On a balmy Wednesday, Aug. 3 evening, the Erskine community and people from the neighbouring areas came together to attend the Crimson River concert at the Erskine Evangelical Church.
Organized by the Women's Ministries, the concert was a fundraiser for the expansion of the church.
"The concert was a monthly event that our Women's Ministries executive had planned, and it was also a fundraiser to build into our existing church building as we are growing and need more space," said Loretta Ford, who has been the vice-president of Women's Ministries since March this year.
One of the seven members of Crimson River, a group from Peace River, happened to be Ford's best friend.
"We lived up there for over 18 years, and Erskine being a farming and ranching community, I thought we could entertain the idea of a more western group," added Ford.
The community was able to raise $3,300 that evening.
"I enjoyed the evening immensely," said Ford. "It was very refreshing as well as an effective way to reach out to the community with the gospel message. It was extremely successful."
With 154 in attendance, a lot of the attendees and visitors were already curious if the group would be coming back for another performance.
Dressed in red and black, Crimson River spoke about the songs and their own roots as they performed through the evening.
Founded by Connie Hartman, Crimson River is made up of six other musicians who are passionately engaged with serving the community with their music and songs.
"Many an early dawn I have been seen with pen in hand writing the lyrics to songs that God has given me in the night," said Hartman. "Sometimes it seems as though I can't write fast enough. He speaks to me with words that will touch someone's heart."
Ford said that she was thankful that the group was able to come out and fellowship with the parish and the community.
"I would also like to thank the ever steady support of our pastor Ross Helgeton and the board," said Ford. "Thank you to everyone in attendance. You made the event special."