Larry Norman - See You in Heaven

Larry Norman, the Father of contemporary Christian music slipped into the presence of his Father early Sunday morning, February 24, 2008. His heart had been failing for years, and he was ready to be released from this world.

My introduction to “Christian Rock” came when I went to a private concert here in Memphis where Larry made a huge impact on me as a young teenager. His music was relevant, powerful and his humor broke down the barriers. It was cool to follow Christ. My brother and I bought the album “Street Level” and dropped the stereo needle on it often.

 

 

 

 

His classic album, “Only Visiting the Planet” was voted the best Contemporary Christian album of all time by CCM magazine.

 

 

 

 

Hope Church and any church who proclaims itself as a church for the unchurched can really trace it’s roots back to this man. He broke down traditional barriers to share the love of Christ with those who wanted nothing to do with the traditional church. He used Rock music to proclaim about the “Rock who does not roll”

He once said,

“I wanted to forcibly change the music of the church. I had a high regard for hymns because of the doctrine expressed in the lyrics but the melodies seemed ponderous. Outside of black churches the only other church music in the ’50s I was aware of were camp songs which seemed a bit naive and white gospel quartet music that seemed emotionally overbearing. I believed that my music was a new direction in the church politics, but that it also had to be so artful that even a non-believer would find it compelling. I apologize for having the arrogance of an 18-year-old, but my heart had pure motives and so I believe God used me in a small way to do something which had a positive effect.” (From Rock for the Ages by Gregory Rumburg CCM Magazine)

Here is a video of “Why Don’t You Look into Jesus” a very radical song then and a very radical song now.

Name That Band

I love checking out the names of bands. The more unique and unusual the better. Think of the great names like —- The Smashing Pumpkins, They Might Be Giants, Rage Against the Machine, Six Pence None the Richer, Led Zeppelin…. Ever tried to come up with a great name? Well, here is your chance. Tony Morgan blogged about a fun way to not only pick a unique name for your band but to also name your first album and pick your album cover photo. Here’s how it works:

1. Band Name - The first article title on the page is the name of your band.

2. Album Title - The last four words of the very last quote is the title of your album.

3. Album Cover Art - The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

I think my album is going platinum!

                            

Christmas Eve at Hope Revisited

It was a magical night at Hope. Jack, who did an awesome job with all the creative printed materials during Christmas, took some pictures during some of the services. I had to share them!

The lighting in the new space is awesome. Jay set this system up over many a sleepless night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Becky Russell has blessed us with her presence many times over the years. She is a legend in Memphis for her powerful voice and her band Reba Russell and the Portables and her present group - Reba Russell Band. She has U2’s “Rattle and Hum” as one of her album credits and has opened for the likes of B. B. King, The Four Tops, Tracy Nelson and Leon Russell. One reviewer said a few years ago, “Though she can belt it out down and dirty, she also can sand off the rough edges and purr.” She certainly brought her “A-Game” to Hope, and her smokey voice was just starting to warm up when we reached the 9th service!

 

 

Yes, we had dancers!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Craig did a great job preaching with the same passion and power for all of the 9 services.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pat Register, the essence of cool! He can play and he can really sing. Pat sang and played at our wedding in 2004 —- Our first dance, he sang for us “The Way You Look Tonight”. Ahh, wonderful memories!!!!

 

 

The candlelighting in the new space was breathtaking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are a few words from some of the over 2000 comment cards we received:

It’s a family tradition to come for Hope’s Christmas eve service. Always a highlight of our year. Thanks.Great singing, great, friendly people, great sanctuary, a very awesome place!God is an awesome God! What a wonderful sanctuary. The hospitality is always outstanding. Thank you for your outreach to us at Mississippi Blvd. Christian Church.Thank you for the warm welcome. Your program sounded inviting and I am happy I attended. I have never experienced a worship service of this magnitude.Didn’t think I’d like it—-boy, was I wrong! Good mix of music.It’s only by God’s grace that I am here today! Two years ago I was a drug dealer and addicted to meth. This church saved my life!

Yes, there were a few negative comments thrown in, but it was an overwhelmingly positive response.Next weekend —- THE GRAND OPENING!

Drew Holcomb Concert

 Awesome concert last night at the Hi Tone Cafe with Drew Holcomb, his lovely and talented wife Ellie and the wonderful guitar stylings of Nathan Dugger.  Drew is the son of some of my dear friends and his voice has the raw power of a Bruce Springsteen and his songwriting is mature beyond his 25 years.  Go to his MySpace Site and listen to some of his songs.  Then, go to itunes and do some downloading.  Some of my recommendations are:

• “Eastbound Wind”
• “Last Night”
• “Sweetness” - A powerful song in honor of Drew’s brother Jay who passed away at age 13 from Spina Bifida.
• “When You Wish”
• “Long Gone Away”

And from his LIVE from Memphis CD (not available on itunes), Drew covers Springsteen (”Hungry Heart”) and Cash (”Folsom Prison Blues”) with great passion.

By the way, the song “Long Gone Away” was featured on the Lifetime TV show “Army Wives” this season.