Asked about her inspiration for holding an outdoor concert, St. John's Center Lutheran Church director of music and organist Vickie Kissinger responded simply, "We love to sing."

A concert in the grove will be held at St. John's Center Lutheran Church, 599 Reading Road, East Earl, on Sunday, Sept. 26, at 3 p.m. The concert will feature Pennsylvania State Senior Idol winner Kissinger and Dr. Jun Chon. AHAVA band from Mellingers Evangelical Lutheran Church in Schoeneck will also perform. The concert will feature traditional Christian music/hymns, gospel, and contemporary Christian music. In the case of inclement weather, the concert will be held on Friday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m.

Kissinger is a mezzo-soprano and classically trained pianist and organist with a concentration in jazz piano studies. She studied under master voice teacher Thomas Houser. She holds a degree in music education from Millersville University.

Chon, who is a tenor, is an avid vocalist, performing at weddings and events, and singing at local churches. Chon is a graduate of Tulane University. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Chon is known for improvement initiatives he has championed at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital.

"This is our third attempt to sing a concert since Nov. 2, 2013," noted Kissinger. That first concert was a fundraiser for Relay For Life. A second concert was planned for Nov. 2, 2019, but it was canceled when Chon's family had a pressing conflict. The concert was rescheduled for May 2020, but it was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Kissinger is director of music at Mellingers Evangelical Lutheran Church, Shoeneck, where she formed a praise band called AHAVA, which means "love" in Hebrew. "There's a lot of musical talent there, so it's working wonderfully," said Kissinger. "We have all professional musicians in the band," she added, pointing out that two of the members are also participants in the well-known Craven Family Band. Calling the songs AHAVA will perform "new and fresh," Kissinger said members are looking forward to performing a different genre of music. AHAVA members include Kissinger as director and on keyboard and vocals; the Rev. Tim Craven, church pastor, on guitar and vocals; Kim Craven on bass; Erin and John Biles providing vocals; and Jonathan Hogan on percussion.

Those who are planning to attend are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating. Social distancing in accordance with current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols will be practiced. A freewill offering will be received. Readers who have questions may call 717-354-6575 or email vickiekissinger@gmail.com.