LAFAYETTE — First Lutheran Church of Lafayette will host the 50th annual Lafayette Community Christmas Carol Sing on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.

The event continues the 50-year tradition — started by the Methodist Church in Lafayette — of gathering the community to sing Christmas carols and enjoy songs by church choirs and individuals.

It’s extra special that, in these changing times, an event like this can continue for a half century.

The long-standing tradition began in 1972 when members of the Lafayette Methodist church chose to gather to sing Christmas carols because they didn’t have a Sunday School. Soon members of other Lafayette area churches were included, and the tradition grew.

The event continued, even after the Methodist church closed, as the Catholic and Lutheran churches alternated hosting the event. Now that St. Gregory the Great has also closed, the event rotates between First and Bernadotte Lutheran Churches each year.

The evening consists of singing familiar Christmas carols, along with numbers by local choirs and individuals (vocal or instrumental). Choirs or individuals that would like to share their talent, are invited to take part. Just come and tell the people in charge that you’d like to be on the program.