‘Will Sing For Food’ concerts huge success
The third annual “Will Sing For Food” concerts returned to Freeport and Garden City, performing to enthusiastic crowds and raising awareness, funds, and food donations for area food pantries. The concerts were organized by Andrew Morreale and Melissa Ryan, and were under the musical direction of George Petersen, music director at The First Presbyterian Church of Freeport. More than 30 talented musicians and vocalists representing both communities performed a variety of music from pop to rock and folk to the American Songbook. Cathryn Mezzo compiled firsthand accounts of people living with and working against hunger and crafted them into spoken vignettes that put a human face to the ongoing issue.
This year’s cast included Alex DeMars, Alexandra Vernice, Amber Henriquez, Andrew Morreale, Anna Morreale, Bill Volz, Billy Lucano, Chris Burcheri, Lauren Burcheri, Emily Schaubeck, Emma Volz, George Bashian, George Petersen, Glenn Schifano, Jillian Yoo, John Mezzo, Zachary Mezzo, Kay Mollica, Louis DeMars, Packy Bunn, Rick Herbst, Jonathan Warhurst, Terry Hensley, Arielle Hensley, Maura Ryan, Melissa Ryan, Mike Veny, and Phillip Sharpe with the Deeper Life Worship Choir.
The concerts were held at two churches. The Worship, Arts and Music, in combination with the Board of Session at the First Presbyterian Church of Freeport hosted the first concert on Jan. 3. The Reverend Thomas W. Goodhue, executive director of the Long Island Council of Churches, welcomed the cast. They were joined by the choir of the Deeper Life Worship Church led by Phillip Sharpe. On Jan. 4, the group performed the second concert at the Garden City Community Church hosted by the Board of Outreach. Again, joined by the Deeper Life Choir and welcomed by the Reverend Jim Adelmann the evening was a high-energy celebration of music, fellowship, and humanity.
This year’s concerts were the most successful yet, raising close to $5,600 to help fund the Long Island Council of Churches’ food pantries. But the needs of the food pantries do not end there. The generosity must continue to keep these shelves stocked. Garden City Community Church has a drop box conveniently located at the Kensington and Whitehall entrances and The First Presbyterian Church of Freeport accepts donations at their Sunday services. You can also donate online at www.liccdonate.org
The Garden City Community Church (GCCC) 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 a.m. communion in the chapel and 10:30 a.m. worship in the sanctuary. The forum is held at 9:15 a.m. 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. For more information, please call 516-746-1700, e-mail ChurchOffice@GardenCityCommunityChurch.org or visit www.Garden CityCommunityChurch.org
The First Presbyterian Church of Freeport is a multicultural congregation that purposefully practices the ministry of reconciliation among its diverse membership. Services are on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. 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
