SOMERS POINT — Grace Lutheran Church is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a series of events that began with a kickoff luncheon in February and will continue with a free concert this fall.
Part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Grace Lutheran was formed in 1924 and built the original church on Shore Road in 1928. The building, which has been expanded multiple times over the past century, occupies the block between Dawes and Meyran avenues.
The Playmates Quartet featuring Scott Breiner, Pamela Whitman, Rich Kurtz and Jason Koenig is scheduled to perform at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the church. A reception will follow the concert.
A free will offering will be collected to benefit the Humane Society of Ocean City and Beacon Animal Rescue, two organizations that are close to the musicians’ hearts.
Breiner, who is music director at the church, said he has adopted a pet from each of the animal welfare groups. Whitman, a flutist from Beesleys Point who plays with the Ocean City Pops, has adopted animals from Beacon.
Breiner said he and Whitman have worked together to raise money for the groups twice in the past.
Breiner said contributions can be made to each of the organizations individually by writing a check in their name or to the church, which will divide what it collects evenly.
According to its website, the music program at Grace Lutheran is a rich, vibrant and integral part of the worship experience.
Breiner said the traditional Lutheran liturgy “ties the entire worship service together from prelude to postlude, through anthems, special music and sermon. Whatever the text of the day is, a reading from the Bible, I try to tie that all together so there is continuity.”
The church’s music program features an adult choir, including talented soloists and small groups. Instrumentalists occasionally augment worship or the choir joins other church choirs and chorales to present major musical works.
Services and special musical events are supported by the church’s three-keyboard Rodgers Digital Organ.
The three-manual organ contains 58 stops and 74 ranks in primary specification. Twelve speakers carry stereophonic sound throughout the sanctuary and social hall. “It’s a wonderful instrument,” Breiner said, noting most electronic organs are manufactured by Allen but Grace Lutheran’s is a “top-of-the-line Rodgers.”
Breiner said the concert will include some Claude Bolling jazz, a couple of pieces composed by Whitman and bass player Rich Kurtz and some music by CPE Bach.
He said he has been blessed over the years “that people have come to appreciate what I do and that there is some respect for what I do there, as well as when they listen to the sermon being preached.”
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff