The congregation at St. James Lutheran Church might be small, but that doesn't stop them from making a big impact on the community. They routinely support organizations and groups in the area, and they hold events that are open to the public. They will host a Gospel Sing on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the church, 655 S. 10th St., Columbia.

The event will spotlight Ben Ninmann on piano. Originally from Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, Ninmann has also lived in North Carolina, Long Island and Michigan before making Lancaster his home nearly 40 years ago. He has spent the past decade playing at St. James Lutheran Church. Beyond that, he performs with The Maxwell Project and 3 Hour Tour and also serves as the resident pianist at the Greenfield Restaurant.

Leo Barninger will serve as master of ceremonies, and Jetty Gerfin will lead the songs. Ninmann will be featured in three solo songs at the Gospel Sing.

"This is our second year of doing the Gospel Sing," said Darlene Brown, a member of the church's outreach committee. "There was such a great turnout last year, we decided to do it again. All are welcome!"

The Gospel Sing is one way the church works to connect with the greater community. What happens in Columbia and the surrounding area is just as important to the church members as what goes on inside the sanctuary, Brown noted.

"Our attending congregation is small, but we are strong in doing and providing for our community," she shared. The church has supported the Columbia Food Bank, held a sock drive for people experiencing homelessness and assembled personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief, among other efforts.

The church members also work with other groups to obtain financial support for their outreach efforts, Brown remarked.

"We would like to thank Thrivent financial for an Action Team Grant for this event," she said of the Gospel Sing.

St. James Lutheran Church has a long history in Columbia. It was founded in the east end of Columbia through the efforts of St. John's Church and its pastor, A.M. Mehrkam. The church held a Christmas program in December of 1902, and, after a canvas of the area to determine the needs of people right in the neighborhood, a service of worship was held at the Susquehanna Fire Company House on Jan. 4, 1903. A group of pastors, including Pastor Mehrkam and Lancaster Conference president Dr. J.W. Hassler, addressed the 48 people present for the service. By 1906, the church had grown to the point that a more suitable worship space was needed, and the lot at 10th and Manor streets was purchased for $1,200. Soon a chapel was erected at a cost of $1,800, and it was filled to capacity for the consecration on Nov. 17, 1907.

Brown anticipates that the Gospel Sing will be an opportunity for everyone to experience some old-fashioned entertainment.

"Please join us for an uplifting afternoon of singing or just listening to some southern gospel songs," she said.

Light refreshments will be served following the Gospel Sing. A freewill offering will be received to benefit the Columbia Food Bank. For more information on the church, search for "Saint James Lutheran Church" on Facebook.