Losing a home is something Janni and I have never experienced. We enjoyed our place in Altadena for over 32 years, getting to know our neighbors, walking dogs with them, sharing life with them. From the backyard studio they often heard the piano wafting through the neighborhood, playing everything from practicing to chamber music rehearsals, to times of composing and arranging. I would often wonder how they put up with it all. They were always gracious and supportive, and would often listen to it all, then come to Lake’s services and concerts to hear the final product.

On the morning of January 8, we knew we had lost more than a home. We had lost a community of people we connected with, lived life with. This happened all over Altadena that morning as the fires took hundreds of places in a matter of a few hours. As the days passed, I began to realize how many creative artists had lost their way of life, their ability to paint, write, play their instruments, compose.

Songs of Renewal, a concert led by our own Lake Avenue Chamber Symphony, will inspire and encourage you to continue to reach out to those who have been affected by the fires. This concert was initiated by our own Esther Kim, concertmaster of Lake’s Orchestra. Her dream is to bring great hope to our church family as well as to those who now seek to move forward as creative artists, in particular from the Altadena area. The offering taken at this event will continue the outreach to our community, assisting people with the significant needs that face them.

Be renewed. Be encouraged and inspired for what God has ahead for us all.