"Will Sing for Food" Concerts a Success

     The charity concerts, "Will Sing for Food" were performed by over 30 musicians this past weekend to great acclaim. Two Nassau County churches sponsored the concerts this year. The first night the Garden City Community Church hosted the concert. The second night the show was reprised at the First Presbyterian Church in Freeport. The Deeper Life Fellowship Choir joined them Saturday.
     The entertaining and experienced musicians donated their time and talents to fund the great need at the Long Island Council of Churches food pantries. This year, there is a special fund for Hurricane Sandy victims. The Reverend Jim Adelmann, Senior Minister at Garden City Community Church said, "I just want to thank our performers for offering their gifts and talents to help others. I know it was a lot of hard work to pull this all together, but hope you know that the fruits of your labors were well worth it."
     "There is an intense power in music to inspire powerful emotions and thoughts. The concerts brought much joy and hope to a people attempting to overcome the many setbacks and struggles that appear insurmountable. In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, 'It is in giving that we received,'" remarked The Reverend Eddie Jusino of the First Presbyterian Church of Freeport.
     Director, Andrew Morreale said, "This year's event was a huge success raising a combined $5,500 from Garden City and Freeport. Friday night we gave a stellar performance to an audience of 150. The following night in Freeport, many would agree that God's presence was truly felt. The Deeper Life Fellowship Choir was a magical addition to our program. The audience was dancing in the aisles!"
     George Petersen, Music Director of the First Presbyterian Church of Freeport stated, "I am always astounded by people's generosity, especially when the focus is on a basic concern like hunger. I am incredibly grateful that it was so well received by both of these Long Island communities."
     The concerts were such a success that they will be performed again soon.           
     The Garden City Community Church is an “Open & Affirming” congregation of the United Church of Christ (Protestant), so no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey all are welcome. On Sundays the GCCC has 8:30 am Communion in the Chapel and 10:30 am worship in the Sanctuary. The Forum is held at 9:15 am. Church Sunday School is held during the regular service, with babysitting in the Crib Room for children under two years old, equipped with silent pagers for parents. The Garden City Community Church is handicap accessible with ramps on the Whitehall Boulevard side of the church and a full elevator to the lower level.  Please call 516.746.1700 e-mail ChurchOffice@GardenCityCommunityChurch.org or go to www.GardenCityCommunityChurch.org for more information.
     The First Presbyterian Church of Freeport is a multicultural congregation that purposefully practices the ministry of reconciliation among its diverse membership. Because of their diversity- culturally and racially- they are pioneering new ways of doing worship, fellowship and community outreach that reflect their diverse community. They practice an open communion, that no matter where you come from and/or going, they will always welcome and share with you the "Bread of Life" and drink from the "Cup of Grace." Services are on Sunday mornings at 10 am to sing, pray and proclaim God's Word of hope, peace, joy and love. For more information or to speak to Pastor Eddie, please call 516.379.1114, email reved.jusino@verizon.net or visit www.ffpcny.org. 
     (photos by Suzie Alvey)