Events

“Lamb of God” Interfaith Concert at Temple Hill

Published

12 years ago

April 18, 2014

By Lissa Werson

This Easter, the American Red Cross, together with the interfaith community of Northern California, is celebrating the gift of life.

This joyful effort of the interfaith community was barely imagined a few years ago. Now, the beautiful music and sense of giving within the community has taken hold, fostering friendships among the churches and throughout the community. All it took was an invitation.

Archbishop Cordileone first suggested holding an interfaith concert that resulted in “Lamb of God.” In 2011, then Bishop Cordileone of the Oakland Diocese met with leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to suggest that the two groups work together on an interfaith service project.

It was decided in that meeting to conduct an East Bay Interfaith Blood Drive. That began a tradition that has resulted in one of the largest faith-based blood drives in the U.S. for the American Red Cross.

This is the fourth year of that blood drive, which usually happens in July and August and now includes faith-based organizations throughout the Bay Area. In that first year, Bishop Cordileone requested an event to kick off the blood drive.

An Easter concert was suggested to connect the gift of blood to the community with an event that also honors the gift of the life through Jesus Christ. “Lamb of God” has since become a wonderful Easter season tradition.

Rob Gardner’s “Lamb of God” is a modern masterpiece that brings the story and meaning of Easter alive. The songs tell the story of the final days of Christ’s life leading to the Savior’s crucifixion and resurrection.

The story unfolds through the eyes of his followers, including Peter, John, Mary the Mother, and Martha. When writing the music, Mr. Gardner knew that he did not want someone on the stage physically portraying the part of Jesus.

Instead, the cello soloist is used to represent Christ. The voice of the cello becomes the actions and words of Jesus. The style of the oratorio is somewhat similar to the ensemble style of the music of Les Mis.

Admission is free with a ticket from www.templehillevents.com/

Shows are at the Oakland Temple Hill Auditorium Saturday Matinee, April 19 (2 p.m.), Saturday evening, April 19 (7 p.m.) and Easter Sunday, April 20 (7 p.m.).

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Related Topics:Easter Lamb of God Oakland Diocese Resurrection Temple Hill

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Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026

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13 hours ago

July 27, 2026

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Agricultural Engineer Effie Gant Plans Bay Area Farmers Market Initiative

Published

1 week ago

July 18, 2026

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Agricultural Engineer Effie Gant displays watermelons from her Sacramento farm at the Temescal Festival in Oakland. Photo by Carla Thomas.

In her 80s and still actively working as an agricultural engineer, Effie Gant continues to break barriers in urban farming and community leadership.

The certified USDA grower and respected urban farmer, based in South Sacramento, was recently spotted vending at the Freedom Farmers’ Market by the Temescal Street Fair on Saturday, July 11, where she proudly displayed dozens of sweet, juicy watermelons.

Festivalgoers gathered not only to purchase her produce but also to enjoy activities like the popular watermelon-eating contest. Yet beyond the festive atmosphere, Gant has a larger vision.

Gant is now setting her sights on the Bay Area, where she plans to launch a farmers’ market to increase access to fresh, locally grown food.

Known for her leadership in sustainable agriculture and food justice, she brings decades of hands-on experience and community advocacy to regions where food access remains inconsistent.

She has built a strong reputation through her work with Meadowview Urban Farm and the Yisrael Family Urban Farm, cultivating crops such as watermelons, honeydew melons, and collard greens. Her approach emphasizes sustainability, education, and empowering residents to grow their own food, even in small urban spaces.

As a USDA-certified grower, Gant blends technical expertise with grassroots engagement to combat food insecurity.

Beyond farming, Gant serves as CEO and President of Highways to Hedges, a nonprofit focused on environmental justice and community development. She is also president of the Hampton Station Neighborhood Association and board chairman for HHCORE, where she advocates for safety, equity, and economic opportunity.

Her proposed farmers market will connect small-scale farmers with urban communities while elevating Black farmers and other underrepresented growers.

“I want to teach the next generation about farming and how lucrative it can be,” Gant said. “You don’t need hundreds of acres. You can start with one acre or even your backyard.”Gant also noted her involvement in a collective of farmers who supply produce through government-supported programs.

“We operate as a team, and we all benefit,” she said.

Through workshops, speaking engagements, and hands-on training, Gant and her organization continue to educate communities about agriculture and food justice. Her market initiative will emphasize affordability, cultural relevance, and nutrition education.

Her broader work includes creating edible forests in partnership with Soil Born Farms, planting fruit trees directly in neighborhoods to expand food access. As a mentor with the Center of Expertise on Food Justice and Health Equity, Gant remains a leading voice in building sustainable and resilient food systems.

Gant says she welcomes the community to join her in creating a new farmer’s market.

“Farming is essential to life,” she said. “I want to train as many people as I can to use food and farming as a tool for empowerment, health, and long-term change.”