Bayview Baptist Church, San Diego's largest African -American congregation, continues to challenge the boundaries toward effective evangelism and outreach ministry. A landmark event in the history of the church is scheduled for Sunday, December 21 with the release of "Bless Thou The Lord" - the first ever-Live Concert Recording by the 125-voice Chancel (Mass) Choir.

"Bless Thou The Lord" contains 12 original selections and a Pastoral Message from Dr. Winters. Selections include a diverse variety of musical genres - Reggae, Negro Spiritual, Anthem, Traditional Gospel, African, and Contemporary Gospel.

Pastor Dr. Timothy J. Winters states, "I have long dreamed of having a vehicle to take the unique Bayview product, in this case - the awesome music ministry of the Bayview Church, to a broad audience." He continues, "We have plans to utilize the Live Recording product to expand and enhance our outreach ministries. We also plan to forward hundreds of CDs and tapes to soldiers stationed throughout the world."

Under the leadership of the Minister of Music, Norma Johnson, the Bayview Church Chancel Choir is known throughout the country for its presentation of diverse, worshipful music. MANDATE Records, a San Diego company, has worked with Johnson and various songwriters on a well-balanced program of original music. Much of the music was written specifically for the gifts of the Chancel Choir.

Johnson comments, "It has been a challenging experience to take this choir to the next level of musicality and commitment to ministry. The experience has not only changed the choir for the better as a whole, it has also been an individual spiritual growth experience for each choir member."