This post is written by a good friend of mine, Kathy Barger, writer, poet and musician. She has captured the beauty of the Epiphany benefit concert and I hope you are as touched by it as I am.   Pamela

The word GRACE has been in my vocabulary for several weeks now and my brain has grasped for a meaning while reassuring me there was no need to define it.  John Newton called grace amazing and named it as a sound and Bono of U2 admitted this was profound to know grace as percussive rhythms like the sea that fills and feeds the tide pools.

           I was fed on the evening of January 6th like the starfish and anemones, not with food-rich waters, but with grace-filled sound. I sat in the third pew in an aisle seat in the beautiful Holy Cross Lutheran church in Rocklin still decorated with evergreens and poinsettias and a lovely Christmas tree. I had come to see and hear a Brass Ensemble Concert celebrating Epiphany and raising funds for the two charities Rehema Open Door and Always Mercy which are changing lives and bringing hope to people in Kenya.

           The talented musicians stood before me holding their polished horns tenderly as a parent holds their child. They played hymns, sonatas, a march, and other pieces by famous composers and modern artists too. There were selections played along with the piano or the organ that were rich and satisfying. I especially enjoyed it when two young men played a trombone duet, the harmonized notes coming out of the bell of their instruments as they slided back and forth with ease and confidence. I closed my eyes and imagined this wave of music floating out to those listening.

           I knew then what is meant that grace is a sound. It came to me sweetly and entered in and filled my well.

           And thank you to Deaconess Pamela for inviting me to this very wonderful evening.

           Kathy Barger

You can watch and listen to the concert on our YouTube channel

Kent Giese and Matthew Yee

Musicians from Left to Right back row: Kent & Kelly Giese, James Linder     Front row: Allison, Gary & Matthew Yee, Ellen Linder, Marian Metson

A heartfelt thanks to these talented musicians who generously gave of their time and talent. And to all who volunteered to make this event so wonderful! Together we raised over $6,400 for Always Mercy and Rehema Open Door.