Concert series raises funds for community

This summer, Sisters Community Church has been hosting a concert series on Sunday evenings on the lawn outside the church. The goal of the series was, as Pastor Steve Stratos put it, “to bring joy to the community.” The music has done that — but it has also provided a substantial boost to local nonprofits.

Each show has a designated beneficiary. According to Stratos, the first three concerts in the series raised more than $10,000 for Sisters Family Access Network, Young Life, and Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch.

There are two more concerts in the series. The Anvil Blasters will play on Sunday, August 22, benefiting Sisters Band of Brothers; an Eagles Tribute Band will close things out on September 12, benefiting the YouthBuild program.

Stratos said that the concerts are part of the church’s effort to reach out to the broader Sisters community and also come out of a desire for “helping these groups who are helping people who are struggling.”

It’s worked.

“We had about 400 people out for the first two (featuring Bob Baker and Mark Barringer and Thunderstorm Artis in the first, and High Street Party Band in the second),” Stratos said. “It’s been a great opportunity in a lot of ways. A lot of fun… All in all, it’s a win-win.”

The shows start at 6 p.m. with a brief intermission, where the leader of the designated nonprofit describes their mission and how it helps local families. Bring a chair or blanket for seating.

Sisters Community Church is located at 1300 W. McKenzie Hwy. in Sisters.