The first major community-wide hymn sing in several years is set for the La Porte Civic Auditorium at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 23. Doors will open at 2:45pm. Sponsored by Faith and Community United, a group of local church pastors and church leaders, the diverse program will feature melodically unique arrangements of “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art” by The Singing Company of La Porte County under the leadership of Matt Nelson, Music Director. The North American Brass Company will open the event with a unique arrangement of “God Bless America.”

The Revival Center Music Ministry Choir from Michigan City will be performing” Total Praise” (also known as “Lord, I will Lift Mine Eyes to the Hill”) by Richard Smallwood. This hymn, which is a favorite with Afro-American congregations, paraphrases several passages of scripture and amplifies their meaning with an inspiring musical setting. The Rev. DeWitt Jackson is their director.

The Hispanic Choir from Holy Family Parish will be singing one of their favorite hymns, “Danos un Corazon,” otherwise known as “Give us a Strong Heart.” Patrick Watterson, Music Director for Holy Family Parish, will be their piano accompanist.

Several other hymns, including “Down by the Riverside,” “Day by Day,” “On Eagle’s Wings,” “Because He Lived,” and “What a Friend we have in Jesus,” will include audience participation along with the choral groups and the North American Brass Company.

Elder Leigh Morris, a member of Faith and Community United, who has coordinated planning for the event, underscored the significance of a community-wide event of this type. “Singing together of God’s goodness and power helps to unite a community with God and each other. With all the technological connections at our fingertips, it’s ironic that we live in a society in which we are disconnected from basic human interaction. When we sing hymns together, we are uniting with those around us. And when we sing hymns of the past, we are sharing in faith with those who have gone before us.”

Sauers Buick GMC is the event sponsor for Singspiration. Added support from area churches, organizations and individuals will make it possible for the event to be open to all with no admission charge. A free-will offering will be help fund a new grove of trees at Kesling Park, addressing protection of the environment, another priority of Faith and Community United.

Original source can be found here.