Chicago Gospel Music Festival - FREE!!!!

The Gospel Music Festival will take place June 5 & 6, 2010 (dates are subject to change) in Millennium Park. The festival features more than 50 performances on three stages and activities for the whole family to enjoy including a gospel art fair.

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About the Festival
• Did You Know?
• The Evolution of Gospel Music
• Hotel Reservations• Sponsors

Performance Schedules
• Saturday, June 5
• Sunday, June 6

Related Links
• gospelcity.com• gospeltoday.com• gospelflava.com
Press Room

• Images
• Media Credentials• Press Releases

Dates:Jun 5, 2010 - Jun 6, 2010

Hours:
Festival Opens @ 11 am – Closes @ 9 pm

Call 3-1-1 for Major ChangesFor any last minute major changes to event including cancellation due to unsafe weather conditions, please call 3-1-1 for the most up-to-date information.
Location:Millennium ParkN. Michigan Ave. & E. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60602

Admission:
FREE
Accessibility:

The following services are available for persons with disabilities:
Accessible entrance(s)
Accessible washroom(s)
Assistive listening devices provided
Accessible seating area available
For more information and resevations call 312.742.1168, TTY: 312.744.2947

Public Transportation:
El: Pink, Orange, Green, Brown, Purple to Randolph; Blue to Washington; Red to Lake. Bus: 3, 4, 14, 124, 127, 145, 15, 157.

For more travel information, visit www.transitchicago.com

Biking:Bike parking is available on the perimeter of Grant and Millennium Parks. Visit the Chicago Bicycle Program for maps, safety, and other information.

MYRON BUTLER & LEVI release their third album, REVEALED ... LIVE IN DALLAS

MYRON BUTLER & LEVI releases their third album, REVEALED … LIVE IN DALLAS on EMI Gospel this Tuesday. Recorded live in his hometown of Dallas, TX, Butler and long time vocal group, Levi, offer up their signature brand of urban praise and worship.

This is Butler’s first live album and features both urban contemporary praise songs and Sunday morning ready church songs. REVEALED … LIVE IN DALLAS showcases Butler’s strength as both writer and producer and Levi as one of the best vocal ensembles in today’s current gospel market.

“I created this album to be something the church can touch; something praise & worship teams can duplicate and sing in their church every Sunday morning,” said Butler. Noteworthy tracks include an artful rendition of the pop classic “Time After Time;” and “I Just Can’t Live” a contemporary praise and worship song at its best, featuring Kirk Franklin. Also just in time for the Easter season, Butler offers the outstanding “Run To The Cross,” featuring label mate Smokie Norful.

In conjunction with the release of the album, Butler criss-crosses the country on a promotional tour with appearances in Atlanta, New York, Washington DC and Houston. He will also celebrate his “street week” for his hometown fans in Dallas starting this Sunday, March 28th with a performance at Friendship West Baptist Church and an album release date party on Tuesday, March 30th at Oakcliff Bible Fellowship’s Youth Facility at 7:00pm. Butler will culminate his hometown tour with a very special Easter Sunday service at the Potter’s House.

Butler will also be featured on Tuesday, March 30th on GOOD DAY DALLAS on FOX and on Friday, April 2nd on GOOD MORNING TEXAS on NBC. Then, on Monday, March 29th, fans around the country can also hear Butler this Monday on the Yolanda Adams Morning Show as well as catch him on Gospel Music Channel’s new morning show “Joyful Noise Café,” at 11:00am EST/10:00am CST. That night fans can join him LIVE on-line for an exclusive interactive listening party on Ustream. Meet Butler on http://www.ustream.tv/myronbutler on March 29th at 9:00pm EST/8:00pm CST to talk about the new CD and ask questions.

Butler has also partnered with the Gospel Music Channel and the American Heart Association for their Most Powerful Voices on-line competition. Butler will share his expertise and offer vital tips to aspiring choirs vying for the grand prize – the opportunity to perform live on stage with Butler, at The Power Awards concert, in New York on May 7th at the historic Apollo Theater.

REVEALED … LIVE IN DALLAS in stores and on-line everywhere Tuesday March 30th.

Web site: http://www.myronbutlerandlevi.com

Pascagoula Church offers free haircuts for kids

By Patrice Clark – bio email

JACKSON COUNTY, MS (WLOX) – Union Baptist Church in Pascagoula transformed into a makeshift barbershop Wednesday. Dozens of young men packed the church after word got out Trinity Barbers and Stylers were offering free haircuts.

"Everyone needs help saving money, big or small, wherever you can get it," Ebony Colly said.

Colly was one of the first ones who brought her 2-year-old for a comb and cut. She has two other kids and said this free cut is a blessing.

"Thank you to church and the barbers for giving their time, and this really was helpful and a blessing."

Blessings are just what Pastor Larry Hawkins wants to spread across the community to help target young people.

"We say to the young men, you don't have to hustle to get a haircut. We can get you one free," Pastor Hawkins said. "At our church, the philosophy is to minister to the total man. And we try to meet the needs, spiritual as well as physical."

Hawkins feels it's time for churches to come out of the four walls and partner with businesses to invest in young people's lives.

"They are just like gold, and we are mining them. They are diamonds and precious to us and we are losing too many of them, so we have to do any and all means to save them."

Volunteer Barber Felix Forenett agrees kids are the future. His goal is to inspire all the young men who sit in his chair and give them life lessons.

"We try to teach them how to dress right, conduct themselves like young men, pull your pants up, put a belt on, talk right, and talk with a good grammar," Forenett said.

Hopefully the free cuts and life lessons will not only make them look good, but also feel good about themselves and their future.

Pastor Hawkins also plans to partner with beauty salons in the county, so young ladies will have the opportunity to get their hair styled free.

Copyright 2010 WLOX. All rights reserved

Good Friday is this Friday, April 2, 2010

Are you attending Good Friday Service? That is my favorite service of the year!!! Seven sermons in one service - you can't get more bang for your buck!!!! Are you familiar with the 7 last words of Christ?

1. Luke 23:34 (New International Version)
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

2. Luke 23:43 (New International Version)
Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

3. John 19:26-27 (New International Version)
26When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," 27 and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

4. Matthew 27:46 (New International Version)
About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

5. John 19:28 (New International Version)
Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty.”

6. John 19:30 (New International Version)When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit

7. Luke 23:46 (New International Version)
Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.


My father, Elder Charles E. Fair, I , pastor of St. James Community Mission Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin will be preaching the 6th word - "It is finished." this Friday at Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church 1138 W. Center Street Milwaukee, WI 53206 at 7pm. I will be attending at my church, Mt. Olive Kingdom Builders' Worship Center, located at 234 Norfolk Street Dorchester, Massachusetts 02124 at 7pm. If you can, get to someone's church on Good Friday. I promise, it'll be the best time you have in church all year!!!!

Chandler's Liver Biopsy Postponed, Part II

Before you read this post, please read the post from Thursday, March, 25, 2010 titled Chandler's Liver Biopsy Postponed


Chandler had an appointment at the Jimmy Fund on March 25, but it was cancelled because she was supposed to be in the hospital. This far out from transplant, she just gives blood - usually a finger prick - and they poke and prod her and send us on our way. The blood that was drawn on Tuesday evening wasn't used to measure her liver function levels because she was supposed to be in the hospital. So, we had to go to the hospital on Friday evening to give blood to test her liver function levels. To sum up....I was at Children's Hospital 3 times last week and accomplished next to nothing. But God..... So this early morning I checked my voice messages (because I hate seeing the little icon at the top of my screen) and there was a message from Chandler's oncologist. She said that Chandler's "labs look a lot better. Her liver function numbers are half of what they were when we checked them the prior week. The biopsy is on hold for now. The good news is that it appears to be getting better on its own". Talk about a 6am praise party!!!!! Singing. Words of adoration. Words of thanksgiving. Crying. God is SO good!!!!! There is so much to be taken from this - God is in the details and the delays. God may not show up when you want him, but He's always on time. God is Jehovah-Rophe, my Healer. Take what you need from the message, just know that God can do anything but fail!!!! If you know of anyone who is sick or shut in, please share this with them and encourage them to take their thoughts off their situation and put them on the One who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20 NIV) - including healing my baby!!!!

Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack and Bishop T.D. Jakes to headline McDonald’s® Gospelfest® 2010

(BLACK PR WIRE) (March 26, 2010) Roseland, NJ – Gospel fever returns to the New York Tri-State area on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at the Prudential Center (165 Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ). The auditions are now complete and competitors are preparing to share the stage with some of the biggest names in Gospel including the legendary Dionne Warwick, Hezekiah Walker, Vickie Winans, Kurt Carr, Regina Belle, J.Moss, Cissy Houston, Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson, KOHSHI, and superstar Roberta Flack! Special Inspirational message by Bishop T.D. Jakes!

Produced and directed by Emmy Award winning Producer, A. Curtis Farrow, McDonald’s Gospelfest is a talent competition that features choirs, steppers, praise dancers, soloists, rappers and poets. Rising stars of all colors, ages, cultures and faiths will compete in a variety of categories including Soloists, Youth Choir, Adult Choir, Praise Dance, Step, Singing Groups, Gospel Comedians, Gospel Rappers and Gospel Poets.

The new state-of-the-art Prudential Center is the first new professional sports and entertainment arena built in metropolitan New York / New Jersey in 27 years. It is located only 12 miles from Manhattan in downtown Newark, just blocks from Newark Penn Station, accessible via New Jersey Transit, PATH, Light Rail Service and Amtrak.

McDonald’s Gospelfest originated in 1983 under the auspices of the McDonald’s Corporation and the McDonald’s Tri-State Owners’ Association. Twenty-seven years later, it has emerged as the nation’s preeminent Gospel celebration, bringing joy, inspiration, encouragement and hope to millions of Americans. Previous McDonald’s Gospelfest participants have gone on to successful careers in entertainment, including the renowned Bishop Hezekiah Walker, who headlines The McDonald’s Gospelfest celebration each year with his Love Fellowship Choir.

Over the course of the past 27 years, The McDonald’s Tri-State Owners’ Association has awarded millions of dollars in scholarship money. The McDonald’s Gospelfest competition has been an important fundraising event which supports education opportunities within local communities.

Tickets can be purchased at the Prudential Center Box Office or through Ticketmaster by calling 800.745.3000, or at www.ticketmaster.com. For further information, please call the McDonald’s Gospelfest Hotline at 866.898.7772.

Kirk Franklin to perform on 7th Annual Gospel Night: Fri, Apr. 2 @ 7:30pm

Gospel Night
Grizzlies vs. Hornets
Fri, Apr. 2
7:30pm

Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum, crossover Gospel king Kirk Franklin is coming to FedExForum for a special postgame performance. Learn how your group of 20 or more can get great savings. For groups of 20 or more: Download the group order form.

Find tickets!

Watch Marvin Sapp with Tavis Smiley on PBS at 11:55 PM, Monday, Mar 29, 2010

Tavis Smiley features a unique mix of news and pop culture to combine for one thought-provoking and entertaining program. A hybrid of news, issues and entertainment, it features interviews with artists, activists, newsmakers, politicians and everyday people. Since its first season, the show has won four NAACP Image Awards for “Outstanding Television, News, Talk, or Information (Series or Special).” Aired Monday, Mar 29, 2010 at 11:55 PM on PBS.

http://watchlateshow.com/watch-tavis-smiley-episode-marvin-sapp-live-stream-2.html

Chandler went to Church Today!!!!

Today is Chandler's 5th birthday. She woke up so happy. She immediately wanted to know where her birthday party was!!! We went to church. She hasn't been to church since Sunday, July 5, 2009. We were originally planning for her to go back next Sunday, but she wanted to go, and what better way to show God's glory than to show her to our church family? Our youth pastor - Jason LaPlanche - was very excited to see her, and our Bishop, Robert C. Perry II, prayed for her and asked God to do what I know He is going to do - heal her liver. God continues to move in my house, and I am so thankful for your prayers and support!!!!

Is my baby ready for Chicago? Is Chicago ready for my baby?

Well, Clarke got her 10th acceptance letter to college last night. This process is so informal now. She received an email letting her know that decision letters were mailed that day, but she could "click this link" to see her letter. This was from Northwestern University - her first choice school. She was so nervous - even debating whether she would click or not. Finally she mustered up the courage and tapped the screen of her iphone. When the image settled down, we saw "Congratulations!" and we erupted into screams, not having read the rest of the letter. We knew all that mattered - she was in. A Northwestern Wildcat. As you can imagine, I am incredibly proud of her. God has done mighty things in her life, and I'm sure that he has so much more in store for her!!!!!

NETS Basketball Hosts Church Night at IZOD CENTER!

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.—NETS Basketball will host Church Night TOMORROW, Friday, March 26 when the NETS match-up with the Detroit Pistons at the IZOD CENTER.

Church Night will feature a post-game concert by gospel recording artist Tye Tribbett.

Any group that purchases 10 tickets or more will receive up to a 50 percent discount on each ticket price, as well as a NETS drawstring bag with every ticket.

For more information, or to order tickets, please contact NETS Group Sales at 201-806-7277 or groups@njnets.com.

Word Has It: Karen Clark Sheard Album Cover & Pre-Order

www.gospelpundit.com
by EJ on Mar.10, 2010 at 12:12 pm, under Music

Word has it that Karen Clark Sheard’s fifth solo album, All In One, will be available for pre-order from iTunes beginning on March 23rd. The project will be in-stores everywhere on April 6.

Featuring guest vocals from her sister, Dorinda Clark Cole, daughter Kierra Sheard and niece Angel Chisholm, keys by her cousin Bill Moss Jr., and production by both her son, J Drew Sheard II, and cousin J Moss, this project is definitely a family affair.

The lead single, “Prayed Up,” is already doing well at radio. Make sure you call your local stations to request it.

Chandler's Liver Biopsy Postponed

Well, it's been quite a roller coaster for me this week. As you are aware, Chandler's liver function numbers are high. I'm not sure what that means, but the normal range is 30-50 and hers are above 1200!!! However, I'm trusting in the effective, fervent prayers of the righteous to avail much (James 5:16b NKJV). She saw her gastroenterologist on March 18, and, after her lab work came back, was scheduled for a liver biopsy on March 24. We made plans to get to the hospital at 7am. This included Clarke and Quentin getting up at 5:30 to get themselves as well as Mason and Chandler dressed. Chandler was scheduled for surgery at 8:30, and I was going to take Mason to school once she was sleeping in the operating room. We had to pack bags for Clarke and Chandler because she was to be admitted to the hospital. Clarke was going to spend the night with her so I could stay home with the boys. Besides, Clarke's school is literally 2 blocks from the hospital. When Clarke left for school, our dear family friend, Aunt Georgia, was going to come and sit with her for the day until she was discharged. A lot of coordinating and movement, but in the end, we had it sewn up. On Tuesday, March 23, I got a call from the hospital saying that we needed a pre-op visit or they wouldn't do the procedure the next morning. My understanding was that they just needed me, so I asked if it could be done over the phone. She told me no, I had to come in. So, I left my very understanding job to go to the hospital only to have them ask me where Chandler was!!! I told them that I didn't have her, that she was at the sitter, and that I was there on my lunch break. After I walked out of the office to go get Chandler, they called me back and let me answer the questions without her with the stipulation that I bring her back later that evening for blood work. No problem!!!! Another trip, but now we are all set for the biopsy. Wednesday morning went smoothly for us - the babies were dressed, as were Clarke and Quentin. We dropped Clarke off at school just in time for her 7:00 detention (she got to school late the day before), and we were in the Pre-op office by 7:15. When they called us in, the nurses noticed Chandler coughing. Mason had been barking for the past few days - so much so that he'd had a nebulizer treatment on Monday night. His cough persisted, so the natural assumption was that she must have what he has - just in the beginning stages. They allowed us to go to Interventional Radiology. We were put in a room and Chandler had changed into her hospital PJs. The anesthesiologist came in and told us that because of her cough, they recommend that we postpone the procedure. It seems that any respiratory sickness can increase the risk of the anesthesia - the breathing tube in particular. Since she'd had a collapsed lung due to a breathing tube in the past, I could understand their hesitation. So we made our way home. No surgery for Chandler, no school for Mason (he hadn't had any breakfast, and who was going to keep Chandler company all day), and another missed day of work for me. I read Proverbs 19:21 NIV "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails". Again, all that planning up in smoke just like that. Now, I'm waiting to see what God has in store for us. I'm believing that he will heal her liver without any further surgery. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20 NIV). He made the liver, so he can surely heal it. I'm having faith that this will be yet another testimony of my daughter's healing. Please keep her in your prayers and believe in her healing. He will come through for her!!!

Sunday Best season three premiere set for BET

A premiere date has been set for the third season of BET's celebrated Gospel reality singing competition, Sunday Best !

Known for highlighting talent including recent American Idol participant Jermaine Sellers, Jessica Reedy, Shari Addison and Sunday Best winners Crystal Aikin and Y'Anna Crawley, 'Sunday Best' returns April 4, 2010.

Mary Mary return as judges along with 'Sunday Best' host Kirk Franklin when the reality competition picks up with talent from the United States as well as Lagos, Nigeria.
As previously reported, the 3rd season of 'Sunday Best' will feature two new judges -- Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin.

"This 11 week competition features amazing performances, hilarious and mouth dropping auditions, and surprise celebrity guests," reports BET. "The current season of SUNDAY BEST is executive produced by D'Angela Proctor Steed and Nia T. Hill of Strange Fruit Media, Kirk Franklin and Erica and Tina Campbell."

'Sunday Best' premieres Sunday, April 4, 2010 at 8pm.

Marvin Sapp's Here I Am Debuts at #2

Gospel singer Marvin Sapp's Here I Am debuts at no. 2 on the Billboard 200 album chart making it both Sapp's highest charting release and the "highest-ranking gospel album ever in the 54-year history of the Billboard 200 chart." Congratulations!

Bishop Noel Jones Launches on INSP - The Inspiration Network

Kristina Hill
Inspiration Network

INSP - The Inspiration Network, the fastest-growing inspirational network in the U.S., today announced that international ministry leader Bishop Noel Jones has been added to the network. Bishop Jones' "Fresh Oil" broadcasts feature the unique preaching and teaching style that has made him a trusted source for spiritual guidance to millions across the world. His program will air on INSP on Fridays at 6:30AM EST.

INSP is available in more than 55 million U.S. households via more than 2,400 cable systems and on DIRECTV channel 364 and DISH Network channel 259. Viewers can check their program guides for channel line-up information. Visit www.insp.com for a complete list of INSP programs.

Detrick Haddon's New Original Film

'Blessed and Cursed' to be Released June 15
by EEW News & Entertainment Editors
www.eewmagazine.com


Deitrick Haddon, the edgy urban contemporary Christian singer who made headlines last September for stating via Twitter, "I don't have a sissy bone in my body," in response to the hoopla surrounding secretly homosexual gospel singers like the recently outed, Tonex, is delving into the world of movies.
The film written by Haddon, 'Blessed and Cursed,' starring Karen Clark Sheard, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Rance Allen, and Drew Sidora is due for release on June 15th of this year. "To see a vision come to pass and come to life is awesome," says the excited 'Love Him Like I Do' crooner in a video that captures behind-the-scenes footage of the production.
Although the public has embraced the young Detroit pastor for his moving songs and impressive vocals, Haddon says he has feels led to do films, since God has given him many stories to write.
It looks like his supporters will, for the first time, get to experience his inspired work this summer.

First Baptist Church to provide prom gowns to girls in need

Please read this article. As you all may know, my passion is young girls and the building and sustaining of their self-esteem.

http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/03/18/conroe_courier/news/gowns032010.txt

This is what it means to show Christ's love!!!

Kudos to the Under Construction young married couples Sunday school class of First Baptist Church in Conroe, Texas!!!!

Pre-Registration Now Open for the 2010 Disney Gospel Choir Fest at Epcot

Billed as part of the ‘Night of Joy Weekend,’ the Disney Gospel Choir Fest will take place at the American Gardens Theatre across from the American Adventure pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase on Saturday, September 11.

The lively competition of gospel choirs from around the country will be emceed by Grammy Award winner Smokie Norful and feature judge: Myron Butler, record producer and Grammy Award winner; Ken Pennell, President of EMI Gospel; and Larry Blackwell, Vice President of EMI Gospel.

All competing choirs will receive an exclusive Disney Gospel Choir Fest Award while the winning ensemble will receive a contract with EMI Gospel to produce a downloadable single and the opportunity to perform that evening during the Night of Joy event at the Magic Kingdom.

Ticket packages for participating groups are inclusive of all competition and event fees and includes admission to the Night of Joy event at the Magic Kingdom on September 11.

For additional information and to pre-register your group (space is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis), visit DISNEYGOSPELCHOIRFEST.COM

The Tabernacle Experience at Inglewood Baptist Church

Inglewood Baptist Church brings the traveling Tabernacle Experience, a full-scale replica of the Tabernacle of Moses that is described in the Old Testament book of Exodus as the place God’s presence dwelled with his people.

Steve Brown, Inglewood’s Executive Pastor said the experience is a forty-five minute, privately narrated tour through seven interactive stations where visitors get to see life-sized items described in the Bible.

"It really does allow what you read in the Bible be seen before your very eyes,” Brown said.
The Tabernacle Experience will be at Inglewood Baptist Church, 1901 South Carrier Parkway, Grand Prairie, Texas through March 28. Admission is $5 per person with a $20 cap per family, but no one will be turned away.

Additional information about The Tabernacle Experience is available online.

Congregation gives away church building

By Amanda Seitz, Staff Writer

Hamilton, OH JournalNews

First St. John UCC is giving its historic building to 
Princeton Pike Church of God for inner-city ministry.

HAMILTON — One city congregation is putting the Christian principle of giving into practice in a big way. First St. John United Church of Christ has decided to give its historic 170-year-old building to Princeton Pike Church of God free of charge.

The church on South Front Street in downtown Hamilton will be occupied by Princeton Pike’s Power Source inner-city ministries.

“We started the talks probably about six months so we began to collaborating and sharing thoughts on our ministry vision to reach the inner-city,” said the Rev. Barry Clardy, pastor of Princeton Pike.

Clardy said the congregation will keep its main church location on Princeton Glendale Road in Liberty Twp., but will base its inner-city ministry from downtown Hamilton.

The building became too expensive to maintain for First St. John, but church members did not feel it was appropriate to sell it, said the Rev. Sam Wyatt, pastor of First St. John.

“The congregation voted to relocate to a more affordable place and at the same time find an appropriate ministry that would take over the building,” he said.

“We looked for another church to maintain the building and at the same time a church that had a commitment to the inner-city.

“What we would be doing with them is we would be partnering with them to continue some of our ministries in the building,” said Wyatt.

First St. John’s will not close its doors but relocate to the Partners in Prime building in Hamilton.

“We’re looking forward to starting over in a new location,” Wyatt said. “Most of our members are retired and we don’t have the energy to keep that huge building up.”

Clardy said Princeton Pike is more than grateful for First St. John’s gift.

“I was overwhelmed and at the same time humbled (by) such a generous act,” Clardy said. “We want to continue to honor their legacy, to honor their hard work.”

I finally opened the first box of flyers.

So this morning before I got dressed for work, I opened the first box of flyers. The box was still wet, but I was so hoping that the flyers hadn't been damaged by the rain. THEY WERE BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I was so proud as I held them in my hand looking them over, as if for the first time. I noticed one thing that I wished I'd done differently, but for a first outing, this isn't bad at all. I have already bound 400 for my mother. I'll do another 600 tonight and ship those off to her. Next up, a press release via www.blackpr.com. You can view the flyer at www.provemenowherewith.com. But don't just view it, submit a testimony!!!! I'd love to hear what my God has done for you!!!

Kirk Franklin Releases New Book: ‘The Blueprint’

Article Written By: Kay C
www.niftychristian.com

In The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms (Gotham Books; May 18, 2010; $25.00), Franklin reveals how he turned negative aspects from his own life-drugs, an absent father, teenage parenthood, poverty, etc.-into blessings by learning from them and moving forward.
The beauty of The Blueprint is that Franklin by no way claims to be perfect or have insider knowledge of how to live your life wisely, but rather puts his setbacks and faults on full blast and suggests that oftentimes people, like Franklin at one point, go through life without a plan for success, simply living purposelessly, and without a person to show them the right way. The Blueprint fills the void of not knowing which way to turn and arms you the necessary tools to succeed.
By the time Franklin was just fifteen years old, he was a young father, without an encouraging figure in his life, and just another statistic on the street. As he explains in The Blueprint, “The street corner was my classroom. The ‘hood was my Harvard.” He went through life thinking he knew it all, and blamed the fact that he didn’t have a role model for not being able to achieve his dreams, until the day he realized he had to turn his life around and become the man he needed to be on his own. That is what Franklin has outlined in The Blueprint-a chance for young people to become the person they need to be, no matter what the situation, or where they come from.
Today, Franklin is the proud father of four and devoted husband of fourteen years, as well as one of the biggest multiplatinum-selling gospel artists of all time. He credits his faith in God and a very close mentor he found later in his life for his success.
Whether you’re down and out, misguided, or simply need a boost to push forward, The Blueprint is the essential guide to creating a better you, one day at a time. Success doesn’t come easy, but it will come with a helping hand. Follow The Blueprint and start living the life you were always meant to live.

You can also catch Franklin in the following cities.
Book Tour Dates
Tuesday, May 18 Atlanta, GA

Wednesday, May 19 Washington, DC/Baltimore, MD
Thursday, May 20 New York, NY

Friday, May 21 Cleveland, OH

Saturday, May 22 Detroit, MI

Sunday, May 23 - Monday, May 24 Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

Tuesday, May 25 Houston, TX

Wednesday, May 26 Lexington, KY

Friday, May 28 Los Angeles, CA

(Source: Da South)

Gospel vocalist Lucinda Moore shares personal experiences in upcoming release

Gospel vocalist Lucinda Moore not only shares personal experiences (including depression, divorce) via her upcoming sophomore release "Blessed, Broken & Given" (Tyscot Records), but will launch a conference that will feature guest speakers Bishop Noel Jones, Bishop Tudor Bismark and psalmist Judy Jacobs. The conference will take place at 7 p.m. each night (except Saturday - service is at noon) on April 22-24, 2010, at the Wake Chapel church, 3805 Tarheel Road, Raleigh, NC. Attendees may register online at www.lucindamoore.com or call (203) 887-1660 for more information.
CD "Blessed, Broken & Given" will be released on April 20. Moore said in a news release regarding her project: "This is my testimony of what God did for me. He's blessed me with a voice but He had to break some things in me in order for me to be given to the nation." A portion of CD sales profits will benefit a North Carolina women's organization called Impact that aides abused women in getting back their feet.

Album review of Marvin Sapp's 'Here I Am'

By Sarah Godfrey / The Washington Post

In 2007, Grand Rapids, Mich.-based pastor Marvin Sapp's "Never Would Have Made It" became a new gospel anthem -- a song of salvation that inspired people to jump up out of pews and wave their arms in praise. So, the question hanging over his latest album "Here I Am," is: What song, if any, will emerge as the new "Never Would Have Made It"?
The safest best is "The Best in Me," a powerful organ-soaked testimonial that has already become a gospel radio staple. But there are plenty of other contenders on "Here I Am," Sapp's eighth solo project, which was recorded live at Grand Rapids's Resurrection Life Church. The former member of Fred Hammond's group Commissioned often says that he's a preacher who happens to sing, but in actuality he is a preacher who happens to sing exceptionally well. "Here I Am" assembles the same folks who helped make 2007's "Thirsty" Sapp's breakout work -- including producer Aaron Lindsey and vocal director Myron Butler -- and the musical focus remains Sapp's rich, booming voice.
"I Came" is a foot-stomping, hand-clapping jam; "Fresh Wind" explores the funkier side of worship with rock guitar; and "Comfort Zone" (not to be confused with the Vanessa Williams track of the same name) is a slow, sweet tune that builds to a crashing finish. The only questionable element of "Here I Am" is the use of voice modulation: Both "Praise You Forever" and "Wait" feature brief moments of T-Paining on Sapp's part. Interesting, for sure, but the world may not be ready for the unholy union of Auto-Tune and church.

Recommended tracks:
"The Best in Me," "I Came," "Fresh Wind"

The flyers are in!!! I found them in the rain when I got home from work last night. I pray that they weren't damaged. (I figured I'd let the boxes dry out before I opended them.) I plan to send the first 1000 to my mother - Mary Johnson. She has been involved in the Wisconsin General Baptist Convention for years, and will be teaching a class this summer. She will be able to distribute a flyer to everyone in attendance as well as include a copy in her church's Sunday bulletin. I'll give 500 to my father to distribute at his church in Milwaukee, and another 500 to my sister to distribute at her church in Texas. I'll see if my pastor will include 1000 in our church's Sunday bulletin. That leaves me with 2000 flyers. I'll let you know what creative ways I come up with to get them out. Be on the look out and get your testimony ready....I'd love to hear it!!!!

Dallas megachurch The Potter's House lends its name to Denver congregation

By SAM HODGES / The Dallas Morning News samhodges@dallasnews.com


A Denver megachurch has borrowed the name of Dallas' The Potter's House, with the blessing of the latter's pastor and founder, Bishop T.D. Jakes.
The Potter's House Church of Denver, formerly Heritage Christian Center, is now being led by the Rev. Chris Hill. He's a protégé of Jakes and former youth pastor and associate pastor of The Potter's House in Dallas.
"When I think about the impact that Pastor Chris Hill made while serving the community of Dallas, I am reminded of his compassion for people, and I believe he is equipped to lead the Denver location with the same fervor and zeal," Jakes said in a written tatement.
Earlier this year, Jakes opened a second congregation of The Potter's House in Fort Worth, featuring a live praise worship team and a simulcast of Jakes' Sunday sermons from the 30,000-member Dallas church.
But The Potter's House Church of Denver, with about 10,000 members, remains separately incorporated and governed. Jakes will not be appearing there regularly, in person or by satellite broadcast.
"We'll be in close relationship, but it'll run independently," said Zunoraine Holmes, chief of communications for The Potter's House in Dallas.
Hill succeeds Bishop Dennis Leonard as leader of the Denver church. Jakes attended a Denver event honoring Leonard last week, and the renaming of the church was first announced then.
The satellite congregation of The Potter's House has been meeting at the Fort Worth Convention Center, with an average attendance of about 1,000, Holmes said.
"I'm excited about this time of expansion in our ministry," Jakes said. "It allows us to transcend our church walls and touch the needs of the people. Historically, people were expected to come to the church, but we are now taking the church to the people."

Faith Evans, Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin to grace Wembley Arena

Faith Evans, Yolanda Adams and 2010 Grammy Award winner, Donnie McClurkin, have been announced as part of the huge line-up for Oraclez World Gospel Festival & Awards 2010 taking place at Wembley Arena, London, UK on the May 3 Bank Holiday.Set to rival last year’s successful Oraclez event, a stellar line up of established and brand new gospel talent has been put together by organisers to represent the broad spectrum of the scene.Michael Koos of Pure Genius Entertainment, organizers of the event, said: “We’re pleased to be able to feature some of the biggest stars in gospel alongside a selection of newer homegrown acts such as Beverly Trotman and Genevieve Sylva.”Speaking at the launch, Genevieve from Birmingham said: “I am absolutely excited to be a part of this, to perform alongside people I have been listening to such as BeBe & CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin is unbelievable."Last year, I was in the audience but this year to be part of such a group is one of my dreams come through.”

The full line up is:
BeBe & CeCe Winans
Donnie McClurkin
Faith Evans
Trin – I – Tee 5;7
Yolanda Adams
Stitchie 21:03
Martha Munizzi
Kierra “KiKi”Sheard
George Nooks
J Moss
Canton Jones
Sonnie Badu
Kym Mazelle
IDMC Choir
Beverley Trotman
Rachel Kerr
Genevieve Sylva
Rebecca
Rachel Hylton
Michaela (The Poet)

Booking Fee and can be purchased from www.wembleyarena.co.uk Tel: 0844 815 0815.

Maxwell, Gamble and Huff, Hezekiah Walker and Rev. Al Sharpton Honorees at National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters Awards Gala

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — R & B artist Maxwell, legendary songwriters and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame duo Gamble and Huff and Grammy award winner Hezekiah Walker are among the honorees at the 26th National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters Annual Communications Awards Dinner. The dinner will be held on Friday, March 19, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.Maxwell, Grammy award winning R & B artist, will be honored and receive the 2010 Entertainer of the Year Award. Gamble and Huff, creators of the Philadelphia Sound, will receive the Pioneer in Music Award. Walker, a world-famous gospel singer and founder and Bishop of the Love Fellowship Tabernacle - The Kingdom Church, will receive the Pioneer in Gospel Music Award. Civil rights activist and founder of the National Action Network, Rev. Al Sharpton will receive the Mickey Leland Public Service Award."2009 was a significant year for Blacks in the broadcast industry and throughout the entertainment arena—we experienced some major successes, but we lost some true heroes," said Jim Winston, NABOB Executive Director. "NABOB is proud for this opportunity to celebrate our achievements as we come together to build a stronger future for people of color in our industry."This year's dinner will also feature a live all-star tribute to the late Teddy Pendergrass, featuring Peabo Bryson, Joe, and the Ray Chew Band; and a video tribute to Inner City Broadcasting founder, the late Percy Sutton.Each spring NABOB honors some of the most recognizable and celebrated names in entertainment, media and public service. 2009 honorees included U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, singer Chaka Khan, and actress and comedienne Mo'nique.NABOB is the first and largest trade organization representing the interests of African- American owners of radio and television stations across the country. The association was organized in 1976 by a small group of African-American broadcasters who desired to establish a voice and a viable presence in the industry and to address specific concerns facing African-American broadcasters. Since its inception, NABOB has grown into a major trade organization representing the interests of more than 245 Black-owned commercial radio stations and 13 commercial television outlets.For ticket or sponsorship information contact DeSane Associates at 201-342-0909.

http://www.breathecast.com/Christian.Music.News-Ricardo.Sanchez.Picks.Up.2.Dove.Nominations/1_3695.htm


Grammy nominated singer/songwriter and worship leader Ricardo Sanchez is having a great year — on the heels of his 2010 Grammy nomination, Sanchez has received two 2010 GMA Dove Award nominations for Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year. Sanchez collaborated with Israel Houghton to co-write the title song from Houghton's 2010 Grammy-winning project, The Power of One. Sanchez also co-wrote "Every Prayer" for the project, along with Houghton, Aaron Lindsey and Dayna Caddell. In addition to his two Dove nominations, Sanchez has received a Grammy nomination for co-writing "Every Prayer." "Ricardo has been one of my closest friends for nearly fifteen years," says Houghton. "His ability to communicate relevantly to young and old through great musical skills and transparent cross-cultural worship makes him such a refreshing gift to the church community. I'm glad to call him a friend and a colleague."An Integrity Music recording artist, Sanchez has released four albums, most recently Power Of The Cross in 2009. Formerly Worship Leader at Free Chapel in Gainesville, Ga., a 14,000-member congregation known for its dynamic worship music and its "Kingdom Connection" telecast with Pastor Jentezen Franklin, Sanchez is in demand as a worship leader and inspirational speaker at churches and conferences across the country. His songs are sung in churches all over the world and have been recorded by Houghton, Grammy winner Hezekiah Walker and Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church, to name just a few.The 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held Wednesday, April 21 at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House and will be televised nationwide on The Gospel Music Channel Sunday, April 25 at 8:00 p.m. EST. For more information on the 41st annual GMA Dove Awards, visit gospelmusic.org. For more information on Ricardo Sanchez and Power Of The Cross, visit ricardomusic.com. For more information on Israel Houghton's The Power of One, visit israelhoughton.net.

Just to keep you in the loop....I finally ordered the Prove Me Now Herewith (www.provemenowherewith.com) fliers. They look amazing!!!! It took us a while to get our design to cooperate with their specifications, but today I was finally able to see a proof and was ecstatic!!! I was hemming and hawing about how many to order. And again, here is how you know that God is in it.... 2500 flyers cost $140. 5000 flyers cost $175. Not that big of a deal, but the extra weight costs you in shipping costs. Sidebar - no matter what you are doing, seek counsel from those who have gone on before you, study your field, and definately create a budget...and stick to it!!!! "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? (Luke 14:28 NIV) I'm pretty sure that I can get rid of 1000 flyers without a problem, but what would I do with whatever was left over? I decided that I would put them into t-shirts that were mailed out and with any Clavier Chanean correspondence that was mailed. The decision was made. I ordered 5000 fliers. As I was going through the checkout procedures, a box came up asking me for a promotion code, which I didn't have. Anyone who knows me knows that coupons are my drug of choice. I spend roughly 30-45 minutes a week looking a sales circulars and organizing and clipping my coupons. I had to get a promo code!!!! I quickly opened another Internet window and googled 48hourprint.com promotion code. Wouldn't you know....the second site that I went to had a coupon for 20% off my order. I put that code in, and watched as my cart went from $175 to $140!!!! That's right....I got 2500 fliers for FREE!!!!! Granted, the shipping was still the same, but the price of the fliers and the tax had gone down!!!! Can you believe that. It was a buy 1, get 1 sale for me today!!!! Please keep praying for me as I undertake this exciting endeavor that gets more exciting with each step!!!!

This is absolutely ridiculous!!! I haven't posted since February 23???? NOT GOOD!!!!! Again....I apologize. This isn't the first time that I've lost track of time and neglected my duty to post on this blog. Business, work, and the chaos in between the two have me pulled in so many directions!!!! To make up for the long absence....I do have an awesome story to share. I call it a "Job moment". You know in Job when the devil told God that if He removed His hedge from around Job and his family, Job would surely curse God? (Job 1:6-12) During our last month of visits to the Jimmy Fund (www.jimmyfund.org), the pediatric Cancer clinic that is treating Chandler after her bone marrow transplant, her 2 liver function numbers have been steadily increasing. The range of normal is 45 -50, but on February 23 (ironically, the last day I posted) the numbers were 922 and 1270!!! (I told you - chaos!!!) The doctors took a ton of blood from her on Thursday, February 25 to test. On Tuesday March 2, they told me in a somber tone that she had Hepatitis B. We went through how this was possible with the possibility that I and her brother may also have the disease. They took more blood on the 2nd to confirm their initial tests, but our plan was to begin medicines to treat Hepatitis B on Thursday, March 4. Now, I wasn't upset at all - or at least not as upset as you would have thought I should have been. I know that God is a Healer. He's healed my mother, me, and my daughter from various illnesses and diseases in the past. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8 NIV), so I knew that He was fully capable of taking care of this situation as well. I have learned that anytime you are doing what God has called you to do, the devil gets mad and tries to throw a monkey wrench in the mix. But much like Job, my faith in God never wavered, and during the visit on March 2, they confirmed that it was a false positive - there was no Hepatitis B!!! What could I do but give God glory??? The devil didn't know what I would do - he thought that I would surely curse God to His face (Job 1:11b). I'm not even sure that if presented with the situation hypothetically, I knew what I would do. But when faced with this disastrous news, I looked to the hills from whence cometh my help (Psalm 121:1). My help cometh from the Lord, and he has never let me down!!!!