The sanctuary of Lewinsville Presbyterian Church reverberated with melodies of peace, harmony and unity May 5 as the seventh annual McLean Interfaith Concert unfolded.
This year’s theme, “Building Bridges Through Music,” encapsulated the essence of the event, which saw a combined choir from eight local congregations serenading an audience of about 250 attendees.
Led by the coordination of Lani Richards from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the concert aimed to be more than just a musical performance; it was a testament to the power of collective spirit.
“After both events, I’ve had choir members, audience members and the pastors of the hosting churches say they wish we would have these concerts more often,” Richards said, reflecting on her second year of organizing the event.
The repertoire for the evening was curated by a committee of nine from Trinity United Methodist Church; First Church of Christ, Scientist; Immanuel Presbyterian; Temple Rodef Shalom; Lewinsville Presbyterian; and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From the vibrant rendition of “De Colores” to the soul-stirring performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” each song resonated with the audience, fostering a sense of connection that transcended religious boundaries.
Other pieces included “Hine Ma Tov” and “We Have Met Together,” enriching the musical tapestry of the evening.
“In times where it is so easy to fall into isolation, separation and divisiveness, the event is a way for us to draw closer to each other, drawn in by the power of music, to deepen our connections with each other, with the world and with God,” said Rev. Dr. Scott Ramsey of Lewinsville Presbyterian.
“In the symphony of our collective beliefs, we can also find a harmony of unifying principles and tenets that transcend the boundaries of creed and doctrine,” added Elizabeth Higginson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Charity, kindness, service, humility and love – these virtues, and more, form the bedrock of everyone’s spiritual journey.”
Significant support for the concert also came from John Nothaft of Lewinsville Presbyterian and Jerry Rich of Trinity United Methodist.
Attendees had the opportunity to provide donations for Share of McLean, a gesture underscoring the collective commitment to supporting those in need within the community.
A service fair organized before and after the concert provided attendees with the chance to learn about local nonprofits associated with Dar Al-Hijrah, the Ethiopian Community Development Council, Falls Church Community Service Council, Second Story and JustServe.
“This gathering was a great opportunity to connect community members with organizations that depend on volunteers to fulfill their missions,” said Melanie Sanders-Smith, who orchestrated the service fair.
