When Dave Ryan, current pastor of Leola United Methodist Church (UMC), was a pastor at a UMC church in Chestertown, Md., he joined a community ukulele group. "I had played guitar," recalled Ryan, who bought a ukelele and learned to play it so he could be part of that group. He later started a ukulele gospel group in Chestertown.

After Ryan began serving at Leola UMC in July of 2022, he sought to create a similar group. "I thought (playing in a group) was so much fun, I would do it here," said Ryan, who announced the formation of a gospel ukulele group - called "Four Strings for Him" because a ukulele has four strings - in October of 2022.

Ryan's project bore fruit almost immediately. "Right away, six (church attendees) were interested," said Ryan, who began teaching interested parties to play. He noted that ukulele is not a difficult instrument to learn. "No other instrument gets people together like this to all play and sing," he said. "I taught people how to play, and they are doing good."

Four Strings for Him now includes assistant leader Rich Kelsall, along with team members Cherie Fithian, Elise Blanshine, Julia Welsh, Bob Steinruck, and Lee Gernert. The group meets to practice at Leola UMC, 7 W. Main St., Leola, at 11 a.m. on Thursdays. The group has built a repertoire of about 75 songs. "We play a lot of old hymns and old gospel tunes," said Ryan, who mentioned "I'll Fly Away" and a catchy Larry Norman tune called "Jesus Is the Rock, and He Rolls My Blues Away." "We always close with 'The Lord Bless and Keep You' to the tune of 'Edelweiss,'" noted Ryan, who added that a few songs include members playing kazoos.

Eventually, Ryan would like to see the group do one concert per month at retirement communities and other local venues. "So far, we have only played for our church," said Ryan, who added that the strummers opened the Dec. 8 Music on Main event at the church.

"We also have a children's group," said Ryan, who noted that a grant has provided 10 ukuleles that can be loaned to those who are interested in learning to play. Ryan explained that ukuleles come in different sizes, with the smallest being a soprano. "Most of us play tenor ukuleles," said Ryan, who added that there's also a baritone ukulele, but that all the instruments use the same finger patterns.

"It's fun (to play with the group)," pointed out Fithian.

"It has to be fun," added Blanshine, who recently attended a practice virtually while traveling in the southwest U.S. "I got home at 11:30 last night, and I am here."

"We're a fun group," added Ryan. "We never reach perfection (in our playing), but that's OK," he stated, adding, "We view ourselves as a small group of supportive people who just get joy in playing and singing together. We are always open to new people."

Readers who would like more information about the group may call 717-656-7600 or email LeolaUMC@gmail.com.