Evergreen Singers, a choir of about 39 voices, gave a benefit concert for the Center for Healing & Hope on Sunday, August 13. The performance was at Plymouth United Church of Christ where the Center for Healing & Hope has its clinic facilities and offices.

The choir sang 15 pieces and two of these were premier performances. “Grace to you and peace” was commissioned from Lee Dengler and Susan Naus Dengler by a member of the choir. It is based on verses from the book of Revelation and featured a trumpet solo from Chloe Harms. A second debut performance was “Our shepherd leads,” with lyrics written by Janet Anderson, an employee at Greencroft Retirement Center in Goshen and music by the choir’s director, Dan Steiner. Accompanying the choir and performing several organ pieces was Laurie Blough.

In a surprise element of the concert, three employees of the Center for Healing & Hope performed as a trio, singing “Longing forLight” by Bernadette Farrell. Trio members were Mary Klassen, communications specialist; Dominique Chew, office manager and immigrant resources coordinator; and Bryan Mierau, executive director.

A free-will offering was taken during the concert, resulting in a total gift of more than $3,000 for the Center’s work of proving urgent medical care and advocacy programs for immigrants.

Center for Healing Hope