Share-A-Christmas Benefit Concert will be immersed in nature

Jann Hershberger will present the 16th annual Share-A-Christmas Benefit Concert on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. at Martins Creek Mennonite Church.

The night of music has grown into a nice fundraiser for Share-A-Christmas, having begun 15 years ago on a $100 investment.

Hershberger used her connections and brought in talent in that first year. She has been doing so ever since, combining singing, instrumentals, acting and the Christmas spirit. That has led to word of mouth, and the show has grown, as has the generosity of the people who attend the event. In its 15-year run the show has raised close to $50,000.

This year’s concert is titled “Let Heaven and Nature Sing” and will feature talent from Wayne, Holmes and Tuscarawas counties.

As she did last year, Hershberger is teaming up with Pam Goller, who will add her story-telling to the evening.

“Jann is at it again,” Goller said of how creative and unique Hershberger’s concerts have become. “She is busy gathering musicians and actors to showcase this year’s theme.”

The plan this year is to transform the sanctuary at Martins Creek church into an outdoor scene that complements heaven and nature.

Newcomers to the concert this year are West Holmes High School graduate and Northside Baptist Church worship leader Tristan Yoder; Hiland High School and Akron University alumni Trey Hawkins on the keyboard; young Brianna Reifsnyder, a current student at Central Christian who will perform a piano solo; MCMS drummer/pianist Adam Heath, who will perform one of his own piano compositions; and Rob Wilson and Bekah Smith, who will tell the Christmas story throughout the evening. In addition Chris Deffenbaugh, owner of The Oak Barrel in Berlin, will have a special surprise for the audience.

Sprinkled in with the newcomers are some of the old favorites including Rachel Miller, who will present another one of her skits; Marcella Miller, who will bring another sign-language dance rendition to life; popular singer and pianist Tim Noble, who will perform a medley of holiday favorites; and Janie Terwilliger, music director at Kingsway Christian, along with other performances.

A recently discovered letter from the innkeeper’s wife in Bethlehem also will be read by Goller. “Interspersed throughout the evening will be an opportunity for the crowd to join in the fun by participating in congregational singing of some old-time Christmas favorites,” she said. “It will help get everyone in the Christmas spirit.”

The donations will eventually be put to use in providing food, toys and more to area families in need as part of the Share-A-Christmas outreach.

While there is plenty of fun and lively activity combined with the serious message of faith and hope in the birth of the Christ Child, it is the people of Holmes County who will benefit monetarily.

“This show has become such a big part of our fundraising effort, and for those who haven’t been to the concert, it is an evening that is inspiring in so many ways,” said Bob Porter, SAC chairman. “We are very grateful to Jann and to the performers for having the vision and commitment to help others.”

Holmes County Share-A-Christmas began 29 years ago when several area families got together and helped a total of eight families in need during the Christmas season. That year the families of Mike Taylor, Bill Baker, John Thern and Sam Steimel created Holmes County Share-A-Christmas, and little did they realize that nearly three decades later the organization would annually make close to 300 area families and dozens of senior citizens part of the giving process. Each year the community at large also gives more than $100,000, and area schools raise as much as 20,000 pounds of food to give to the families.

Porter said the continued giving is crucial to the organization being able to continue to meet the needs of families who are chosen through poverty guidelines.

“While we have touched the lives of many families, this really began as a labor of love for the children of our county and the heartfelt kindness these original families wanted to show to the children,” Porter said. “That is where Share-A-Christmas’ roots are firmly planted and always have been.”

“Because of people’s generosity, this concert has raised more than $50,000 to help the needy in Holmes County in various ways,” Goller said. “Every penny of the offering goes to Share-A-Christmas with the expenses for the benefit being taken care of by the committee and friends. So please come and enjoy the program and stay for refreshments.”

Martins Creek Mennonite Church is located at 6111 County Road 203, west of Berlin. Refreshments and child care will be provided for the evening.