The Sanctuary Choir of First Baptist Church, Laurinburg, will present a Christmas musical, "Touched by a Child, Touched by a King", at the 11 a.m. worship service on Dec. 20. Set to music by composer John Purifoy, the event is "a simple, heartfelt message that has familiar Christmas carols with a blending of new, fresh, original lyrics" according to Sylvia Stewart, organist and director of ministries.

"Down through the ages, the Christmas story has been told in many languages and in unique ways," Stewart said, "but this musical is simple and straightforward in its approach. Basically, the message is that once we have been touched by the child who gave hope to the world and touched by the king, who gave his life for us … then the question to us as believers is 'what can we give, what can we bring to offer to the Christ child, our savior and king?'"

A brass quintet under the direction of Dr. Tim Altman will perform prelude and postlude music and will make up the brass section for the orchestra. Other members of the brass section are Joshua Altman, Denise Wallace, David Seiberling, and Dr. Joanna Hersey.

Strings from the Fayetteville Symphony are Concertmaster Bill Ayerbe, Susan Grzesnikowski, Amalia Hutchison and Zack May. Flutists Jane McLaurin and Kari Ricks complete the chamber orchestra members.

Narrators include Rev. C.F. McDowell III, the Rev. Sarah Neeley, Martha McDowell, Dr. Gene Smith, Beckie Etheridge, Ken Etheridge, and Pat Willis.

"(The musical contains) moments of joy and celebration as the audience participates in carols, and there are times of reflective meditation as the narrators and choir cause us to think about the power of prayer and to know that God is always here with us," Stewart said. "We invite each of you to join us in this unique, moving occasion."

Stewart is the conductor and keyboardist for the musical.