The Joint has released a review of the new Vicky Beeching Limited Edition EP. Check it out...
KLAMPERT: Simple as this…It’s an EP. Vicky only had 3 songs to convince me that I want to spend my $9.99 when her full CD comes out. After hearing the EP I’d pay $29.99 to get the rest of it if I had to.
BYRD: The EP has me! Hook, line, and sinker on the musicality, beautiful vocals, singability, and some solid content. Come on full length!
MAHONEY: cGet this EP, and prepare yourself for what has to be a great album, Eternity Invades. Vocals, hooks, lyrics… it’s all there.
VANCE: Based on the three songs here I am really looking forward to the album release! Get the EP now to tie you over in the meantime!
I was pretty A) busy and B) exhausted to get this out on Sunday. We had a really busy weekend of music and worship, so let's get started.
Saturday night we held our Night of Worship event at Gospel Light. We had in several guest groups, plus our Choir, Send Judah First. It was an awesome evening of worship. One of the choirs came up from the Bronx, NY, and they just blew us away. (There's a video at the bottom). We also had Nick Alexander come in and sing for us - both some original worship song, and one of his signature parodies. (Which was a big hit)
Sunday looked like this:
Opening:
Again I Say Rejoice (Houghton/Lindsey)(E)
Main Set:
Finding Who We Are (Shamburger)(G) Tell the World (Houston)(G) He Reigns (Furler/Taylor)(C) From the Inside Out (Houston)(C)
Offering:
Trading My Sorrows (Evans)(G)
We were very short-handed for Sunday. Justin and Celia have left the team officially to join with our Bronx church plant as worship leaders. That leaves us short a vocalist, and without a keyboard player. Also, Aquim was sick, so we had no drummer as well. Guitar-only worship? Right up my alley!
Everything actually came out very well. I played electric for most of the set, clean with a little OD, and the bass tweaked up a bit more than normal. It filled the room pretty well. We'll have to get used to that kind of sound for a bit, until one of our "learning" keyboard players can play more.
Sunday night was our monthly joint worship service with several of our affiliated churches. This month we were at Beacon of Light church in Waterbury. Laura and I led a couple of songs there as well.
Trading My Sorrows (Evans)(G) The Heart of Worship (Redman)(D)
All in all, a great weekend of music and worship! Check out some other recaps at The Worship Community.
The 1987 film Wall Street was a defining moment in the 1980s. In a lot of ways, it personified the 80s. There were thousands of Gordon Gekkos, thousands of Bud Foxes. The archetypical excess, the quest for money, because money was power. It was one of the great movies of the decade.
Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps opens in April. The only returning cast member is the only one who counts: Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko. Can't wait.
I read an interesting articletoday yesterday. Actually it was more sad than interesting. It told about how the Olympics and other major sporting events are hotspots for human trafficking and sexual slavery. As you read this, thousands of women and children have been brought to Vancouver to meet the "demand" generated by the Winter Olympics. I was so amazed by that sickening fact, I decided to pass it on:
@mikeymo1741 :Did you know that the Olympic Games are always a hotspot for human trafficking ? http://is.gd/8w17I
My good buddy Joel retweeted that. I read some more articles. This is a pretty big problem. Then I got this unexpected response:
@ElenaJeffreys : @joelklampert @mikeymo1741 "increased by 300% between 1996 – 2001 from 4,000 to 15,000 children" #trafficking numbers are unreliable
What? Who is this person and are they defending human trafficking for forced prostitution? So I said:
@mikeymo1741: @ElenaJeffreys // 1 is too many.
Research time. Apparently Elena Jeffreys is the president of a group called the Scarlet Alliance, which was formed in 1989 to protect the rights of Australian sex workers. Subsequent tweets seem to indicate her position is that if we decriminalize prostitution, regulate it, and stop authorities from harassing sex workers, then everything will be OK. Oh, and bury our head in the sand when it comes to trafficking.
Really?
The sad fact of our human culture is that it is generally always more profitable to do things illegally than legally, especially vice-related things. Why build a nice, clean, licensed brothel with well-paid workers when you can use a dirty, cheap apartment in a run-down neighborhood with free "labor"? Why not take advantage of desperate people in poor countries, who only have a dream of a better life?
Let's face some facts: Somali pirates are pirates because they can make more money being pirates than they can being fishermen, even after figuring in the risk. Sex traffickers do what they do because they can make more money than they can in legitimate business, even after figuring the risk. And there is very little risk. Prostitution is not a "popular" crime to prosecute - there is very little bite to many of the laws, and there is the myth that it is a "victim-less" crime. But there are always victims. Women who "choose" prostitution because they feel they have no other choice, because they feel they can't make it in the "real" world, or because they are desperate; families of johns who suffer because of their bad choices; workers who are locked into exploitive working environments; the estimated 42 percent of prostitutes in the US who are minors; workers threatened with deportation or abuse if they don't comply. (By the way, this is not limited to prostitution. Many nail salons are little better than brothels.)
I don't think Elena Jeffreys is a bad person; quite the opposite: I think she is truly trying to do what she can to protect these women. I applaud her for her efforts, actually. The objectives listed on her website are laudable. However some are conspicuously absent: providing an exit strategy for those who desire to leave the business and counselling for those who feel trapped in their roles. I am much more supportive of people like Anne Lobert, who aims to not only protect women, but give them options.
In any case, hiding your head in the sand is not going to make human trafficking go away. Whether it's for forced prostitution, or indentured servitude as a domestic servant, agricultural worker or nail salon worker, slavery is alive and well in North America. There's even less protection in Canada than the US, where customers responding to "erotic services" ads are requred to provide a credit card. But people will always find a way.
A great place to find out about human trafficking is Love146.
Here's the setlist and worship recap from Gospel Light Community Church for this Valentine's Day. I'm not even sure where to start, it was a such a great service. I guess the beginning is a good place.
Opening:
Free For All (Houghton/Townsend)(C)
Main Set:
We Cry Out (Johnson)(C#m) Came to My Rescue (Davies/Sampson/Thomas)(G) Mighty to Save (Morgan)(A) Healer (Guglielmucci)(B)
Offering:
All Because of Jesus (Fee)(C)
Special Offering:
No Condemnation (Patterson/Johnson)
We had a couple of extra bodies today. Daniel was home for the weekend from school to work with the youth, and brought a friend of his, Josh, who happens to be a serious bass player. So we had a full-up band today - keys, acoustic, electric and bass. Add that to the fact that Israel rewired between the board and the amps for the mains this week, and we had some serious sounds going.
From the time we started the bridge in "Came to My Rescue," there came an amazing move of worship and release. People had their hands up, were singing and crying out like I've rarely seen. It kept flowing through "Mighty to Save" - which never sounded bigger or more of the anthem it is. But when we got to "Healer," that's when things really started going. It was as if everyone in the room was claiming the song. When we (finally) finished, Pastor Pedro came up and gave a word about healing, and exorted people to come forth and claim healing over their bodies and lives. We reprised the song - we were already 45 minutes into the music, and no one seemed to care. (We actually had one more song on the list, but this seemed the perfect place to end.)
Our second offering song was done by our newly forming Youth Praise Band, who sang the song "No Condemnation (Let the World Know) off the New Breed album Generation: Love. The youth also did a short skit today, humorously pointing out the different mindsets between young men and women.
Today's message (by your's truly) was tied into the day, about Christ-like love. Our altar call was Jared Anderson's version of "How He Loves."
The internet is a very interesting place. One of the richest things about the idea of "Web 2.0" is actually a two-edged sword: the ease and ability for someone to create content, makes it easy to create any content. Often, when sitting behind the not-so-critical muse of a screen and keyboard, it's easy to fire off a tweet, blogpost, comment or status update, without full thought as to where those casual words will wind up.
The flip side of that, is that it has never been easier to have global conversations, exchange ideas, learn and impact others. For me, there's no debate here; I'll take the Web 2.0 with all its bundled issues, over the isolationism of thought that preceeded it.
Certainly Web 1.0 had its strengths - with content difficult to create and make available, generally only "experts" would do so. These days, anyone with a mouse can update Wikipedia and become an "expert." While this creates a certain responsibilty for the reader to carefully vet their sources, it also opens up the possiblity for everyone to become and "expert" - and most people know quite a bit about at least one particular subject.
The best part about this "global dialog" is that people tend to be pretty smart, and that information will - over time - resolve itself into something that is useable and trustworthy. This is the basic idea behind "crowdsourcing." By allowing the dialogue to unfold publicly a fuller understanding of whatever topic is at hand comes out. The early days of the internet (and pre-internet as well) were a monologue. Today, we have a dialogue, and we are better for it.
It also allows the trimming of a once-broad brush into a finer resolution. At one time, an "expert" could say "X is bad." or "Y is the best product/method/idea." and that would be that. Now... someone says "X is bad" and hundreds or thousands of people comment or write blogs about it. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. Maybe the original author had incomplete experience, or maybe we do. I've read some facinating discussions on blog comments and forums, many of which have successfully challenged my own ideas. And occaisionally, I've been allowed to educate someone, or successfully challenge their ideas. But almost always, there is common ground to be discovered, and from there, real understanding grows.
I'm not going to get into what caused me to write this post. Some of you might already know. Truth be told, it has been brewing for a while, and finally came to fruition. What I will say is this: keep the conversation going, don't shut off ideas just because they challenge your beliefs, and don't be offended as as first reaction. When offense comes into play (especially when none was intended) it shuts down the whole process. Unless someone writes specifically about you ("So-and-so is an idiot.) there is probably not a reason to be offended. Instead, challenge back, respectfully, and let love guide you. And heed the words of James 1:19-20:
So then,my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
When I was first asked to review Sex, Lies and Religion by Randy Elrod, at first I was a little put off. I imagined it would be just another tome saying the same old things about the subject of sexuality in the Bible: the shame of Adam and Eve, the passion of Song of Songs, David dancing. Yada yada…
Was I wrong.
While those things are all mentioned, Randy takes quite a unique approach to sexuality in the bible, and in the lives of a Christian. It’s clearly a difficult subject for many, and simply talking about it makes many people uncomfortable. This book will not help in that regard; indeed, Randy seems bent on intentionally making the reader uncomfortable. But to tell you the truth, some of the best sermons I’ve ever listened to are the ones that made me the most uncomfortable.
It’s ironic, because the point of this book seems to be making us comfortable. So how can discomfort bring us to a place of comfort? Very effectively, apparently. Throughout this short book – at 166 pages, it’s a quick read – Randy takes us past the “cultural norms” that we have built up as a society. He looks at the magnificence of the David – which brings discomfort to many – pointing out that the sexuality is not in the statue, but in our minds. Or more correctly, the negative connotation of the sexuality. Because after all, it is part of us, part of God’s wondrous creation.
A large part of the book is dedicated to practical issues – building intimacy, opening one’s mind to freedom in one’s sexuality. I will need to read this again, to be sure, as one quick read is not enough to absorb it. This book will make many people uncomfortable. But when you’re uncomfortable, that’s when you move.
Sex, Lies and Religion can be purchased here. The book will be available, appropriately, on Valentine's Day.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from cre:ate 2.0 Publishing to read and post a review on my site. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Here's this week's setlist and recap from Gospel Light Community Church on this Superbowl Sunday.
Opening:
Blessed Be You Name (Redman)(C)
Main Set:
Free For All (Houghton/Townsend)(C) God of Wonders (Byrd/Hindalong)(G) How Great is Our God (Tomlin/Reeves/Cash)(C) The Heart of Worship (Redman)(G) I Worship You, Almighty God (Corbett)(F)
Offering:
History Maker (Smith)(G)
Wow, things really flowed well today. It was a great service, with packed house, which is always great to see. We had Communion this week, and that always is a great time of fellowship - both with God and each other.
The Pathfinders cell group did a dance presentation today accompanied by the Casting Crowns song "Slow Fade." That happens to be one of my favorites of the Altar and the Door album, and one I've used to accompany teachings. All the women in the cell brought their little kids up for the end of the song. There wasn't a dry eye in the house!
The Joint has released a review of Cory Asbury's new album, Let Me See Your Eyes. Let's see what they say:
KLAMPERT: An amazing CD that pushes the boundaries of worship these days. I love what he did with this CD. A few songs lyrically I was not a fan of because they were reminiscent of old Vineyard “kiss me jesus, marry jesus” kinda songs. Other than that I can’t get enough of this CD
MAHONEY: A decent collection of tunes. Some very good songs, but for an “album” it plays like an mp3 player on “shuffle.”
VANCE: Cory is a one talented fella, but this album is not for me!
Read the whole review, including what might and might not work in your church, at The Joint Review.
As the Grammys wrap up and the Oscars announce nominees this week, I am considering the relevance of the modern "industry awards" in light of my changing perspectives of the music business in particular, and the artistic professions in general. There has been a lot of derision heaped on this years Grammy Awards show, and rightfully so. With a a couple of standout exceptions, it was pretty much a nightmare, and I'm not (just) talking about Taylor Swift's horrible off-key performance.
I suppose I'm the only one who finds it vaguely hypocritcal to have had the (pretty good) rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" performed by Mary J. Blige and Andrea Bocelli sold on iTunes, with the proceeds going to Haiti relief. Nice, but how much did that whole spectacle cost? They could have held the awards show in the Beverly Hills High School gym, and given the savings to Haiti relief. It would have done a lot more good, and probably would have sounded better.
That aside, the Grammys (and the Oscars and even the Dove Awards) are clearly the "industry" patting itself on the back. And maybe they need it. Clearly, the Grammys do not represent the best anyone has to offer in musical quality. They do represent the best anyone has to offer in music commerciality, of course. If anyone actually thinks that Taylor Swift put out the best album of 2009 is likely deaf. But Taylor (whether or not her daddy bought her way into the industry as is widely speculated) is clearly marketable - cute, peppy, putting out cheery, hook-laden three chord tunes. So the "industry" did what it was supposed to do, and promoted one of its own to the pantheon of Grammy greatness.
I'd really love to know who comes up with the ill-advised pairings of performers and presenters at the Grammy shows. Besides the train-wreck pairing of Stevie Nicks and Taylor Swift, there were some notable ones. Could anyone have looked more uncomfortable than Placido Domingo standing next to Mos Def? He looked like he was ready to jump off the stage. Did anyone seem more out of place than Usher during the Michael Jackson presentation? (Besides the fact I think he was singing a different song?) Was it me, or did Roberta Flack seem not quite all there with Maxwell? And seriously, Jennifer Nettles should have gone home after "Who Says You Can't Go Home." (I loved when Richie moved over to stand in front of her!) And Justin Beiber was supposed to say something, right? I did like the Elton John/Lady Gaga thing though, weirdly.
There were some good performances, of course. Jeff Beck was amazing behind the lip-syncing Imelda May. Not only was it an amazing performance, it was truly what Les Paul might have played, not Jeff Beck's interpretation of Les Paul. (Slash, take some notes, sober up, get a haircut.) Pink's performance was excellent - stunning visuals, great vocals. (I could have done without the 5th Element outfit, though.) Travis Barker was killin' it (when you could hear something over the audio dumps - thanks lil Wayne.) And Carrie Underwood surprised me by holding her own on stage with the likes of Celine Dion and Smokey Robinson.
The Grammys are clearly not very relevant to working musicians, a group into which I include church musicians who play every week without getting paid. Anne Stewart made some excellent observations on gighive.com on how the Grammys (and all the other "industry" awards) work. But I may not completely agree with "...but not only is it stale musicially, it’s downright offensive to working musicians everywhere." I don't take offense from it. Just the opposite, in fact. It's clear that many of the "big" stars are a short step above the no-talent hacks that populate the audition rounds of American Idol. So maybe we ain't so bad. As much as some people bemoan modern CCM, it's really no worse (and in many cases better) than modern Grammy-worthy material.
But alas, the Grammy's are behind us, and the Oscar nominations have been announced. Since five industry-sanctioned flicks are not enough, this year's Best Picture field has been expanded to 10, because District 9 really needs a Best Picture nomination. So when this year's Avatar Awards (sorry, I mean Oscar Awards) come up, we can have the conversation all over again.
