Voices of Hope Concert Unites Hemet–San Jacinto Community Through Faith, Music, and Service

Hemet, CA — June 12, 2026 — The Hemet–San Jacinto Interfaith Council brought the community together for an inspiring evening of unity, music, and purpose at the Voices of Hope Concert, held Friday at Valley-Wide Park on Esplanade.

Residents from across the valley gathered with lawn chairs and blankets, creating a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere centered on connection and shared values. In addition to enjoying live performances, attendees contributed to a local cause by donating plastic and paper bags for the Community Pantry—demonstrating that even small acts can make a meaningful difference.

The theme, Voices of Hope, set the tone for the evening. Master of Ceremonies Brian Dunn guided the program with reflections on the importance of hope in strengthening individuals, families, and the greater San Jacinto Valley. The event opened with a heartfelt prayer from Jeremiah Herterich, grounding the evening in unity and purpose.

A hallmark of the evening was the strong representation of faith communities throughout the region, with performers coming from churches including Light of Hope Community Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Church of Scientology, and local interfaith-supported school programs—demonstrating the Council’s mission in action.

The concert featured a diverse lineup of performers representing multiple faiths and backgrounds, underscoring the Interfaith Council’s commitment to inclusion and mutual respect.

Highlights included:

• A stirring opening performance of “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me”
• Local 17-year-old singer-songwriter Kathryn D’Costa, a rising artist from the community with a growing presence on YouTube
• A touching mother-daughter duet from members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints performing “Walk With Me”
• A moving interfaith collaboration featuring flutist Christine Formica (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and vocalist Linda Greilich (Church of Scientology), performing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
• The San Jacinto Valley Academy’s Valley Singers, a 33-member ensemble, performing “Desert Song.” The group recently earned national recognition with a 1st Place win at a New York City competition in April 2025
• Nathan Pacheco of Lake Elsinore, delivering an emotional performance of “Laying It All Down”
• Sheila Diggs of Light of Hope Community Church, where she leads the worship teams, whose powerful vocals on “A Change Is Gonna Come” and “I Need You Now” deeply resonated with the audience

The evening concluded with a peaceful instrumental performance of “Morning Has Broken” by Christina Ranes and Chris Formica, followed by a unifying finale as performers and audience members joined together in singing “Amazing Grace.”

More than a concert, the event reflected the Interfaith Council’s ongoing commitment to building bridges across cultures and beliefs. By bringing together participants from multiple churches and faith traditions, the Council created a space where diversity was not only welcomed—but celebrated.

The Hemet–San Jacinto Interfaith Council reaffirms its mission to:

• Promote mutual understanding and respect among all faiths
• Address issues affecting local communities, the nation, and the world

Through events like Voices of Hope, the Council demonstrates that unity is not just an idea—but an action that strengthens the entire community.