ROME — Zion Episcopal Church, 140 W. Liberty St., is resuming its annual Messiah Sing after a two-year hiatus because the COVID-19 pandemic on Sunday, Dec. 18.

It will be the church’s 34^th presentation and as usual, the Sing will be held on the fourth Sunday of Advent — Sunday, Dec. 18 — at 3 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

G. Roberts Kolb will again be the conductor, and Sar Shalom-Strong will be the accompanist on Zion Episcopal’s Baldwin concert grand piano. Soloists this year are all students at The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.

Anyone who wishes to join the singing should bring their own score, or a couple copies for those who do not have one will be available for loan. The main church will be divided into choral sections for the event. Those who’d prefer to just listen are also invited to attend.

Following the concert, Zion Episcopal will host a festival reception at Clark Memorial Hall. The Messiah Sing! is a presentation of the Christmas portion of Georg Handel’s Messiah.

Among other on-going events at Zion are the monthly Community Dinners, which are free and available to the public. Call the parish at 315-336-5170, during business hours Monday through Friday the week before each dinner to reserve the number of dinners.

Diners have a choice to “eat in or carry out” because of COVID precautions, and dinners are served from 4-6 p.m. The main dishes through the end of the year are as follows: Sept. 24, corn and potato chowder; Oct. 22, chicken enchiladas; Nov. 19, spaghetti and meat sauce; and Dec. 19, baked macaroni and cheese.

Zion is also a satellite food service for Rome Rescue Mission and serves meals on Mondays and Tuesdays every week from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at no cost to any participant. There is also a small food pantry and a large clothing closet available at the same time for all who might need food or clothing.

Zion also supports various AA associated groups through each day including weekends, and you may call the parish for details. The phone number to reach the secretary is 315-336-5170.

Zion Episcopal’s Sunday service time is 9 a.m. for the Holy Eucharist, and gluten-free wafers are available.