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See North Star Initiative
Kat Prickett, one of the four vocalists who present “Then Sings My Soul,” likes to say she “grew up on Billy Graham.” “My grandparents, Lee and Mildred Peiffer of Lebanon, were instrumental in exposing me to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association,” noted Prickett. “I have such a deep respect for Mr. Graham and his ministry.” With a background in production, producing, and also performing, Prickett long contemplated putting together a program featuring hymns and their rich histories. When Graham passed away in 2018, Prickett knew the time had come.
The resulting program, “Then Sings My Soul,” is a presentation featuring hymns and songs associated with the ministry of Billy Graham, which has been presented yearly since Prickett created it. “Then Sings My Soul” will be presented at Salem Hellers Church, 2555 Horseshoe Road, Lancaster, on Sunday, July 31, at 3 p.m. The original musical program will delve into the history of the hymns and how they connect to the life and ministry of Billy Graham. The program will be sung in four-part harmonies with live piano accompaniment. As a special addition for the show, the Salem Hellers church choir will join the group on the sing-alongs. There is no admission to attend. A freewill offering will be accepted.
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Originally, the show was to be presented as part of a summer entertainment series at the The Red Caboose Motel and Restaurant in Strasburg, but that evolved into a week of touring area retirement communities and an appearance at The Junction Center attended by more than 400. In the last four years, the group has been to more than 80 U.S. locations.
Rather than simply offering a musical experience, Prickett has filled the show with pieces of history, including the fact that “How Great Thou Art” was not a wellknown song in the U.S. until Billy Graham’s crusades. “In 1954, the song was given to George Beverly Shea and performed at the London Crusade,” explained Prickett, who said that the Graham team brought it to Graham, who reportedly loved the song and quickly made it the crusade’s signature song. “On June 16, 1957, during the famous Billy Graham New York Crusade at Madison Square Garden, ‘How Great Thou Art’ was introduced to Christians in the U.S.,” said Prickett.
According to Prickett, the message of “Then Sings My Soul” should not be construed as a celebration of Billy Graham, the man, but rather as a way to share the Gospel message through the stories of the hymns. “The message is the same as Mr. Graham’s always was his whole life,” said Prickett. “God loves YOU … wherever you are (and) no matter what you’ve done. It’s never too late to start a relationship with Jesus Christ.” She noted that she and her fellow singers always hope that audience members leave feeling a little happier and more hopeful. Prickett said that those who attend find the songs moving and will often tell her that they grew up singing the songs or that they have another connection to the music. She noted that her favorite moment is the end of the program when the Gospel message is presented and “Amazing Grace” and “Because He Lives” are sung. “We leave people with the hope and peace that only Jesus can provide,” she said.
More information may be found at www.thensingsmysoulpa.com.
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Vocalists who will present “Then Sings My Soul” at Salem Hellers Church are (from left) Ric Zimmerman, Sarah Poague, Daniel Gorham, and Kat Prickett.
Laurence Appointed To Naval Academy
Paige Laurence
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Paige Laurence, a resident of Lancaster and a graduate of Manheim Township High School, was inducted into the United States Naval Academy Class of 2026 on June 30. She was then scheduled to begin six weeks of basic midshipman training as part of Plebe Summer.
During this training, Laurence will develop skills in seamanship, navigation, damage control, sailing, and handling yard patrol craft. Other activities will include moral, mental, physical, and professional development; team-building; infantry drills; and formal parades. The rigor of Plebe Summer is designed to help freshmen prepare for their first academic year at the Naval Academy and the four years of challenges that await them.
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In response to what he had learned, the Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) world champion and coach and season nine “American Ninja Warrior” alumnus decided to take action. He will donate a portion of the funds from the obstacle course event he holds to North Star Initiative, an organization that has been fighting human trafficking in Lancaster for more than a decade. The organization operates The Harbor, known as Lancaster County’s first restoration home for survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation, and plans to have a Survivors Center completed by the end of August. According to North Star interim executive director Janelle Esbenshade, the organization recently graduated two women who have completed the program and are living independently.
The third annual emPower stadium-style obstacle course race will be held at the stadium where the Barnstormers play on Saturday, Aug. 27. The three-mile course was designed by March to include more than 20 fun and challenging obstacles. ”It’s for all levels,” noted Esbenshade. “There’s the open race for people who just want to experience it, and they have a competitive race where there are cash prizes.” Esbenshade added that there is a team race for those who want to gather friends to join them and a family race where parents can participate with their children and have fun. According to March, the fitness challenge takes place on the field, underneath the stadium, in the batting cages, and outside the stadium on the property and in the parking lot, with the finish line at the first-base line. “It’s an exciting, fun, and unique event,” he said.
Each year that the obstacle course challenge has been held, emPower has given a percentage of the proceeds to a local organization. “We choose to give back every year,” explained March. “We are Christian-based, and we believe everything we have is a blessing.” The choice of North Star as a faith-based organization was important to March. “We look for a local nonprofit with a mission that really resonates with us,” he said.
Readers who would like to sign up for the event or learn more about North Star may visit https://north starinitiative.org.
Registration To Open For Manheim Santa 5K
The Manheim Lions Club has announced that registration will soon open for the seventh annual Manheim Santa 5K Run and Walk, to be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Community members are invited to share in the holiday spirit by joining many other Santas as they run or walk through the streets of Manheim.
To kick this event off, the club is offering a Christmas in July special; those who register between Monday, July 25, and Sunday, July 31, will save $5 on each registration. Registration may be completed at www.run signup.com by searching for “Manheim Santa 5K Run and Walk.” For more information, visit the Manheim Lions Club website www.manheimlions.org.
Space includes: commercial grade refrigerator and freezer, 2 standing beverage display coolers, stainless steel working tables, large wash sink as well as other kitchen items. Hours of operating are open for all Lancaster Firebirds home games and Lancaster Ice Rink public skating. Additional operating hours at tenant’s discretion include, evening
Firebirds’ practices, high school hockey,
Millersville hockey, tournaments and others.
Rent of $400.00 includes all utilities.
Bored Of Summer? Hop On Board At Strasburg Rail Road!
Experience a ride on America’s oldest continually operating rail road. Your little ones will love taking in the sights and sounds of this family-favorite attraction!
