Mr Morris has been involved in the charity event since it began in 2009 but he had to pull-out because he is undergoing rehabilitation after suffering a stroke last month.

David Morgan from the Bible Society of Australia will fill in for Mr Morris, who has assured organisers that he will be back next year.

A choir of 30 singers will perform 12 hymns with the backing of an orchestra led by violinist Carolyn Gregg.

Mrs Gregg said the hymns had been selected from those being sung in churches around Maitland, and two of them had a South African rhythm.

Kathleen Waddell returns again this year as conductor, and ­newcomer Evanne Sherringham will play the organ.

The event will raise money for the work of the Bible Society of Australia in Rwanda. 

Mrs Gregg encouraged people to unite at St Peter’s Anglican Church at 2pm and enjoy the music.

“There are a couple of favourites as well as a lot of different hymns and its always a lovely afternoon,” she said.

Everyone who attends will be able to make a donation toward the cause during the event.