The Rev. Dave Claassen, pastor of Mayfair-Plymouth Congregational Church in Toledo, woke up one morning with a novel idea.
"I just couldn't get it out of my thought processes," he said, "so I put my current writing project on hold and decided to work full-time in my early
morning writing time on this book."
From 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. Mr. Claassen worked at putting his idea into words, and last week, his novel Kathryn's Fountain was published by Cladach
Publishing of Greely, Colo.
It's an uplifting and enjoyable story of an elderly woman living in a senior citizen's facility who is feeling "marginalized by life, that she's of little use
to anyone," as Mr. Claassen explained by phone this week.
One sweltering summer day, as Kathryn is sitting in her wheelchair in the senior center's courtyard, she dips her handkerchief into a fountain and
dabs her forehead to cool off.
She feels a tingle go through her body and undergoes a transformation that allows her to become involved in helping a neglected neighborhood
girl. It's a miracle, she says. As the novel unfolds, Kathryn also finds ways to have an impact on the lives of a police detective and a social
worker.
The breezy book is fun to read and also shines a light on the spiritual side of life - without getting preachy or heavy-handed.
"I think a novel first of all should be good entertainment," Mr. Claassen said. "But as a Christian and as a pastor, I just feel that leaving it at that is
not adequate. There's no reason why you can't have good entertainment but also have people take away something that is life-changing or
transformational."
This is Mr. Claassen's first mainstream novel, but not his first book. His Object Lessons for a Year was published in 1986 by Baker and has sold
50,000 copies and remains in print. He also has written Silent Words Loudly Spoken, a book on writing effective church signs, published in 2004
by CSS Publishing; and he has photographs published by iStock photo.
Mr. Claassen has scheduled several media appearances and book signings to promote Kathryn's Fountain. Call Mayfair-Plymouth at 419... or
check out daveclaassen.com for more information.
e
TOLEDOANS HONORED: The Rance Allen Group of Toledo will be honored at the Stellar Awards in Nashville in January, earning the Walgreen's
Ambassador Bobby Jones Legend Award.
Featuring the Rev. Rance Allen and his brothers, Thomas and Steve, the gospel group has been singing since 1969 and was inducted into the
Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998.
The Stellar Awards will be broadcast on the Gospel Music Channel on March 1.
e
CATHOLIC PERSPECTIVE: Abbey Press, located at St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana, is world renowned for its Christian books and collectibles.
One of its most famous publications is CareNotes, a series of small booklets offering pastoral care and spiritual encouragement.
Brother Francis Wagner, a former Toledoan who professed his vows to become a Benedictine monk last year, joined Abbey Press as an editor,
among his many roles. One of his first goals was to help create a line of CareNotes that reflected Abbey Press' Catholic tradition and teachings.
That goal became reality last month when efforts have come to borne fruit with the new series, first five titles published last month in a new
series, Catholic Perspectives CareNotes. become Abbey Press published the first five titles in a new series, of CareNotes that reflect the
monastery's Catholicism.
The project is now a reality as the first five titles in the new Catholic Perspectives CareNotes series were published last month. Two of the
eight-page pamphlets were penned by Brother Francis, "The Healing Cross: Reflections for the Sick and Suffering," and "Finding Comfort and
Healing in the Rosary."
The other titles are "How the Eucharist Makes Whole the Broken," "Joy in the Midst of Grief: The Catholic Funeral," and "How the Saints Help Us
Through Hardship."
CareNotes live up to the name, offering words of caring and pastoral concern as if the reader were conversing with a priest or a monk.
Information is available online at carenotes.com or by calling Abbey Press' toll free line, 1-8....
e
'MONITOR' UPGRADE: Dr. Mahjabeen Islam, a medical doctor and writer, has led the way for an extreme makeover of the Islamic Center of Greater
Toledo's magazine, The Monitor.
The bimonthly magazine is now printed in a glossy 32-page format with articles that cover a wide range of Islamic topics. Recent issues included
an editorial by Dr. Islam on Muslims and adoption; an article by Imam Farooq Abo-Elzahab about building strong communities, and an essay by
Mansoor Alam about examining one's beliefs, titled "I Am Not a Puppet."
Some issues are available online at icgt.org.
e
GOD'S VIEW: Brandon Heath was named New Artist of the Year by the Gospel Music Association earlier this year based on his debut disc, "Don't
Get Comfortable."
He also was nominated for songwriter of the year and song of the year. Heath's second disc for Reunion Records, "What If We," released in
August, features more solid and inspiring songwriting, especially the hit single "Give Me Your Eyes."
In the lyrics, set to a steady-flowing pop melody, Heath prays to see people the way the Lord sees them.
"Give me your eyes for just one second, give me your eyes so I can see; everything that I keep missing, give me your love for humanity."
The stirring song came to him while people-watching at an airport, he said. Sometimes the most profound ideas come in the most mundane
settings.
You can find out more about this fast-rising Christian music star at brandonheath.net.
e
SWITCHFOOT'S BEST: Like most "overnight successes," Christian rock band Switchfoot paid its dues before achieving nationwide fame with its
Columbia Records breakthrough CD, "The Beautiful Letdown," in 2003.
The San Diego-based group has sold more than 5 million albums and 10 million singles worldwide since signing with Columbia, including
guitar-powered gems as the debut disc's title track, "Dare You To Move," "This Is Your Life," and "On Fire."
Switchfoot, named for a surfing term, followed its double-platinum debut with two more hit albums, "Nothing Is Sound" in 2005 and "Oh! Gravity" in
2006.
But the band - Jon Foreman on vocals; his brother Tim Foreman on bass; Jerome Fontamillas and Drew Shirley on guitars, and Chad Butler on
drums - had already been recording long before it hit the charts, having been signed by Charlie Peacock to his independent label, re:Think
Records, in 1997.
Although Switchfoot's pre-"Letdown" releases were largely overlooked, the music from this period adds to the fan appeal and artistic depth of the
group's new Columbia release, "The Best Yet."
The greatest hits disc includes 18 songs from 1997 to a previously unreleased single, "This Is Home," from the soundtrack to the 2008 Disney
movie, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
For fans who can't get enough Switchfoot, The Best Yet is also available in a deluxe version that includes 14 videos.
e
A SAINT'S PRAYERS: Just as Mother Teresa was small in physical stature but mighty in spirit, so is a new book of selected prayers, Jesus Is My
All in All: Praying with the 'Saint of Calcutta,' Mother Teresa (Doubleday, $9.95).
The 52-page hardcover book measures just 4 1/4 inches in width and 6 1/4 inches in height, but contains a powerful nine-day prayer novena
based on the writings of Mother Teresa as compiled by Brian Kolodiejchuk.
e
GRACEFUL THINKING: I've been enjoying Cathleen Falsani's new book, Sin Boldly: A Field Guide for Grace (Zondervan, $19.99).
Religion columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, Ms. Falsani ponders the elusive meaning of grace in travels that take her to a variety of locales
including St. Peter's Square, the windswept coast of Ireland, a shantytown in Kenya, post-Katrina churches, and Elvis' Graceland.
Tapping into a wealth of religious references and colorful characters ranging from U2 to Screaming Frenchman Jean Larroux to her chauvinistic
Tanzanian tour guide Phil, Ms. Falsani says it's nearly impossible to define God's grace - but it definitely is "audacious, unwarranted, and
unlimited."
The title is taken from Martin Luther's quote urging people not to be so fearful of sinning that they don't live their lives.
Chrisian Music News Source
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Brandon Heath playing at the Staples Center! * Give me your eyes
Brandon Heath at the Staples Center before the Kings game on faith and Family night. Playing Give me your eyes!
Christian Music News Source
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Brandon Heath In Studio Recording "Heavenly Day"
Brandon Heath in the studio with producer Ed Cash recording his version of Patty Griffin's "Heavenly Day" for the new "Billy: The Early Years" Original Soundtrack. Available on ...
Christian Music News Source
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Brandon Heath Named New Artist of the Year at 39th Annual...
(Nashville, Tenn.) April 24, 2008 – Acclaimed singer/songwriter Brandon Heath scored a huge win last night in his hometown of Nashville by taking home the Dove for New Artist of the Year at the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Heath claimed the coveted New Artist title due largely to the success of his debut project, Don’t Get Comfortable, which contained the night’s Song of the Year nominee, “I’m Not Who I Was,” a No. 1 smash-hit that was also nominated in the Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song category and granted Heath his first Songwriter of the Year nod.
“I’m from here in Nashville so it’s an honor to accept this award in front of my peers and my parents,” Heath told Nashville’s CBS affiliate NewsChannel 5. “It was a fun thing!”
Heath said backstage during a press conference, “It is truly an honor to be recognized for hard work and good songwriting. I am thankful to work with such a talented and committed team of managers, producers and label staff, and I’m really looking forward to the next chapter!”
Brandon Heath currently resides in Houston, Texas, and is a worship leader at The Loft church located in The Woodlands. He is currently preparing for the late summer release of his highly anticipated sophomore album titled What If We.
Heath quickly became a fixture at Christian radio with the release of his debut project. His mega-hit “I’m Not Who I Was” raced to No. 1 and ended 2007 as one of the year’s most played radio singles. His debut project also delivered the 2007 Dove-nominated, Top 5 radio hit, “Our God Reigns.” Heath has been a respected writer in the Nashville music community for years, collaborating with well-known artists like Bebo Norman, Matt Wertz and Dave Barnes, to name a few. The Nashville native first began writing at age 13 and credits the town’s legendary hotspot for songwriters, the Bluebird Café, as the place he first experienced music that moved him.
The Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards show was presented at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville and broadcast live on Gospel Music Channel.
Christian Music News Source
“I’m from here in Nashville so it’s an honor to accept this award in front of my peers and my parents,” Heath told Nashville’s CBS affiliate NewsChannel 5. “It was a fun thing!”
Heath said backstage during a press conference, “It is truly an honor to be recognized for hard work and good songwriting. I am thankful to work with such a talented and committed team of managers, producers and label staff, and I’m really looking forward to the next chapter!”
Brandon Heath currently resides in Houston, Texas, and is a worship leader at The Loft church located in The Woodlands. He is currently preparing for the late summer release of his highly anticipated sophomore album titled What If We.
Heath quickly became a fixture at Christian radio with the release of his debut project. His mega-hit “I’m Not Who I Was” raced to No. 1 and ended 2007 as one of the year’s most played radio singles. His debut project also delivered the 2007 Dove-nominated, Top 5 radio hit, “Our God Reigns.” Heath has been a respected writer in the Nashville music community for years, collaborating with well-known artists like Bebo Norman, Matt Wertz and Dave Barnes, to name a few. The Nashville native first began writing at age 13 and credits the town’s legendary hotspot for songwriters, the Bluebird Café, as the place he first experienced music that moved him.
The Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards show was presented at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville and broadcast live on Gospel Music Channel.
Christian Music News Source
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Brandon Heath: Finding The Sound…
He’s a “New Artist of the Year” winner. He’s releasing his second album, What If We (Reunion), after his 2006 debut was a hit with critics and audiences alike. He’s written with Jars of Clay, Matt Wertz, Bebo Norman and many others. And all he cares about is making sure the listener is connecting with his/her Creator.
It’s refreshing to talk to an artist like Brandon Heath about his music because there’s no pretense—just an honest, ordinary guy offering his heart and reflections. In this interview, Heath gives us the lowdown on the meaning behind the new title, working with the Jars guys and what it means to define his sound.
CCM: What informed the new album title, What If We?
Brandon Heath: The slogan “What If We” came from a conversation with a mentor friend of mine. We were talking about what God was doing in our lives. That work has often been with other people; it’s never been alone. For me it was taking the risk and putting myself out there as an artist. For him, he was involved in this ministry and not-for-profit organization that pulls girls from brothels called Restore International (restoreinternational.org).
Both of us are just ordinary people, but it feels that God has done extraordinary things just by us trusting Him. I love the fact we’re able to dream as big as we want as long as we believe God can do great things. So the ‘What If’ part is all about those possibilities and the ‘We’ part is doing that together. So, we’re wanting people to be inspired by that sentence.
CCM: I’ve read where you said you didn’t want to stray too far from your sound on the first record…
Brandon: Yeah, that was really the goal. I think as a new artist, to be perfectly honest, I’m still trying to figure out what my sound is. And I think others are, too. So you don’t want to confuse people too much about who you are. I want my music to be accessible, but I don’t want to be so cookie-cutter that it’s predictable. As we [were] finding out what my sound [was], I didn’t want to be too crazy on the second record.
But I think what ended up happening is that it sounded different because we were into Western movies. Also, a lot of people are using the British sound a little too much these days so we wanted to move away from that, too. We used electrics that sounded like Americana—kind of a Springsteen, Tom Petty sound—that being more of the sound spectrum, or a lot of the instruments we used, rather than the same British rock deal.
CCM: What have you learned about your own sound to this point?
Brandon: Well, that it’s a lot of what I listen to. I listen to a lot of the Nashville scene and the Americana sound. But I love listening to pop as well. I love a good pop beat and a couple of the songs on here have that. But I also work with a producer who is one of my best friends, and I give him a lot of input and stake in my own music. So I think discovering my “sound” is a process of Dan [Muckala] and I sitting in a studio and seeing what works.
I’ll be the first to tell you that my musicality is simple, and I sometimes don’t even know how to put it into words, but Dan has helped me uncover what I’m trying to get across. I think that’s what makes producers great—when they can help you define who you are.
CCM: How was writing with the guys in Jars of Clay?
Brandon: Oh man, I’ve been a fan of theirs for a long, long time. But we’ve never done anything creative—we’ve always just hung out. So I was really nervous going into it. [Laughs] I didn’t tell them that. There was a snow day in Nashville—one of the few we have—and Dan couldn’t be there because of his kids. But the other three—Charlie, Matt and Steve came to their studio called the Jarhole. It’s under construction now, and it was not the vibe to create in at the time, but we had a great time.
They came up with the musical part, and I developed the lyric almost by myself. They let me do my thing. They let me take off and come up with the melody, and most of the lyric, I steered. But the rest, they did it. Even on the recording [of this song], I’m not playing any instruments at all. It went toward their new sound as well. I’m honored to have written with them and have them on the record.
Christian Music News Source
It’s refreshing to talk to an artist like Brandon Heath about his music because there’s no pretense—just an honest, ordinary guy offering his heart and reflections. In this interview, Heath gives us the lowdown on the meaning behind the new title, working with the Jars guys and what it means to define his sound.
CCM: What informed the new album title, What If We?
Brandon Heath: The slogan “What If We” came from a conversation with a mentor friend of mine. We were talking about what God was doing in our lives. That work has often been with other people; it’s never been alone. For me it was taking the risk and putting myself out there as an artist. For him, he was involved in this ministry and not-for-profit organization that pulls girls from brothels called Restore International (restoreinternational.org).
Both of us are just ordinary people, but it feels that God has done extraordinary things just by us trusting Him. I love the fact we’re able to dream as big as we want as long as we believe God can do great things. So the ‘What If’ part is all about those possibilities and the ‘We’ part is doing that together. So, we’re wanting people to be inspired by that sentence.
CCM: I’ve read where you said you didn’t want to stray too far from your sound on the first record…
Brandon: Yeah, that was really the goal. I think as a new artist, to be perfectly honest, I’m still trying to figure out what my sound is. And I think others are, too. So you don’t want to confuse people too much about who you are. I want my music to be accessible, but I don’t want to be so cookie-cutter that it’s predictable. As we [were] finding out what my sound [was], I didn’t want to be too crazy on the second record.
But I think what ended up happening is that it sounded different because we were into Western movies. Also, a lot of people are using the British sound a little too much these days so we wanted to move away from that, too. We used electrics that sounded like Americana—kind of a Springsteen, Tom Petty sound—that being more of the sound spectrum, or a lot of the instruments we used, rather than the same British rock deal.
CCM: What have you learned about your own sound to this point?
Brandon: Well, that it’s a lot of what I listen to. I listen to a lot of the Nashville scene and the Americana sound. But I love listening to pop as well. I love a good pop beat and a couple of the songs on here have that. But I also work with a producer who is one of my best friends, and I give him a lot of input and stake in my own music. So I think discovering my “sound” is a process of Dan [Muckala] and I sitting in a studio and seeing what works.
I’ll be the first to tell you that my musicality is simple, and I sometimes don’t even know how to put it into words, but Dan has helped me uncover what I’m trying to get across. I think that’s what makes producers great—when they can help you define who you are.
CCM: How was writing with the guys in Jars of Clay?
Brandon: Oh man, I’ve been a fan of theirs for a long, long time. But we’ve never done anything creative—we’ve always just hung out. So I was really nervous going into it. [Laughs] I didn’t tell them that. There was a snow day in Nashville—one of the few we have—and Dan couldn’t be there because of his kids. But the other three—Charlie, Matt and Steve came to their studio called the Jarhole. It’s under construction now, and it was not the vibe to create in at the time, but we had a great time.
They came up with the musical part, and I developed the lyric almost by myself. They let me do my thing. They let me take off and come up with the melody, and most of the lyric, I steered. But the rest, they did it. Even on the recording [of this song], I’m not playing any instruments at all. It went toward their new sound as well. I’m honored to have written with them and have them on the record.
Christian Music News Source
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
World travels inspired fundraising musical tour
Singer/songwriter Sara Groves has united with several other Christian artists for a tour that's also a fundraiser for international relief efforts.
The tour, called ART*MUSIC*JUSTICE, comes to Evansville's Christian Fellowship Church on Oct. 12. In addition to Groves, the lineup includes Brandon Heath (Christian music's New Artist of the Year), Derek Webb (formerly of Caedmon's Call), Sandra McCracken and Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and record producer Charlie Peacock.
The purpose of the tour is to benefit both the International Justice Mission and Food for the Hungry.
Groves made trips to Rwanda and Southeast Asia, and through International Justice Mission she witnessed how much could be done to help victims of genocide, sexual exploitation and slavery.
"There is a huge difference between charity and justice. Justice means I'm going to fight for you," Groves said in a recent phone conversation. On her new album, "Tell Me What You Know," Groves made an effort to communicate all the joy and hope that have come from what she's learned. Seven of the songs are inspired by a young woman named Elizabeth, whom she met four years ago.
"Elizabeth, from Southeast Asia, was the oldest of seven, so she took a job in a nearby town to save money for Bible College. A woman she was traveling with betrayed her; Elizabeth was taken captive and sold to a brothel, where she was forced to see 10 to 15 men a day. Elizabeth prayed every night for God to rescue her, and that rescue came in the form of IJM, who was able to secure her freedom," Groves said.
Elizabeth is now a college graduate who uses her story to help others.
In Rwanda, Groves was struck by how one could see the most beautiful things and the most horrible things side by side.
"Hope next to the despair is Rwanda. Yet I learned that I don't know as much as I thought I did. These people are complex and proud."
Food for the Hungry and the International Justice Mission are helping artists and sponsors to partner with one community in Rwanda in the hopes of having every child in that community sponsored by the time the tour concludes.
People might feel helpless when they look at situations like those Groves witnessed in Rwanda and Southeast Asia, but Groves believes that "conviction comes in doses we can handle and guilt is a waste of time."
Partnering with filmmakers and National Geographic, Groves believes the concert will be a thought-provoking and hope-filled evening.
"We are all as Christians saved by grace, and Ephesians 2:10 tells us that Christ Jesus prepared good works for us to do. God is doing amazing things, and we get to be a part of it," Groves said.
Christian Music News Source
The tour, called ART*MUSIC*JUSTICE, comes to Evansville's Christian Fellowship Church on Oct. 12. In addition to Groves, the lineup includes Brandon Heath (Christian music's New Artist of the Year), Derek Webb (formerly of Caedmon's Call), Sandra McCracken and Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and record producer Charlie Peacock.
The purpose of the tour is to benefit both the International Justice Mission and Food for the Hungry.
Groves made trips to Rwanda and Southeast Asia, and through International Justice Mission she witnessed how much could be done to help victims of genocide, sexual exploitation and slavery.
"There is a huge difference between charity and justice. Justice means I'm going to fight for you," Groves said in a recent phone conversation. On her new album, "Tell Me What You Know," Groves made an effort to communicate all the joy and hope that have come from what she's learned. Seven of the songs are inspired by a young woman named Elizabeth, whom she met four years ago.
"Elizabeth, from Southeast Asia, was the oldest of seven, so she took a job in a nearby town to save money for Bible College. A woman she was traveling with betrayed her; Elizabeth was taken captive and sold to a brothel, where she was forced to see 10 to 15 men a day. Elizabeth prayed every night for God to rescue her, and that rescue came in the form of IJM, who was able to secure her freedom," Groves said.
Elizabeth is now a college graduate who uses her story to help others.
In Rwanda, Groves was struck by how one could see the most beautiful things and the most horrible things side by side.
"Hope next to the despair is Rwanda. Yet I learned that I don't know as much as I thought I did. These people are complex and proud."
Food for the Hungry and the International Justice Mission are helping artists and sponsors to partner with one community in Rwanda in the hopes of having every child in that community sponsored by the time the tour concludes.
People might feel helpless when they look at situations like those Groves witnessed in Rwanda and Southeast Asia, but Groves believes that "conviction comes in doses we can handle and guilt is a waste of time."
Partnering with filmmakers and National Geographic, Groves believes the concert will be a thought-provoking and hope-filled evening.
"We are all as Christians saved by grace, and Ephesians 2:10 tells us that Christ Jesus prepared good works for us to do. God is doing amazing things, and we get to be a part of it," Groves said.
Christian Music News Source
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