Editor’s note: Kay Collings is a longtime Chronicle columnist.

There is a saying often heard among church groups and people of faith when someone is asked to do something they may not feel qualified to do: "God does not call the equipped; He equips the called."

When she was asked to take over her church's Christmas and Easter productions, Pelion resident Kay Collings, 81, accepted the call, trusting that the Lord would use her.

Since 2017, Collings has led her church's Christmas and Easter productions. Not only has she overseen the programs, but she has also written, directed and compiled suggested musical scores for each production.

After the success of her Christmas and Easter productions, a close friend encouraged Collings to write a book that would provide churches with a how-to for producing their own holiday programs.

With encouragement from her friend, Collings submitted her work to Christian Faith Publishing.

"My best friend, Rhonda Grimes, was really pushing me to write this and send it to a publisher," Collings said. "I honestly finally wrote this to get my friend off my back. I didn't think anyone would be interested in publishing it. I truly can't believe a publisher approved it, and it's now a book."

The publishing process took about a year. From editing the manuscript to designing the cover, Collings described the experience as "very exciting." Her book, “Christmas and Easter Programs for Church Choirs Adult Characters,” was released in May 2026.

Collings said her book is designed to help churches that need assistance planning holiday productions. It includes five Christmas programs she has written and directed, along with eight Easter programs. Each program contains scripts for speakers and narrators, as well as suggested musical scores.

She said all of her productions are rooted in scripture and follow a biblical timeline. Collings incorporates numerous Old Testament prophecies into her plays to illustrate how they point to the events of Christmas and Easter.

After 28 years of marriage, Collings dedicated her first published book to her husband, Benny, who died in 2019.

In addition to being a published author, Collings has many creative talents that she uses to serve others. In 2017, she began creating stained-glass art and "egg art," a craft in which she transforms eggs into works of art. She is also a weekly columnist for the Lexington County Chronicle, where she writes about events and happenings in her hometown of Pelion.

Her involvement extends beyond the arts. Collings has served for many years as co-chair of Convent Baptist Church's women's ministry and is an active member of the Pelion Ruritan Club, which supports community service efforts throughout Pelion.

Collings is also an avid cat lover and enjoys spending time with her five cats: Oreo, Charlie, Memphis, Smokey and Coco.

"I have been so blessed throughout my life to learn and do different things," Collings said. "I love Jesus, and I am so grateful to Him for my abilities, health and mind."

“Christmas and Easter Programs for Church Choirs Adult Characters” is available for purchase on Amazon.