Music is contagious.

Because the joy for singing that the Mennonite Children's Choir of Lancaster exudes is so impactful, it is naturally and powerfully transmitted to its audiences. Audience members can't help but experience the joy of singing on a whole other frequency.

The Mennonite Children's Choir of Lancaster will bless the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd with that joy for singing at the church's upcoming event.

"I think there's a direct correlation between the choir and the audience," said Chuck Book, who's been the communications director at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd for more than 20 years. "A singer who enjoys singing brings joy and conveys it to the audience. If there's a lot of energy, you can't help get caught up in it. It would be hard to say that one is finding more joy than the other."

The Mennonite Children's Choir of Lancaster will be singing at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 750 Greenfield Road, Lancaster, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 12. The performance, which is part of the church's fine arts series, is free to attend, and a goodwill offering that will help fund the series will be accepted.

"You have all these angelic voices coming together, and that sound is different than an adult choir's," said Book. "It's such an array of ages. These kids are into it. When you think about having these kids involved, that's what they're there for. They want to sing. There's so much excitement. It's what these kids love doing, and that's what they work for."

The uplifting concert is expected to last about 90 minutes. The show will include an intermission.

Following the performance, a reception featuring light refreshments and held in the church's All-Saints Hall will allow audience members to meet the singers of the Mennonite Children's Choir of Lancaster.

"I haven't had the privilege of hearing them, but everyone I've talked to has said these folks are spectacular," said Book, a resident of Lebanon. "We are excited and proud to host the Mennonite Children's Choir of Lancaster. They honor and celebrate music as a gift from God."

"We usually have a nice turnout, and people are generally appreciative," he added. "It's the bringing together of people for a common benefit, to enjoy music."

About 250 individuals are expected to attend the concert, members of the congregation and members of surrounding communities.

"They're a church-centered repertoire, but it's not going to be all church music," said Book. "It's going to be a variety of things. We want to appeal to as wide an audience as possible. I would anticipate it being a choral blend of music to your ears. With the kids themselves, they break them up into different choirs. The Mennonite Children's Choir has quite a following."

The Mennonite Children's Choir of Lancaster, which is headed by artistic director Rosemary Blessing, features kids between the ages of 5 and 18 who represent 12 religious denominations, 55 church congregations and 45 schools. Formed in 1998, the choir rehearses weekly, performs locally and embarks on summer tours across the United States and around the world.

The Fine Arts Series at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, which was established more than 30 years ago, is made up of four concerts staged throughout the year. The next performance in the series will be conducted at the church at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, and will feature the Lancaster British Brass Band.

"The Fine Arts Series has really blossomed over the last 30 years," said Book. "We want to reach out to the community and share our space and local talent. We're looking at things that can enrich the lives of the community. The more we can bring in programs that can speak to people, I think everybody benefits from that."

The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd was established in Lancaster in 1972. The church's mission is to live out Christ's unconditional love and radical hospitality in its worship, shared love and service to the world.

"Our attitude is that if someone shows up for worship or the fine arts series, they're welcome," said Book. "No matter who they are, no matter what they look like, no matter how they're dressed, we're thrilled when they come through our door."