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On Thursday, June 6th at 7:00pm at the Lutheran Church of the Cross, the Winipeg Pops Orchestra with guest vocalist Michelle Wood will be holding a fundraising concert for the Lutheran Urban Ministry. Featuring selections from the Sound of Music, as well as music by Duke Ellingtion, Aram Khachaturian, and many others, this is going to be a very entertaining and enjoyable concert that will raise money for a very worthwhile organization that supports Winnipeg’s marginalized urban community. 

Working out of the same building as the Lutheran Church of the Cross at 560 Arlington Street, The Urban is an organization that works with those in need of physical, mental, and spiritual support. Many of the people who make use of the programs The Urban offers have been impacted by the residential school system or are victims of some other trauma. The Urban is a haven for many; a place where people can feel safe, meet with friends, and escape the worries in their lives and feel welcome. 

Rhonda Gorham is the Urban Ministry Manager. In outlining the values and services of the organization she says, “The Lutheran Urban Ministry is a nonprofit charity outreach...for those who struggle in so many ways...it is an outreach to marginalized working poor and the homeless in the west end of Winnipeg. Fellowship, emotional support, spiritual care, worship services, sharing circles and bag meals are all things we provide. We strive to feed the mind body and spirit.” 

The fundraising concert on Thursday, June 6th came as a direct result of the simple fact that the Winipeg Pops Orchestra rehearses at the Lutheran Church of Cross. As Gorham explains, “We distribute bagged meals outside on the side steps every Wednesday and Thursday in the early evening and the orchestra practices on Thursdays...we are hearing the beginning of the practices, and the music is just so wonderful...they really lift the spirits. It is just so upbeat! It came about through the orchestra members having that interaction with us and seeing what we do...and deciding to reach out to the community that they practice in.” 

It is obvious that all non-profits need funding. For The Lutheran Urban Ministry making budget for the year means ensuring that groceries for the free meals are covered, rent is paid to the church, and although most of the workers at the Urban are volunteers, the people responsible for keeping the doors open need to make a living. 

This fundraiser that The Winnipeg Pops Orchestra is putting on is appreciated by everyone at The Urban. “It is just such help to have that support out of the blue...it takes some of that question mark away.” 

Tickets to the Winnipeg Pops fundraiser are by donation. For more details visit The Eventbrite page for this concert. All proceeds will go towards helping the Lutheran Church Ministry keep its doors open and ensuring that they continue to serve the vital role they are currently providing. 

If you want to find out more about the Lutheran Urban Ministry, to donate or volunteer, visit their website. 

If you want to find out more about the Winnipeg Pops Orchestra and get tickets for the fundraiser visit the WPO website