ASHLAND, Ky. — Betty and Robert Stacy, of Louisa, Ky., paused from their shopping at the Ashland Town Center Friday to listen to the sound of children’s voices raised in song.

“This is beautiful,” Betty Stacy said. “They sure sound pretty, they really do.”

Carrie Woodberry, of Ashland, stopped to listen as well. “This is really nice,” she said.

Robert Garrison, of Ashland, thought so, too. “I just heard them as I was walking by right now. They’re great. Love to hear children singing.”

Lined up in rows outside the Belk Men’s Store, some 20 members of the Sugar Creek Christian Academy Praise Team offered traditional Christmas carols, everything from “Joy To The World” to “Away In A Manger.” The children range in age from kindergarten through 10th grade.

The praise team, director Danny Payne explained, was the brainchild of two young students, Alyssa Robinson and Jordan Callahan.

The children not only sing, they also perform community service.

“This is more than a choir,” Payne said. “We have a Christian perspective. We’re teaching them to help their fellow man and to be a witness (for Christ).”

The town center performance was the third of three such concerts Friday. The team also sang at Jo-Lin Health Center and Sanctuary of the Ohio Valley.

“We want to teach them to use their talents and the gifts God gave them for his glory,” Sugar Creek Pastor and Principal Mike Long explained.