Inside Synod Events

Springfield, Champaign Churches to Host ‘Concerts of Caring’ to Benefit Lutheran Social Services of Illinois

On October 9, two C/SIS churches will each host a “Concert of Caring” to benefit programs of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) in the surrounding communities. St. John’s Lutheran Church in Springfield will host the concert beginning at noon, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Champaign will host the concert beginning at 7 p.m.

The concerts will feature Jearlyn Steele, whose has a unique ability to sing any kind of style of song: pop, rock, R&B, jazz or folk. She, along with her younger brother Billy, will present an unforgettable night of music

“We are thrilled to bring someone of Jearlyn Steele’s caliber to communicate a message of hope and healing for the communities that we serve,” says the Rev. Denver Bitner, D. Min., president/CEO of LSSI. He notes that through the concerts, “We want to tell the story of LSSI’s services around the state in an inspirational way.”

Steele has performed at numerous venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York City. She is a frequent guest on the A Prairie Home Companion radio show,and has recorded national and local commercials, as well as on numerous CDs for national artists, such as Prince. She is the host of a Sunday night talk show, Steele Talkin’, on WCCO Radio (Minneapolis), which is heard in 30 states. She will be accompanied by Billy Steele, who also is a singer, as well as the assistant director of the group Sounds of Blackness.

Tickets cost $15 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 217/793-3933 for Springfield; or 217/352-1732 for Champaign. For more information about Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, visit www.LSSI.org or LSSI’s Facebook page.