By Paige Vogt

“I’d like to see how other people worship Jesus Christ.” The thought stuck with local salesman Andy Vigue, and was the genesis of a musical interfaith Easter celebration, “Jesus Christ is Risen!” to be held on April 3 from 7:00 to 8:00pm.

The event will be hosted at the chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 1655 S Melpomene Way, and is free and open to the public. Featured musical groups will include the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus, The Desert Sky United Methodist Handbell Choir, a Church of Jesus Christ children’s chorus and more.

The idea first came to Andy, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, last Christmas as he looked for opportunities to enjoy other churches’ unique perspectives and traditions. But with Easter coming up, he realized he didn’t have to wait a whole year. “We’ve worked hard to include not only people of different faiths, but different styles of music,” he said.

The Desert Sky United Methodist Handbell Choir is comprised of youth and adults, each responsible for just a few bells, who collectively create a beautiful melody. According to the church’s Reverend Candace Lansberry, music has a unifying power for both performers and listeners. “Music puts us all in one place at one time to experience a story,” she said.

There’s also power in gathering together, no matter your background. “I’d like to share how much we have in common,” Andy said.  Reverend Lansberry said that “It broadens our understanding of who the family of God is.”