When a tiny church tries to meet...

When a tiny church tries to meet key social needs in its community, it can use a little help from friends.

On Sunday at 2 p.m. in the James R. Armstrong Theatre in Torrance, South Bay residents are invited to the seventh annual benefit concert for Seaside Community Church, an event that will help the 63-member congregation sponsor its good works. Each year, musician Richard Sherman, a church member whose trio is a fixture in local hotel lounges and bars, summons a variety of talent to raise money for Seaside, the South Bay’s smallest branch of the United Church of Christ.

At Sunday’s benefit, concert-goers can enjoy an afternoon of family entertainment while supporting the church’s numerous community service projects.

The two-hour concert will feature jazz sounds from the five-piece Richard Sherman Band, comic relief from comedian Michael Jacobs and a performance by violinist Sandy McKinga. Repeating a popular segment from past shows, Sherman’s 12-year-old daughter, Nikki, will take the stage to sing four numbers, including “Amazing Grace” and “The Rose.”

The concert has become the church’s main fund-raiser, said trustee Louise Lofstrom. Last year the event raised about $4,000, enough to help Seaside continue its Japanese-English Bible study program, provide monthly lunches for the homeless, scholarships to summer camp and financial support to 1736 House, a facility for battered women and children, among other programs.

“Our church is very dedicated to outreach in the community but we are very small,” explained interim minister Bee Neufeld. “The concert allows us to do a lot of the outreach we otherwise wouldn’t be able to consider. It’s a way for us to be present in the community.”

When Sherman first offered his musical and fund-raising services to Seaside several years ago, an autumn tradition was born. Each year, volunteers scramble to fill the 500-seat theater.

It isn’t always easy, Sherman admitted.

“Every time I get those 500 tickets and they’re sitting on my dresser looking at me, I go nuts,” he said.

Still, each fall Sherman manages to sell several hundred tickets single-handedly. He and other volunteers depend on local music lovers and other community members to fill the remaining seats and help guarantee that the church and its programs can continue.

“We don’t raise a super lot of money,” Sherman said, “But it helps.”

The James R. Armstrong Theatre is at 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Tickets are $12. Information: (310) 320-0537 or (310) 375-4441.