Messiah Lutheran Church in Mandan has rescheduled its annual Classical Christmas Concert, "The Word Became Flesh," for 1 p.m. Sunday, followed by an open house celebrating the church's new St. Paul Room.

Choral works by the Messiah Lutheran Chancel Choir include "Lift Up Your Heads," "A Virgin Most Pure," "Of the Father's Love Begotten," "Unto Us a Son is Given," We Praise You and Acknowledge You, O God," "Away in the Manger," "Still, Still, Still," and "Were You There on that Christmas Night?" Choral arrangements include organ, flute, piano and strings.

Jeremy Overbeck, cello, and Gayla Sherman, harp, will perform as featured soloists. Other guest performers include vocal and orchestral ensembles by Century High School. The concert includes instrumental solos performed by the Rev. James Baneck on organ and Pierette Johnson, flute.

A freewill offering will be taken. The public is invited to attend the concert and the open house immediately following the concert from 2 to 5 p.m., when the public is invited to tour Messiah's new St. Paul Room.

The addition is more than 4,000 square feet and is equipped with audio and visual technology, including wireless Internet and a 12-foot overhead retractable screen. Ground source heat and instant hot water heaters were installed to make the building "green."

Parishioners and guests also will be welcomed by a coffee bar and sitting area with fireplace, leather furniture and marble tables. An original painting by Shannon Wirrenga of Bismarck, "Reach of Faith," hangs in the room.

The St. Paul Room can be used as a classroom with seating for 200, as well as wedding and anniversary receptions, conferences, movie nights for youth and other events. The room will be made available to the community for a small fee.

Messiah Lutheran is located at 1020 Boundary Road in northwest Mandan, directly north of Medcenter One Living Center. For more information, contact Messiah at 663-8545 or messiahmandan.com.