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Sunday, October 5 was a nice day
for the community to come out and enjoy great music while raising
money for a worthy cause. The Musical Offering for World Hunger at
Lincoln Christian Church was the final fundraising event for the
43rd annual Harvest of Talents for World Hunger before Harvest day
on October 24, also held at Lincoln Christian Church.
The event began with a welcome and prayer by Dr. Richard Knopp, who
reminded everyone that Harvest of Talents raises money to feed
hungry people around the world.
Directed by Tim Searby, there were many local vocalists and
musicians in addition to several former Lincolnites who make the
trip back to Lincoln to perform in the annual event, which began in
1992. This year, the concert had a combination of both sacred and
secular music with hymns, spirituals, patriotic music and Broadway
hits.
With 2026 being the 250th
anniversary of the United States, the concert fittingly began with
H.O.T. ensemble performing a rousing rendition of “America.” Next, a
small ensemble presented a Broadway musical magical medley of song
from “Something Rotten,” “Into the Woods,” “Newsies” and “Mary
Poppins.” Following the medley was an instrumental version of the
traditional spiritual “Poor Wayfaring Stranger” featuring pianist
Jennifer Ramsey, drummer Joe Kuhlman and guitarist John Stein.
With a beautiful soprano voice,
Aubrey Hawkinson sang the aria “Una voce poco fa” from “The Barber
of Seville.” A gospel medley ensemble then performed “Just Over in
Gloryland,” “We’ll Understand it Better by and by” and “When We All
Get to Heaven.”
Next were two solos from the
musical “Oliver” with Sheralyn Bolton as Nancy singing “As Long as
He Needs Me,” followed by Randy Storm as Fagin crooning “Reviewing
the Situation.” Both of these talented singers acted in past Lincoln
Community Theater performances of “Oliver.”
Soloist Brenda Popham then provided a rendition of “How are Things
in Gloccamorra” from the 1947 Broadway musical “Finian’s Rainbow.”
The talented Linda Storm next played “110th Street Rumba” on the
piano.
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A duet of “No More” from “Into the
Woods” featured the vocal talents of Jeff Prince and Tim Searby.
They were followed by soloist Debbie Kilgallin singing “Dream a
Little Dream of Me.” An arrangement of “My Tribute” showcased Austin
Garriot’s vocals with accompaniment by Kay Dobson on the piano.
Laurin Hill, LCC worship minister, then sang “Draw Thou My Soul.”
Playing the organ, Linda Storm shared a heartfelt rendition of
“Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
The H.O.T. ensemble then sang “The
Majesty and Glory of Your Name,” skillfully interpreted in American
Sign Language by Bethany Henry and Angela Rogers.
Harvest of Talents committee member Barb Messner gave the offering
meditation as Harvest of Talents committee members collected
donations. After the offering, Tim Searby played the Christmas Carol
“O Come All ye Faithful” on the organ. Following Searby’s
performance, a quartet made up of Brian Bolton, Richard Knopp, Jeff
Prince and Curtis Schleich sang the spiritual “Swing Down Chariot.”
The H.O.T ensemble then took the stage a final time to perform “God
Bless America” as the audience rose and joined in the singing.
As the concert ended, Searby announced $8,631 had been collected
during the musical offering. These funds will feed many hungry
people.
According to their website, “the
Harvest of Talents for World Hunger gives 100% of the funds raised
to alleviate spiritual and physical hunger in Jesus’ name. This
Christian ministry utilizes every person’s God-given talents and
relies upon God’s blessings to multiply those efforts to raise
funds. A variety of events and fundraisers are held throughout the
year, culminating in Harvest Day every fourth Saturday in October,
which features sales of food and hand-crafted items.”
This year the 43rd annual Harvest of Talents for World Hunger is
Saturday, October 24. Doors will open at 7 a.m. with breakfast and
the arts, crafts, and bake sale, followed by lunch at 11 a.m., kids’
activities, a petting zoo and the auction at 2 p.m.
Harvest of Talents musical offering photo slideshow
[Angela Reiners]
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