Fundraiser concert to feature Summer Pearson

Each year, Mike Stoltzfus, an elder at Calvary Monument Bible Church (CMBC), searches for entertainment to help raise funds for the church's youth mission trip. This year, he found five different performers to propose to the committee. "They all chose Summer (Pearson)," recalled Stoltzfus, who noted that the beauty of Pearson's voice is possibly the reason for the unanimous decision.

Pearson, who is an award-winning singer-songwriter, will give a concert at the church, at 1660 Mine Road, Paradise, on Friday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. The concert will be free and open to the public. A freewill offering to benefit the summer youth mission trip will be received at the concert.

Pearson recognized her love of reaching others through song at a young age when she soloed in church, but she pursued a career as an attorney with the federal government before giving in to the call to use her powerful vocals to connect with others. She is the recipient of a number of awards, including the 2021 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival's Musical Theatre Intensive Outstanding Vocalist title and the 2018 ACHI Magazine Songstress of the Year award.

According to CMBC pastor Chris Lenhart, Pearson will share some of her story during the concert. Stoltzfus reported that Pearson's selections will include contemporary worship songs along with love songs, since the concert is just a few days prior to Valentine's Day. He also mentioned rhythm and blues music. "She may throw in some Broadway (songs)," added Stoltzfus, who noted that Pearson was excited to learn that funds raised at the concert would benefit a youth mission trip. "(Pearson) was thrilled," stated Stoltzfus. "She checked out our website, and she loved the direction our church was going," he added.

Youth pastor Josiah Reimold said that the current plan is for up to 25 youths from the church to spend five days working with Hub 450 at 450 N. Prince St., Lancaster. "Hub 450 provides connections for refugees settling in Lancaster," said Lenhart. Reimold noted that the work is being organized through Eastern Mennonite Missions and that the students will work with young children of refugees on English as a Second Language skills. Neighbors Cafe and Community Center, which is part of Hub 450, is a multicultural gathering place for connecting, learning, and celebrating. "Today our neighbors can be people from the other side of the world," pointed out Lenhart. "Isn't that amazing?"

Reimold agreed that it will be interesting for youths from the Paradise area to be immersed in the downtown Lancaster environment for a week. "When it comes to missions, you don't have to go out of state," he noted. "There are ministries closer to home than you might realize."

Past concerts have raised from $800 to $1,000. Reimold hopes this year's event raises at least that much.

Readers who would like to learn more about the event may visit http://www.calvarymonument.org or search for "Calvary Monument Bible Church" on Facebook or Instagram. Updates will also be announced on WJTL and WDAC.