BUCYRUS–A Bucyrus church is planning a special event to promote peace and give hope to the people in the war-torn country of Ukraine.

Good Hope Lutheran Church, 129 W. Charles Street, is holding a Ukraine Relief Benefit Concert Sunday, May 1, at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary. The public is invited to attend the hour-long program filled with music, stories, and inspirational readings.

It’s being called “Peace for Ukraine.”

“It’s always been musicians that answer the call in these crisis matters,” said the Rev. Tancye Addison, the church’s pastor. “We’re trying to make it a very enjoyable hour, not just of great music, but also of great love.”

Those attending can also support the Eastern European nation by donating to Lutheran World Relief and Lutheran Disaster Response, Rev. Addison said, with 100-percent of the money collected going toward humanitarian efforts there.

Rev. Addison was inspired by her 94-year-old neighbor, Charlotte Leeth of Marseilles, to pitch the concert idea to the church’s council. Leeth has traveled to Ukraine 18 times as a missionary and has even sponsored an orphanage there, she said.

“Her stories are just fascinating. When the crisis came on, I couldn’t help but think of her stories, and it was on my heart,” Rev. Addison said. “I thought, we can do that here. We are one in Christ in this world, and so many people in the community are wanting to help.”

Rev. Addison said Leeth will give an inspirational message during the program. Heather Smith, a deacon in the Lutheran Church, will serve as master of ceremonies, and the concert will open with “We Are the World” and “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”

Good Hope Lutheran members Patty Neff and Gary Auck will perform a piano and organ duet, Rev. Addison said, while local violinist Mary Ann Basinger will direct a string ensemble.
The church’s choir, under the direction of Mike Zahn, will also sing.

United in Harmony, a Bucyrus-based men’s ensemble, will do Irving Berlin’s “Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor.”
“We figure that’s appropriate because there are so many refugees and other countries are taking them in, including the United States,” said the group’s president, Randy Fischer.

The four-part harmony chorus will also perform “Bring Him Home” from the hit musical “Les Miserables” as well as the concert’s closing hymn, “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” which will include audience participation,” Fischer said.

“We’re just happy to participate and help with this special event, and we look forward to adding to the program.”