NewChurch Live Launches New Fundraising Initiative with Concert

“My personal hope is to be part of a team, a community, a church that is a bunch of doers,” said the Rev. Chuck Blair, senior pastor at NewChurch LIVE in Bryn Athyn. “I read a text from a parent whose kids are setting up a diabetes support group on line. Now that is someone who gets ‘religion is of life and the life of religion is to serve!’”

Blair’s wish for a community of “doers,” expressed nearly three years ago at the opening of NewChurch LIVE, will play out April 13-15 when the church hosts a “fun-filled” weekend of food, music - and some volunteer work - to raise funds for The Breathing Room Foundation, a Hatboro-based organization which assists families affected by cancer.

The venture is the first event of NewChurch LIVE Gives, recently established by the church - a Christian denomination and part of the New Church of Bryn Athyn - to “reach people in need and offer a helping hand through coordinated service efforts.” All proceeds from the event, entitled “A Weekend of Service,” go to The Breathing Room Foundation (www.breathingroomfoundation.org).

The weekend of activities begins Friday, April 13 with a four-course dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Tavolo Restaurant, 2519 Huntingdon Pike, Huntingdon Valley. Four meal options will be offered, plus wine and beer. Seating is limited.
Following is a dessert and coffee reception from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center, 800 Tomlinson Rd., Bryn Athyn, preceding a benefit concert from 8 to 10 p.m..

Headlining at the concert, which will feature classic rock, folk and pop music, will be the NewChurch LIVE band composed of Ray Adkins, Will Hodgson, Karl Frick, Myles Rothwell and Brian Herder. Opening for NCL will be the Four Plus band composed of Christine McDonald, Ellen Herder, Kevin Odhner and Edwin Herder. Guest musicians will join the groups on stage for various numbers. Among them will be Steve McDonald, Anders Alfelt, Andy Vernon and Reade McCardell.

Cost of the dinner, reception and concert is $150. Admission to the reception and concert only is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Tickets may be purchased at the NewChurch LIVE office, 2790 Huntingdon Pike, Bryn Athyn; by calling the church at 215-947-2166, or online at www.newchurchlivegives.eventbrite.com.

“A Day of Service” will be held Sat., April 14. Volunteer teams will visit Breathing Room families and assist with spring yard work. The day will begin with a continental breakfast for volunteers at 9:30 a.m. at the church office. Anyone interested is lending a hand is asked to contact NewChurch LIVE or register at the pre-concert reception.

The public is invited to hear a recap of the weekend’s contributions at NewChurch LIVE’s worship service Sun., April 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center, 800 Tomlinson Rd., Bryn Athyn. The service will include a special sermon by the Rev. Blair,” What is Courage?" and remarks by a guest speaker from The Breathing Room Foundation.

Services at NewChurch LIVE, which says it is “for those sure ‘the walls will cave in' if I ever go to church," include a Christian message supported by live music and videos.

For more information, send an e-mail to NewChurch LIVE at info@newchurchlive.tv, visit www.newchurchlive.tv, or call 215-947-2166.