Modesto (Calif.) Christian Reformed Church teamed up with eight other churches to create the first Bells of Blessing concert to raise money for the Salvation Army.
A hand bell concert rang in the holiday season and raised money for the Salvation Army.
It was the brainchild of Carol Slager, a member of the Modesto CRC, to “ring in” the holidays.
More than 80 ringers from bell choirs in the area were directed by Rich Colla, a local worship minister and college choir director. The mass hand bell choir played a number of hymns, including “Amazing Grace” and “All Glory Laud and Honor.”
The event drew over 300 people and raised more than $3,400 for the Salvation Army.
“We came up with the name—Bells of Blessing, Hands in Concert Bringing Hope—knowing the concerted efforts of playing and giving would bless our community by financially supporting the work of the Salvation Army, would bless the churches as they united in an effort, would bless the audience with the music and through the opportunity to give, and would bless the hand bell players getting to know and learn from each other,” said Slager.