Last week, at Emmanuel Community Church in Bayville, NJ, the women's ministry had their annual Spring Brunch. They asked me to speak and sing about "grace". I focused a lot on the story behind "Amazing Grace", and how John Newton wrote the words. John was a slave trader, in the 1700's. After almost losing his life at sea on one of the slave ships, he turned his life over to Christ, and accepted God's "amazing grace". What a powerful story of faith! One woman spoke about her battle with breast…
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Leading Music Ministry at St. George's by the River Episcopal Church, Rumson, NJ
Yesterday, I led the music ministry at St. George's by the River Episcopal Church, in Rumson, NJ. The constant rain outside did not effect the enthusiasm and love for worship, inside the church. I decided to sing the Prelude, instead of an instrumental. I sang " I Know That My Redeemer Liveth", from "The Messiah." I also sang, "Psalm 23", from my Covenant Love CD. Than I introduced Praise songs to the congregation. They enjoyed "Feed Us Now", "Give Thanks", "Because He Lives", and "Celebrate…Read more
Sunburst at Help Is On the Way
This past Sunday, my choir and Ecumenical singers, presented "Help Is On the Way", at King of Kings Lutheran Church. "Today Is the Day", "Help Is On the Way", " Lord, I Run To You" - and many other songs, focused on hope and encouragment. While we were singing the theme song, "Help Is On the Way", suddenly, there was a bright blast of sunshine, that appeared through the window above me. It was a poignant moment; it was as if God was smiling down on us, and telling us, "Yes, I am here! Help is on the…Read more
The Holocaust Remembrance Day
Yesterday, April 11th, was The Holocaust Remembrance Day. I watched the movie, "Anne Frank", last night, and was reminded of the horrible atrocities. Our prayers continue to go out to the survivors, and their loved ones-- lost-- but not forgotten. Here is a YouTube about the woman, Miep Gies, who died recently, at age 100, who helped the Frank's hide from the Nazi's. www.youtube.com/watch The video also reviews the events leading up to Anne Frank's death, and about her diary. I have been to Holland, and…Read more
Help Is On the Way
Hi, friends! I came across an exciting and meaningful worship musical, called Help Is On the Way. I thought it would be great, to do this with King of Kings Choir, at my church. The theme is trusting God, and keeping the faith, even in troubled times. There is so much going on around us- - people losing their jobs, the loss of loved ones, natural disasters -- it's hard to keep our faith, when everything around us is falling apart. The songs in this musical presentation, give hope and encouragement.…Read more
Easter Reflections
He is Risen! I remember Pastor Hanson saying that Easter is much more meaningful, when we experience Good Friday. When we take Christ's journey to the Cross, than witness his suffering and death, we rejoice even more, on Easter Sunday. This year, I sang the song, "Because He Lives", by the Gaither's. In past years, I sang "I Know My Redeemer Liveth", from the Messiah. Both pieces are beautiful. But this year, I felt closer to the Gaither song. "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow...all fear is…Read more
Haiti Benefit Concert - $8,000 Raised!
The Haiti Benefit Concert went well tonight! The event was sponsored by Pilgrim Baptist Church. The church's pastor, Rev. Terrence Porter, envisioned and organized the event. Helping partners included: Seacoast Missionary Baptist Association Mass Choir; Northeast Signature Properties; Lunch Break of Red Bank; Aslan Youth Ministries; Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.; Red Bank Regional High School; Monmouth County Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Parker Health…Read more
Hero
I went to a wake tonight, for Paul Seitz, 51 years old, who died of cancer. Paul and his family used to live in my neighborhood, when we were kids. All these years have gone by, since the Seitz family moved. When I heard Paul had died, I couldn't remember what he looked like. But when I arrived at the funeral home, and saw the display of pictures, I remembered Paul, right away. I often wondered what had become of the kids I grew up with.
After reading his extensive obituary, I learned that Paul had…Read more
After reading his extensive obituary, I learned that Paul had…Read more
New Web Site
I wanted to thank Joan Doyle, for taking care of my former web site, over the years. Her inspiration and guidance has been an asset to my music ministry, and I will always be grateful for her service. This new web site, as you can see, is not completed yet! But I hope to finish it as soon as possible, and keep you updated.
This past weekend, I gave two concerts at the Veterans Hospital in Lyons, NJ. I am always amazed at the cheerfulness of these vets. After all they have been through, the pain and…Read more
This past weekend, I gave two concerts at the Veterans Hospital in Lyons, NJ. I am always amazed at the cheerfulness of these vets. After all they have been through, the pain and…Read more
Haiti Song
We've all been effected by the tragedy in Haiti. Last month, I was away in Florida for a bike marathon. After riding 100 miles, I was exhausted, went back to my hotel room, and wanted nothing more, than to sleep! I turned on the TV, and the news was on, about Haiti. At home, I was following the news reports, but while I was away, I could focus even more, on the events of the day. I think what touched me the most, was the connection with a news reporter -- he was showing the devastation, and suddenly,…Read more