United Through Song Brings Faith Communities Together on LBI
Pictured from left to right: Rabbi Michael Jay, JCC of Long Beach Island, Pastor Scott Bostwick, The United Methodist Churches of LBI, Rev. Diane Burkland, Zion, Lutheran Church, Barnegat Light, Rev. Wes Smith, Zion Lutheran, Barnegat Light
On June 10th, St. Francis of Assisi Parish & Center was filled with music, prayer, and a powerful spirit of unity as The Island Singers presented United Through Song.
The concert brought together more than 200 people and featured a 55-person choir, creating a moving evening that celebrated community across different faith traditions. Led by Director Ned Perwo, with Karen Miske as accompanist and Maggie Stupar as assistant conductor, The Island Singers offered a program centered on peace, hope, togetherness, and the shared humanity that connects us all.
The evening also reflected a growing relationship among faith leaders on Long Beach Island. Over the past year, local clergy and faith leaders have been gathering regularly to pray, talk, and strengthen the connection between their communities. What began as a renewed effort to bring faith leaders together after Covid has grown into a meaningful bond rooted in friendship, respect, and a shared desire to serve the people of LBI.
Fr. Francis Di Spigno, OFM, Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, welcomed those in attendance and reflected on the importance of recognizing one another first as people, even before differences in faith tradition. He shared that when faith leaders gather around the table to talk and pray, they are reminded that each person carries real lives, loves, fears, and joys.
The concert program included a beautiful selection of music, including America, This Land I Love, Simple Gifts, Shenandoah, Hand in Hand, Undivided, Together We Are!, and Let There Be Peace On Earth. Throughout the evening, reflections were also offered by Rev. Wes Smith of Zion Lutheran Church, Pastor Scott Bostwick of The United Methodist Churches of LBI, Rev. Diane Burkland of Zion Lutheran Church, and Rabbi Michael Jay of the Jewish Community Center of Long Beach Island.
The theme of the evening was clear: music has a special way of bringing people together. It lifts hearts, opens doors, and reminds us that, no matter our background or tradition, we share a common humanity.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish & Center is grateful to The Island Singers, all participating faith leaders, the choir, volunteers, and everyone who attended this beautiful evening. United Through Song was more than a concert. It was a joyful sign of unity, peace, and community on Long Beach Island.