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LEWISTOWN -- St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Lewistown has announced its First Sunday schedule for the remainder of 2026. Scheduled events
provide an opportunity for the community to experience quality entertainment of various genres at no charge.
This is a monthly event for the community to enjoy a concert or lecture. The event is free, though a collection is taken to benefit a deserving service within the community. As the name implies, it is held on the first Sunday of the month at 2 p.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 21 S. Main St., Lewistown. No reservations are needed. The seats are padded, the church is air conditioned and the event is followed by refreshments in the Parish Hall where the event artist or lecturer can be joined in conversation.
Sunday, Sept. 6, ‘First Sunday' at St. Mark's’ will feature Zachary Smith, an accomplished pianist, piano teacher and composer, formerly a therapist with a Masters in Clinical Psychology.
"I was jealous of a student who got applause for playing the piano
for my class in second grade and grew to really like it quickly," Smith said of his early musical inspiration.
His skill at the piano is very comforting to a troubled soul. His touch on the keys is jaunty, very uplifting with his own touch of composition. With his history of learning piano and hymns in Catholic school, he delights audiences with his jazz renditions of movie hits, gospel songs and popular hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s.
"I wouldn’t say I emulate anyone," Smith said. "I like to listen to everyone and take from different musicians what I like and add it to my own style. I wouldn’t say I have a favorite genre, I like pretty much everything."
The chosen selections for this Sunday include "Over the Rainbow," "When You Wish Upon A Star," "God Help the Outcasts," "What a Wonderful World," "Just the Way You Are," "On The Street Where You Live," "Til There Was You," "His Eye is On the Sparrow" and "Just a Closer Walk With Thee."
This Sunday's contributions will benefit the Shelter in Lewistown.
Future "First Sunday" events at St. Mark's:
Oct. 4 at 2 p.m.
Featured performer: Stephen and Lisa Hopkins (recently retired from Penn State). The couple will provide a medley of folk and religious music, some of it that they have composed themselves.
Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.
Featured performer: “Picker and Papa.” The duo will sing a variety of folk and country/western songs. One plays a banjo and the other a guitar, though they’ll have other instruments and lots of banter as well.