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When the New Generation Singers take the stage at First Presbyterian Church at 7 p.m. Sunday, Hanna Long will be part of the ensemble. Along with her fellow singers, she will lift up her voice in song and praise the Lord.

But what makes this concert special for the 15-year-old is that she will be singing in her home church. That should be fun, the teen says.

Singing is nothing new for Long. Since this is her second year with the New Generation Singers, she’s a veteran.

“One of my friends talked me into it,” she says.

Hey, what are friends for?

Although a friend may have talked her into auditioning, Long hopes to remain with the New Generation Singers for several more years, perhaps even into college, she says.

The New Generation Singers, a Christian ensemble, was formed in 1970 by Bryon Myers. The group, which has a mission of spreading faith and fellowship in song, is comprised of about 100 area high school and college students. Members come from different churches and denominations. The group performs at local and area churches, including its home church, Ashland United Methodist, and embarks on a two-week tour every summer. (Check out the New Generation Singers’ Web site, www.newgsingers.com, for links to their YouTube videos and blog.)

Jerry Anderson, director of music at First Presbyterian, expects the Sunday concert will draw a good crowd.

“The kids have a lot of energy,” he says.

And their music has a message, both he and Long agree. Although the music changes with the times, it retains its Christian appeal. It is music that never goes out of style. Long says that she can feel the presence of God when the group sings.

One of Long’s favorite songs is “Dive.” That song, she says, “kind of explains how you just need to dive into issues in your life.”

Admission to the concert will be a free-will offering, which will be used to help the group with its tour expenses. A reception will follow the concert.