Anyone looking for a dose of the Christmas spirit simply needs to drive down Sparkman Road on a Wednesday evening until they hear the singing.
On the corner of Sparkman and Clemons roads sits Springhead United Methodist Church, and on its front steps are the musical members of its congregation. Their primary goal is to spread the Christmas spirit and remind everyone of the reason for the season.
“The Springhead Singers Praise Group has eight singers, but anyone is welcome to join us,” Kathleen Hill says.
People can join in on the caroling or simply pull up a few lawn chairs and enjoy the show. It doesn’t matter to the members of the church — they’re glad to have anyone stop by.
“We’re just a little country church, trying to get our name out there in the community,” Hill says.
It’s the first time the church has hosted the event. Originally, the plan was to hold a Trunk-or-Treat event in October, but Hill and the other members weren’t sure they would get enough people to participate. Instead, they organized with a Christmas event and set a new goal.
“We’re hoping to revamp the children’s and youth programs next year,” Hill says.
Next month, Hill is slated to step up from “member-at-large” and part of the praise team to take on roles as church treasurer, head of the administrative council and head of the children’s and youth programs. The church hopes the response from this event will draw in new members, especially younger ones. Currently, the congregation consists of 75 to 100 people. The church itself has been open for 65 years and has a history of its congregation members going on to become ministers.
Hill says the event has gotten good responses on Facebook so far, and their “trial run” on Dec. 4 was successful. Several people joined the Springhead Singers in song and, though not everyone was perfect, their joy for simply being there was infectious.
With two weeks of caroling already in the books, Hill and the church hope their final event on Dec. 18 will be the best yet. They even are bringing in Santa Claus for the night, and he’ll be happy to take pictures with any children and adults in attendance. The carols begin at 6 p.m. and end at 6:30 p.m.
For those interested in singing with the Springhead Singers, there isn’t exactly a setlist.
“We have carol booklets, but we’ll sing whatever anyone wants to hear,” Hill says. “Religious or secular. ‘Silent Night,’ ‘Frosty the Snowman,’ or anything.”
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
CAROLING ON THE CORNER
WHEN: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18
WHERE: Corner of Sparkman and Clemons roads