BY NEWS-REVIEW STAFF
Organizers are hard at work to create a vibrant afternoon of faith, community and hit music to bring to the Northwoods audience this fall. Praise in the Pines will return to the Northland Pines Middle and High School auditorium in Eagle River on Sunday, Oct. 18, bringing together residents, local ministries, and visitors for an unforgettable gathering centered on hope and unity. Headline act Caleb and John, one of the fastest-rising duos in Christian music, will anchor this year’s event. Joining the musical lineup is featured guest speaker Pastor Brad Davison, who will deliver an inspirational message focused on faith and community. “Having an event of this caliber come to our small town is an incredible opportunity to reach people and share the hope of Jesus,” Davison said. “This is a beautiful chance for area churches to partner together, embrace a hurting community, and throw our united support behind the outreach efforts of Praise in the Pines.”
Organizers took special care to plan the third annual event around the Green Bay Packers gameday schedule, starting the event in the afternoon to assure everyone is home to watch the Packers take on the Dallas Cowboys at 7:20 p.m. Doors open at 2:35 p.m. with the Opening Prayer scheduled for 3 p.m. before launching into the first set by Caleb and John. A special keynote speaker will address the crowd before an intermission, followed by a message from Lochte. Caleb and John will return to the stage to perform their second set before the show wraps up at 5:30 p.m. All area residents, families, and churches are invited to partner in this special gathering.
Whether coming for the music, the message, or the mission, attendees are encouraged to purchase their tickets online now, including optional Early Entry passes for preferred seating. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to volunteer, visit praiseinthepines.org. Benefiting Northwoods Share and its ministries Praise in the Pines, a volunteer-run ministry, will donate a portion of its event proceeds to Northwoods Share, a local nonprofit serving more than 300 area families each year across Eagle River, St. Germain, Conover, Three Lakes, Phelps, and Sayner.
“Our mission has always been simple: build faith, unite our neighbors, and leave a lasting, positive impact right here at home,” said Bill Lochte, Praise in the Pines president. “Every ticket sold helps support organizations like Northwoods Share that care for our neighbors in need.”
Celebrating its 20th year, Northwoods Share operates four key local programs. Its Community Dinners are held the first and third Tuesdays from September to May at The Rock Mission Center, located in St. Mary of the Snow Anglican Church. The catered meals are free to all attendees and sponsored by local businesses. “We’ve got a restaurant in town in the middle of winter that gets business… and then it’s also free to all the community members,” said Kelly Lacko, Northwoods Share president.
Lacko said the community dinners are great to meet new people, shake off winter loneliness, or gather with friends or neighbors. This ministry of Northwoods Share was the first to take shape in the organization. The first dinner of the season is scheduled to take place Tuesday, Sept. 15. The organization also runs The Share Pantry, which is open Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to offer personal hygiene essentials, paper products, and seasonal clothing. Visitors are encouraged to gather over free coffee and baked goods. “We feel that is as important as all of the other things we do in our ministries,” Lacko said.
To assist residents facing immediate hardship, the IC HELP program — which stands for Interdenominational Churches Helping, Empowering, Loving, and Providing — offers emergency financial aid for utility bills, rent, or vehicle repairs. Additionally, Esther’s Ministry provides single parents with dedicated guidance to help them navigate employment, childcare, and long-term financial stability. Lacko noted that Esther’s Ministry functions as a “more personal, one-on-one, long-term mentorship program.” For more information on Northwoods Share and its offerings, visit northwoodsshare.org
Christian rock duo Caleb and John are headlining the upcoming Praise in the Pines. Tickets are available now for purchase at praiseinthepines.org