church Worship Team’s EP Release, As We Wait.

Filipe MoraMusic Director/Guitar, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Filipe majored in Electronic Production & Design and served as a Gui-tar Principle. The multifaceted artist is the founder and CEO of Dream Foot Experience, a revolutionary music app company. He also serves as the Music Director for Christ Church. 

Aside from leading teams and his production compa-ny, Filipe is also an experienced guitar player and mu-sic producer who has been able to perform live with well-known artists including Ricardo Sanchez, Anthony Evans, Paul Baloche, Lucia Parker, William McDowell, En Espiritu y En Verdad, Danilo Montero, and more.

Josh LozadaMusic Director/Guitar, Uyangihola, Silent Night

Josh is a self-taught musician that was born into a family of musicians and singers. This led to him un-covering an appreciation for music very early in his life. As a pastor’s kid, the church became the most natural place for his development as a musician and leader. After years of study and taking part in different bands and musical situations, Josh quickly found himself traveling the U.S. and ultimately the globe, with dif-ferent American and Latin American worship artists. A producer, arranger, director, multi-instrumentalist,

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husband to Neomi, father to Kayla and Karissa, and lover of Jesus–– his passion is music but his goal is to reach the lost and see them transformed by the power of Christ. 

Josh has called Christ Church “home” since 2011 and although he lives on Long Island with his family, he knows that he has been called to serve at Christ Church alongside the wonderful pastors and leaders as Music Director.

Nancey Jackson JohnsonGuest Choral Director

Nancey Jackson Johnson is a passionate worshipper and minister of the Gospel. At 6 years old, she began singing in her father’s church, and later went on to record three nationally acclaimed CDs. This led to her receiving two Stellar Award Nominations in Gos-pel music. Her solo career and music ministry have afforded her prominent opportunities that include performing at live concerts, conferences, services––and even touring. She has also appeared on television and radio shows, nationally and internationally, for over two decades. Nancey has recorded and traveled with many local and international artists in building the Kingdom of God.

Since 2003, this ordained minister of the Gospel has been passionate about preaching and teaching God’s Word in a powerful, yet practical way. She’s a certified life coach and the creator of “I Matter Empowerment Sessions.” For the past five years, Nancey has been the visionary and executive director of a regional, interde-nominational, multicultural movement called, “Jersey Shore Worship”––which partners with more than 80 churches and has thousands in attendance for its main events.

Luis TosadoWriter, Dancer/Choreographer, Carol of the Bells, Uyangihola

Our dancers are performing under the leadership of Luis Tosado, a gifted choreographer. Luis was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and trained under Jaquelin Chamorro & Leticia Rodrigues before moving to the United States. He also studied Musical Theater at County College of Morris and has performed on LIVE with Kelly and Ryan.

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Kelly B. LewisWriter

Kelly is a veteran Film and Television acting student of The Actors’ Place, coached by professional actor Keith Flippen in Virginia. She has booked film acting and com-mercial roles with Similac (Abbott Labs), Virginia Lottery, CBN, Investigation Discovery, Lunchables, Meredith Corporation, and more.

In 2008, Kelly took a step back from her career to focus on raising her three children, which opened opportu-nities for her to counsel others and learn their stories. She then completed her Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership and Counseling and went on to complete her Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communi-cation, with honors and a 3.9 GPA from the prestigious Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Kelly cur-rently resides in the NYC-NJ Metro region.

Charisa RouseFeatured Artist/Soloist, Carol of Bells, What Child Is This? and O Little Town of Bethlehem

Violinist and Vocalist, “Charisa the ViolinDiva,” has devoted her career to challenging every preconception of what the violin (and violinist!) can accomplish in contemporary music. Classically trained, her versatility has taken her across the world, recording and perform-ing alongside such artists as Valerie Simpson (of Ashford and Simpson), Vivian Green, Kim Burrell, Cyndi Lauper, William McDowell, and Quincy Jones, to name a few. You may have seen her as she rocked her hot pink electric violin while winning Apollo’s legendary Amateur Night, or as a featured performer on Black Girls Rock next to ballerina Misty Copeland and Patti LaBelle, or perform-ing for senators and dignitaries at a 2012 inaugural ball.

Several years ago, she released her first CD, The Prelude EP, and will continue the journey with the live worship recording of The War Chronicles, vol. 1 in spring 2020. A new R&B/jazz project and tour are slated to follow soon after.

Will MatosSoloist, O Come, All Ye Faithful

Willie Matos has appeared in several Christ Church productions over the last five years. As a featured soloist, recording artist, and worship leader, Willie’s musical ability has been evident from as early as age 7.

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A native of Puerto Rico, Willie now resides in New Jersey with his wife, Lynn, and their two children (Marilynn and Caleb).

Ricardo PeñaSoloist, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Ricardo Peña has appeared in several television specials and musical productions over the years. He has sung in different events across the New York tri-state area such as the Super Bowl XLVIII Pre-Game Show, background for Patti LaBelle and Donnie McClurkin, and appeared on TBN. Ricardo was exposed to all styles and genres of music with his twin sister (Ruth) at a young age. 

Anne JosephSoloist, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/Light of the World

Anne Joseph is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from New Jersey. Anne has lent her song-writing talents to global artists such as Uche Agu’s single, Soldiers of the Cross, and she was also a featured vocalist and writer on the Christ Church Worship Team’s EP release, As We Wait, in 2017. And you may have seen her on stage as a worship leader at Christ Church. She’s also appeared in past Christ Church Christmas productions dating back to 2015. Anne studied International Management and French at Moravian College, graduating with a bache-lor’s degree. By day, she works as the Music Director at New City Kids in Jersey City, developing young people into musicians, leaders, and helping them get into college. She enjoys traveling, spending time with close friends, crafting custom jewelry, and all things sweet. Her passion is to spread the Gospel through music and bringing people to encounter the love of God.

Damaris RichardsonSoloist, Light of the World

Damaris is a vocalist that loves to worship God and en-joys entertaining family and friends. In her college years, she appeared in several theatre productions on campus, and has even co-written short musicals such as When I Get to Where I’m Going, Cinderella, and Rumpelstiltskin to name just a few. Damaris has sung vocals for various performance and ministry groups throughout the New York/New Jersey area. She studied English Professional Writing and Music at Lehman College in the Bronx, NY, graduating with a bachelor’s in 2009. In 2018, she at-tended a summer course in acting at The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center located in her native city, New York. Damaris, now living in New Jersey, works as an

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assistant director for New City Kids After School Center (Jersey City), where she also serves as a performing arts teacher. She is a member of the Christ Church Worship Team.

Ruth PeñaSoloist, O Holy Night, Agnus Dei/A Christmas Alleluia

Ruth Peña has appeared in several television specials and musical productions over the years, gracing the stage for a wide range of audiences––from Super Bowl XLVIII, to singing alongside artists such as Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, Patti LaBelle, Donnie McClurkin, and many others. Ruth has also done compilations with artists To-byMac, Newsboys, Jamie Grace, and has teamed up with her brother, Ricardo, for projects like their single, God Is.

You may have also seen her singing as a Worship Leader at Christ Church, and other events across the New York tri-state area. Ruth studied Vocal Performances at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts in New York City, where she was exposed to all styles and genres. With a B.S. double major in Psychology/Sociology from Hunter College of City University of New York and an MBA in Executive Leadership from Liberty University, she gained an understanding of how the pair-ing of people and music has the power to help connect us all to God. A native of the Bronx, New York, Ruth now lives in New Jersey and can be found pairing her skill set in music and work in advocacy with various charitable organizations.

Kezia HarleySoloist, O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Kezia Harley is a singer/songwriter and has appeared in several of Christ Church’s Christmas productions. She was a featured artist and songwriter for the Christ Church Worship Team’s EP Release, As We Wait. Kezia is a principal worship leader and vocal director at Christ Church. She studied Music in Worship at Nyack College, graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science. A native of Jersey City, New Jersey, Kezia has been faithfully serving her community through worship.

Sebastien “K-Proetic” FrancoisRap Artist, O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Sebastien Francois, stage name K-Proetic, has per-formed all over the New York tri-state area for about 10 years with his group R.E.A.L. Music. His biggest on-stage moment occurred in 2016, when he performed for 300

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people at an event for the Honorable Louis Farrakhan’s wife at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, NJ. He also graced the stages of Sounds of Brazil in New York City and Newark’s annual Weequahic Park Festival. His conscious, poetic style has been recognized by con-sulting agency, True-N-Livin, with the People’s Choice Award in 2019. Sebastien studied at Rutgers University in Newark and graduated with a degree in Journalism and Music in 2014. A product of Roselle and East Orange, NJ, he currently lives in Newark with his wife, Claushelle Achille-Francois.

Amanda Camille (Rolon)Soloist, Silent Night

Amanda Camille (Rolon) has appeared in several theater productions, from Princess Ariel in her town’s production of The Little Mermaid, to playing the villainous nanny, Miss Andrews, in her high school’s production of Mary Poppins. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music/Music Business at William Paterson University, and is also a worship leader at Life Mission Worship Cen-ter in Hopelawn, NJ. The Rahway, NJ native also recently released her debut Contemporary Christian Music single, Still Small Voice. 

Christine CullenSoloist, Agnus Dei/A Christmas Alleluia

Christine Cullen has appeared in a lifetime of perfor-mances in classical music, opera, musical theater, and contemporary music. She has performed throughout the United States and Europe, including her debut recit-al at Carnegie Hall. Christine is a graduate of Westmin-ster Choir College in Princeton, NJ, where she studied Music Education and Vocal Studies. After years of vocal training and performances, Christine began sharing her knowledge with others through vocal and performance coaching. She has served as the choir director at Christ Church, and continues to teach voice and coach worship teams in the region. A native of the New York/New Jer-sey area, Christine now lives in Montclair, NJ. 

Betty RiveraSoloist, Agus Dei/A Christmas Alleluia

Betty Rivera has appeared in several venues throughout the nation––singing for over 25 years. Betty’s ability to sing passionately for the glory of God is why she sings. She studied at Nyack College, graduating with a bach-elor’s degree in Music (Voice Concentration). A native of Brooklyn, New York, Betty now lives in New Jersey. 

Kimberly FullerSoloist, Joy to the World

Kimberly Fuller has appeared in several Christ Church Christmas productions. Kim’s unique sound has pro-vided opportunities for her to work as a vocalist with TJ Music Group and Spirit Power Music, in addition to other musical engagements and events. She studied at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Education. A native of Rocky Mount, NC, Kimberly now lives in Vauxhall, NJ with her husband and son.

Alexxus JedgeDancer, Carol of the Bells

Alexxus Jedge is a dancer who works to fulfill the highest expression of herself in her craft. Alexxus, a graduate of Rutgers University and NYU, has appeared in several productions with Rutgers Performance Dance Company and has ministered through dance at several churches in the New York tri-state area. She has studied and competed in all genres of dance for 15 years, but especially enjoys modern, contemporary, and liturgical. She is known for her graceful movement and heartfelt vulnerability in every performance.

Joseph M. Smith Conductor

Joseph M. Smith has appeared in several theatre produc-tions, including as Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (in Guyana), and various Opera Theater Workshops at Nyack College (Manhattan Cam-pus)––where he studied Vocal Performance and graduated with a bachelor’s in Sacred Music. His ability to connect with audiences has been recognized by his alma mater with the Most Outstanding Performance award. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Joseph now lives in central New Jersey.

EJ FrainActor, The Longing Couple

EJ makes his stage debut with A Ticket to Hope, but has always been passionate about the artistry of going into character. He played four years of professional football in the Indoor Football League, and currently serves as a Teen Director for Christ Church. EJ, a native of Union, NJ, studied at Abilene Christian University in Texas. He currently resides in Hillside, NJ.

Erin MurphyActor, The Widow

Erin is a member of Christ Church, where she performed in the church’s Good Friday dramatic presentation in 2019. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor in the mental health field. Erin enjoys the acting process, and how it provides a diversion from her daily work. A native of Morristown, NJ, Erin now lives in Morris Plains, NJ. 

Shekinah PowlettActor, The Longing Couple

Shekinah Powlett has the wonderful ability to connect and befriend her audiences. She studies Psychology at Nyack College in New York, where her drive is to gain an emotional understanding of cultural and societal perspectives that influence her audience. Shekinah lives in New Jersey and serves as a volunteer coordinator for Christ Church’s Children’s Ministry.

Adaeze AjerohActor, The Lost Child

Adaeze Ajeroh is 11 years old and her name means “prin-cess.” She is passionate about the performing arts, and has performed in several plays and musicals over the past three years. She played Little Destiny in the story Destiny’s Family when she was 9. Adaeze also sings alto in her elementary school choir, and she choreographs all her praise dances!

Adaeze has performed for community fundraisers and church functions; an all-around talented young lady and artist, she enjoys drawing and baking cakes in her spare time. One day, she hopes to have her own bakery.

Alanna Crossley

Armani Wooldridge

Chiamaka Orjiekwe

Cindy Beaubrun

Deborah Cox

Deborah Marquez

Denise Coleman

Dolores Maya-Alto

Eboni Lee

Elizabeth Bennett

Geralda Vastey

Gretchen Favor

India Lindo

Jada Law

Jayme Ganey

Jennifer Clifton

Jenny Jean-Louis

Jenny Scott

Jeremiah Birkett

Jill Jenkins

Joy Kay

Julia Olayanju

Kaisha Smith

Karen Marques

Karen Stefano

Kerri Smith

Kimberly Fuller

Krisantha Spencer

Kyle Washington

Linden Byass

Liz Gomes

Maria Zayas

Marie Fevrier

Michelle Williams

Natasha Williams

Nina Mfoafo-M’Carthy

Patrisha Gibson

Rebekah Smith

Rianna Richards

Roberta Ford

Saami Williams

Steffany Baptiste-Bosco

Timothy Sumter

Trina Kelly

Zynide Banks

Choir

Rockaway – West CampusTuesday at 6:00 p.m.

Montclair – East CampusTuesday at 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., & 10:30 p.m.

Rockaway – West CampusTuesday at 6:00 p.m.

Montclair – East CampusTuesday at 6:00 p.m.

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