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WEST CHESTER — In a time when people often feel more connected to their phones than to one another, acclaimed singer-songwriter Sandra McCracken believes live music still has the power to bring people together.

“People are so hungry for live music, for being together in a room, and even singing together,” McCracken said. “There’s something very powerful about remembering that we are made to live and experience this life together.”

McCracken, a Grammy-nominated acclaimed singer whose style blends folk, country, and gospel, will perform at Westminster Presbyterian Church on West Chester on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. as part of her Welcome Home Tour. The tour marks the 10th anniversary of her album titled, “Psalms.”

While McCracken is a name well-known in the Christian music world, her expansive style attracts fans from across multiple genres.

“We do live in a fractured, divided time, but we probably have more in common than we realize,” she said. “Music can be a real way to find unity and build from things we agree on. I really like to focus in my music on themes of grace and hope, and on good storytelling. I think it’s an important step in how we can find our way back to each other.”

McCracken’s fall tour has origins in her childhood. “As a child and into early adulthood I would often journal, and I really focused on working through the Psalms,” she said. “As a singer-songwriter, I kept coming back to that. I think that emotion and joy and expression are part of what connects us most deeply with one another, and this music is an opportunity to experience that. It really gives us a common language.”

That “common language,” she adds, isn’t limited to churchgoers. “I hope that if someone didn’t have any kind of religious background, they would feel welcome at this show and not feel like we’re speaking some other language.”

Musically, McCracken says the evening will feel welcoming and participatory.

“The music we will be sharing is a real mixture of folk, country, Americana, and highlighting the Psalms,” she said. “We blend traditional hymns and their melodies but also find new ways to bring these beautiful old texts to life. Even for someone who isn’t very familiar with the Psalms, I think they will find this to be a night that is very participatory. We often encourage people to sing along in sections of the songs that are very simple and familiar. It draws people in and creates what a joyful experience.”

McCracken hopes the night meets people where they are. “I hope this show stirs something for anyone who attends,” she said. “Whether you come in carrying some heavy burdens from your life, maybe you’ll feel you can lay some of that down. Others may feel a little closed off, and I hope the music will help them open up and realize that none of us is alone.”

McCracken says that growing up in a large family, music was always in the background of a busy home, one that often included family friends and neighbors dropping by for dinner.

“My mom had a very vibrant faith, and my father was very active in our community as a coach and a high school teacher. We always had so many different kinds of people around our family and our doors were always open. I think that really helped to shape me.”

Based in Nashville, McCracken is a GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award-winning artist whose 25-year career spans 18 solo albums. Her songs are sung in churches worldwide. In 2023, her album, “Light in the Canyon” won the GMA Dove Award for Roots/Bluegrass Album of the Year. She also hosts a national podcast and is the author of two books.

The concert at Westminster will also feature musician Jon Guerra. Tickets for the concert are $15 – $25. Click here to purchase. Saturday, Oct. 25, 7 – 9 p.m. (doors 6:15 p.m.) at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Road, West Chester

How do we “teach” our littlest about God’s love? We show them love and care. We need you to do just that.  Our Nursery staff will guide you, but volunteers are needed to make a thriving environment for our children. 26 volunteers are needed per quarter to make sure each service is properly staffed. Join the team and help us love our littlest! We will help you get your clearances if you don’t already have them. For more info, contact Mary Maina or Jill Reichert.

We’re very grateful for the 142 households who filled out an Estimate of Giving card for a total of $860,000 on Consecration Sunday. Your  commitment manifests as a promise for the future. If you missed Consecration Sunday, you can fill out an Estimate of Giving card to support Westminster’s mission and ministry in 2026. Commitment cards are available from the ushers on Sunday

11:30 am Sunday, November 9 • Spellman Hall
Explore how thoughtful estate planning and charitable giving can reflect your values and support Westminster’s ministries for generations to come. All are welcome. Enjoy a light lunch and fellowship as we hear from two distinguished Westminster members:

• Sasha Reimann-Spiess will share her recent experience serving as executor of a family member’s estate. She’ll offer insights into the kinds of meaningful and necessary conversations families should have to ensure clarity, compassion, and alignment with one’s wishes.
• Alison Wood, speaking in her professional capacity as an experienced estate attorney, will respond to Sasha’s reflections by offering an overview of the key legal and relational steps individuals and families should consider in estate planning. Alison will also provide a brief introduction to how Westminster can be included in your legacy plans.

We will recognize members of the Westminster Legacy Society and present a Legacy Society Commemorative to those who have not already received one. If you have made an estate gift to Westminster or one of the Endowment Funds but have not notified Westminster and wish to be included, contact Sandy Kurek. Your participation may be announced or anonymous, as you prefer.

Dr. Chudy currently serves the Board of Pensions of the PCUSA as our Church Consultant for this region. You may also know Emily as a faithful member of Westminster’s Chancel Choir, and a regular volunteer with our children’s spiritual growth ministries. She is invested in the life of our congregation, and the financial and spiritual wellbeing of the larger church. We look forward to her inspiring message of Christian Stewardship and spiritual growth on Consecration Sunday.