gosp e l today | Sep 14 , 2 0 0 9
Bad Behavior...? What’s YOUR Take?
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When Sen. Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina) shouted out “You lie!” at President Obama during a joint session of the Congress, America gasped…at least most of America did, but on further investigation, the groundswell of disrespect seems to be running rampant. During the same week, Kanye West made headlines by interrupting an award presentation to Taylor Swift at the VMA Awards to snatch the mic and make a comment that at best, was rude and insensitive. Add to that, Serena Williams’ curselaced threats during the semi-finals of the Women’s Singles match at the US Open, and you might think that somebody is collaborating to encourage everybody to “just act crazy!” So, what’s really going on? Bad behavior isn’t cute, funny or acceptable! Wilson, who is up for re-election in 2010 seems to have put his career in serious jeopardy. Especially when former president, Jimmy Carter called him out, and cited the incident as racism “I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he’s African American,” Carter told NBC. Williams, a practicing Jehovah's Witness who won't vote for religious reasons, was fined $10,000 by the U.S. Tennis Association—but even worse, she took the Lord’s name in vain. "I swear to God, I'm [expletive] going to take this [expletive] ball and shove it down your [expletive] throat, you hear that? I swear to God," she said. Kanye’s bad taste seems to be habitual. Back in 2006, West posed for the cover of “Rolling Stone” magazine with a crown of thorns on his head. The cover caused
Christians to be outraged. Gospel artist Micah Stampley remarked, “Like many of those whom you have contacted concerning this matter, I am totally thrown off at his attempt to portray himself as my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am also outraged by the failure and refusal of those Christians of influence to take a stand on a matter that is offensive to our faith. In my opinion, this young man feels that he is superior to his peers and surroundings and to depict himself as Jesus Christ is proof of that. Kanye has a level of pride that is unique, it's frightening! It reminds me of when Lucifer tried to exalt himself above the throne of God as we read about in scripture. As a result, God cast him down along with all the angels that agreed and followed him. After he (Satan) was kicked out of heaven, the Bible described him as the fallen star. Here is what I mean by this reference; Kanye West may be a shining star right now but when you try to exalt yourself as Jesus, you open up to being the next falling star and all those that follow and support are in position to be cast down as well. Let this be a lesson learned. Just because someone uses the name of Jesus Christ does not mean they stand for what His name represents.” So…what does all this mean to you? That’s what we want to know! What are you doing to proactively change the tide in your church or home? What conversations are you having around the sanctuary or water cooler? Or…are you just being silent in the midst of what has become a “movement” of profanity, racism and disrespect? We’d LOVE to hear from you! Blog us: gospeltoday.ning.com; or facebook us: Teresa E Hairston/facebook. gt
How Sweet the Sound: Coming Your Way!
Donald Lawrence
BET News and Host Jeff Johnson will bring together special guest in a town hall format to discuss Health Care Reform, September 22, 2009 at the Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave, NW C Street Entrance Only. To be apart of the audience, please signup below. Bring your most pressing questions and comments regarding Health Care Reform to weigh in on this historic discussion. Please arrive no later than 11:30 a.m. Due to security procedures, please arrive early. You must RSVP and your name must be on our list in order to enter the Newseum and the studio. Please sign and bring the attached waiver. Event Details: BET NEWS – Town Hall on Health Care Reform Time: 11:30AM, Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 Location: e Newseum (555 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20001). gt
Aug 31 , 2 0 0 9 | gosp el today
The 11-city “How Sweet the Sound” tour will take place throughout the next few months, culminating in a grand finale on November 7th in Detroit at the Joe Louis Arena where one choir from across the country will ultimately be named the “Best Church Choir in America.” Grammy-Award winners Donald Lawrence, CeCe Winans, Lisa Kimmey-Winans, Marvin Sapp, James Fortune, Dorinda-Clark Cole, Kurt Carr, Trin-i-tee 5:7, and Hezekiah Walker are involved in the events as judges and hosts. For more info visit www.howsweetthesound.com. gt
BET NEWS to Host “Town Hall on Health Care Reform”
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Atlanta Mother Continues Mission To Save Lives Turns The Pain of Losing Her Son Into Campaign
gos p e l today | Sep 14 , 2 0 0 9
Candace Walker & late son, Clinton
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Candace Walker's heart may be heavy but her spirit and determination to save lives presses on. In 2008, after losing her only son Clinton to an undetected heart defect, Candace has been on a mission to raise community awareness about heart defects and create opportunities for young people to receive life saving heart screenings. For over a year the Walker family searched for answers to the violent seizures that their only old son Clinton, a previously healthy and athletic boy, suddenly began to suffer from. Clinton received CAT scan's, MRI's, EEGs and Sleep Clinic tests only to be told in the end, that they could not find the cause of his seizures. On February 7, 2008, Clinton passed away in his sleep from the compilations of a seizure; he was 17 years old. It was not until after Clinton's death that an autopsy revealed he suffered from an abnormal heart defect
that if detected earlier may have saved his life. Since the tragic passing of her son Candace has turned her grief into an all out war cry to raise awareness and help other families and communities practice early detection. Her story has appeared in Gospel Today Magazine; Our Voices Mississippi; The Indianapolis Recorder; and, Candace has also appeared on Praise 102.5's The Coco Brother Radio show. Clinton's story has also appeared on Organizing for America's Website, Parent Heart Watch website and in the Rockdale Citizen. In the fall of 2008 Candace launched the Clinton Ron Walker Scholarship Fund and Youth4Healthy Hearts. The Clinton Ron Walker Scholarship Fund Inc. was created to honor and remember Clinton in a way that continues his legacy of service. The Youth4Healthy Hearts Benefit Concert is a yearly event that features Gospel performers and health vendors who come out and help to spread the word on the importance of knowledge and of early detection through heart health screenings. "The Youth4Healthy Hearts events are aimed at educating our youth about heart defects and raising funds for The Clinton Ron Walker Scholarship Fund." says Walker. "Eight out of every one thousand children born in the US have congenital heart problems that often go undiagnosed. We are committed to bringing awareness to this problem and educating parents and the
community on the steps to take to have their children screened. This information is vital in saving the lives of our children." WHO: WHAT:
Candace Walker and The Clinton Ron Walker Scholarship Inc. The 2nd Annual Youth4Healthy Hearts Gospel Concert featuring; Gospel Recording Artists, Jamie Jones, Wanda Trent-Phillips, Chris Lewis, Korey Bowie, Patrick Leong and others
WHEN: WHY:
Saturday, October 3, 2009 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Raising Community Awareness on Congenital Heart Problems and, raising scholarship dollars for Clinton Ron Walker Scholarship Fund
WHERE:
Greenbriar Mall - Near Burlington Court 2841 Greenbriar Parkway S.W. Atlanta Ga. 30331
For more information about20The Clinton Ron Walker Scholarship Fund and Youth4Healthy Hearts please visit: http://www.crwsf.org The Clinton Ron Walker Scholarship Fund is a non profit organization set up to provide scholarships to dese rving students at Stockbridge High School and in Georgia. We also want to provide educational material and support to encourage youths to have a healthy heart through the Youths for Health. gt
entrepreneur’s
boot camp Prepare your Mind, Body & Spirit for the next season of your journey!
cHristiAn Writers | publisHers | AutHors
you’ll leArn:
spend time with gospel today publisher,
n How to launch/manage a publication
teresA HAirston
n How to write press releases that get noticed!“I'm inviting those of you who are n How to write articles that will get published
—dr. teresA HAirston
october 30, 2009 | AtlAntA, GA A t l A n t A
A i r p o r t
only $299*
M A r r i o t t
*Includes conference fees and lunch meal. Hotel offers airport shuttle. Does NOT include hotel accommodations.
H o t e l
*SPACE IS LIMITED. YOU MUST APPLY AND BE ACCEPTED TO PARTICIPATE. FOR APPLICATION/COSTS, SEND EMAIL TO: drhairstongt@aol.com
j a n f e b 2 0 0 9 | gos p e l today
n Basic strategies for business success
ready to take the next step on your path to purpose to spend a day with me that is especially designed to help move you into the place God has for you! I hope you'll make the sacrifice to be part of this special event!”
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Gospel music
news
PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS
September Proclaimed Gospel Music Heritage Month
gos p e l today |
Sep 21 , 2 0 0 9
(L-R) James "Jazzy" Jordan, EVP, Verity Gospel Music Group; Charles Humbard, CEO, GMC; Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee; artists Richard Smallwood, Phillip Carter and Maurette Brown Clarke.
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On Sept. 15, the second National Gospel Music Heritage Month was officially proclaimed. The Gospel Music Channel (GMC) television network joined with the United States Senate, led by Senator Blanche L. Lincoln (D-AR) and the House of Representatives, led by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) to create the "National Gospel Music Heritage Month" initiative. The dual legislation passed by the House and the Senate designates September 2009 as "Gospel Music Heritage Month," honoring gospel music for its valuable and longstanding contributions to American culture. The initiative was created by GMC; joining GMC as sponsors of "Gospel Music Heritage Month" are The Recording Academy®, the Gospel Music Association (GMA), the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) and The Stellar Awards. gt
Delores “Sugar” Poindexter Transitions Gospel Music Workshop of America/Gospel Announcer’s Guild members will sincerely miss Delores " Sugar" Poindexter, one of the GAG’s longtime, dedicated supporters, who transitioned from this life to the next, on Tuesday, September 14, 2009. “Sug” as most friends called her, was already living with the aftermath of a severe stroke. In April of this year, she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. The homegoing services will be next Friday and Saturday, September 25- 26th. For info: Alehointl@aol.com. gt
Addiction and Relapse within the Music Industry In support of National Addiction Recovery month and to continue our efforts to address the problems of addiction in the music industry, MusiCares will present a panel discussion on the issue of addiction and relapse this Thursday, September 24, 2009. In chemical dependency, relapse is defined as “the act of taking that first drink or drug after being deliberately clean and sober for some time”. People who have relapsed can usually point back to certain things and ideas they thought before they actually picked up a drink or used. Join the panel discussion featuring advice and expertise from John Hiatt,
GRAMMY-nominated and multiple award winning artist; Will Radford, Clinical Director, Cumberland Heights Treatment facility; Dr. Pete Harris, Ph.D., private practitioner and others. The event will take place from 2:00pm to 3:30pm at MusiCares / The Recording Academy office, 1904 Wedgewood Avenue, Nashville, TN. RSVP To Cortney Bailey at 615327-0050 or email Cortney.Bailey@grammy.com. gt
This year, YOU can vote on the 2010 STELLAR AWARDS!
Sep 21 , 2 0 0 9 | gosp e l today
The Stellar Awards will take place next January 16, 2010, at the Grand Old Opry hosted by Donnie McClurkin, Sinbad and Dorinda Clark Cole. However, you can vote starting this week Tuesday, September 22, 2009 up to October 3, 2009. To participate, go towww.thestellarawards.com and cast your vote for your favorite artist. You will only be allowed to vote once, so be sure to make it count! Once the public weighs in on the entries the process will follow its normal route of the final determinations being decided by the recording industry. gt
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g u e s t
s p e a k e r s :
bishop rudolph mckessick, jr.
bishop noel jones
minister kirk franklin
thursday, 9am
thursday, 7pm
friday, 9am
february 18-19, 2010 bethel baptist church jacksonville, FL
2010 gospelheritage.org
(770) 719-4825
Transformational 2 cor. 3:18
Worship stephen hurd
byron cage
dr. leonard Trent Vonsmith Lee
carla williams
Ministers of Music/ Praise Leaders Track: “Transformational Worship that Transforms Ministry” How to make your personal and music dept. ministry more dynamic from the inside out. Led by Stephen Hurd, Byron Cage and Dr. Jeff Patton.
Registration gospelheritage.org Early Bird Registration (until Sep. 30) Youth (ages 13-21): $59 Adult: $89
All EVENTS will be held at the Host church: Bethel Bapt. Ch., Jacksonville, FL
Pastors Track: “Transform Your Church with Ministry Excellence” Dynamic churches demand excellence--from administration to preaching. Seminars led by Bishop Noel Jones, Elder Roland Hairston and Dr. Leonard N. Smith.
Regular Registration (Oct 1 - Nov 30) Youth (ages 13-21): $79 Adult: $109 Late Registration (Dec 1 - Feb 10) Youth (ages 13-21): $99 Adult: $129
Host Hotels - Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk ($89.00/night) 866-845-8862
Youth Track: “Transformational Career opportunities for Leaders!” songwriters, producers, artists and executives will pour wisdom into the next generation...Learn what it takes to make it. Coordinators: Darryl Izzard, Carla Williams, and Monica Coates
On Site-Registration (After Feb 11) Youth (ages 13-21):$119 Adult: $159
- Omni Jacksonville ($99.00/night) (904) 791-4831
Dance Track: “Transform your Movement into Ministry” Precision in presentation; Dynamic dance techniques and special presentations that will help transform your movement. Coordinators: Trent Von Lee, Evangelist Tracy Gibson and Prophetess Sherry Wilson
Vendors welcome! (Limited space Thursday, Feb 18, 2010 available) 10pm - 12 a.m. All vendors will be Registration: solo- $75; groups located (2-5 members) - $100; choirs or in lobby area of church: groups (6 or more members): $150. $250/per table (Includes Non-refundable fee of $25) Must send DVD to: GHF, PO BOX 800, Fairburn, GA 30213
New Artist Showcase
*Deadline to enter: January 15, 2010