You can't keep 'em from singing and, on Saturday night, no one will try.

Everyone is invited to come to the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church Gospel Singing Festival at 7 p.m. Saturday night, and, anyone who feels like singing is welcomed to life their voice in song.

The Rev. Herbert Reynolds, church pastor, said Roy Brooks, minister of music, is the coordinator of the event which is expected to attract a large number of groups and soloists from all across the county and beyond.

"All area churches have been invited," he said. "We've asked choirs, groups and soloists to sing and the response has been good. We expect a big turnout for the Gospel Singing Festival."

The Mount Olive No. 2 Men's Chorus and County Line Baptist Church Choir will be two of the featured groups at the festival.

Reynolds said each group or soloist will sing a couple of songs and, if time permits, will be invited to come back for another song later in the program. The Gospel Singing Festival will feature gospel and contemporary Christian music and the old familiar hymns. And, those who want to sing along will be invited to do so.

The program will include a devotional before each performance, so it's also a scriptural service, Reynold said.

This is the second Gospel Singing Festival the church has hosted. The other was in the fall and was very successful, Reynolds said.

Both festivals are in support of the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church's building fund.

Churches and groups are encouraged to make a $10 donation to the building fund that supports the church's renovation project.

"We've come a long way with the renovation project but we still have a way to go before we close it out," Reynolds said. "The communion hall has to be finished, but this festival should help us complete that part of the renovation project."

Refreshments will be sold at the Festival with the proceeds going toward the building fund.

Reynolds said churches that are not able to participate in the Singing Festival may support the building project by sending a donation.

"We appreciate the support of other churches, groups and individuals in making it possible for us to renovate our church," he said. "We have a growing congregation and are excited about the future of our church."

Worship services are held at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church at 11:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Sundays of the month and at 6 p.m. on third Sundays. Everyone is invited to attend.

New Zion Missionary Baptist Church is located on County Road 2 (the Lake Simmie Road) just below the caution light at Highways 231 and 125 below Brundidge.