by Clarence E. Stowers | Oct 18, 2008 | Christian, Christianity, Music, Worship
Hey family – this is Glenda Williams, my boy's (Pastor Marvin Williams) sister from Tabernacle Community Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan and SHE'S THE REAL DEAL!!! She's competing to be "America's Next Sunday Best." I want you all to check out her demo & <CLICK HERE> to cast your vote NOW!
Please do me a favor and tell EVERYONE you know to cast their vote too! Here's the link (www.sundaybestcasting.com/people/Levite26) for you to copy & paste and send to your contacts. Let your voice be heard!
Thanks again for helping!!!
Go Glenda!!!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Oct 1, 2008 | Christian, Christianity, Events, Music, Worship
On Monday, our church participated in Verizon Wireless' "How Sweet The Sound" gospel choir competition.
Guess what? I shot this video using
my Flip camcorder…yea, I can do more than preach!
Although we didn't win, THEY'RE WINNERS IN MY BOOK. Mars Hill, way to go – you are one professional and classy church…A TRUE CLASS ACT.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Sep 29, 2008 | Christian, Christianity, Events, Music, Worship
Oh my God – the choir just finished singing "The Presence Of The Lord" and had 25,000 people standing to their feet! God is awesome!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Sep 29, 2008 | Christian, Christianity, Events, Music, Worship
Wow, what an incredible day!
Mars Hill is about to compete against 3 other choirs in Verizon Wireless’ “How Sweet The Sound” Gospel Choir competition. If we win, we will represent Chicago in Atlanta, GA.
We’re already claiming victory in Jesus’ name!
Mars Hill, I’m proud of you!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Aug 15, 2008 | Events, Music, Relationships, Sports, Travel
Now that I have your attention…
I'm proud to have attended & graduated from Jackson State University (a HBCU). At JSU, I learned the true meaning of struggle, brotherhood, and perseverance. Also, I had the chance to develop life-long relationships that continue today.
Personally, I chose to attend a HBCU to cultivate identity and community. Moreover, I wouldn't trade my HBCU experience for anything in the world.
After JSU, I attended PWI's (predominately White Institutions), but it was my JSU experience which shaped my life by strengthening the entrepreneur in me.
At JSU we were always encouraged to do our own thing, be strong, and trust God to grant you wisdom in all areas of life. Being in a place where educated Black people were the majority helped me to develop an "I can make it mentality."
Therefore, I will make my annual pilgrimage to Jackson, MS for a homecoming experience second to none. During this weekend, we will lay aside our titles, degrees, and become one. THIS IS SOMETHING THOSE WHO ATTENDED PWI's WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND…IT'S A BLACK THING…
Care to share?
View my page on JSU's Cyber Plaza
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jun 11, 2008 | Music
IMHO, history shows how music often precedes revolutions…
When God gets ready to tip history in a new direction, new music often serves as the catalyst.
Why?
Music has a way of bypassing the intellect and piercing the very core of the soul. The only element that makes Christian music what it is are the lyrics. Remove the lyrics from Kirk Franklin, Mary, Mary, Tye Tribbet, J. Moss et. al. & you'll soon feel the beat (at least I do 🙂
Again, I repeat: "Music precedes the revolution"
- It is well documented that Martin Luther co-authored hymns to the tune of pub music while guzzling brew (beer) from his Stein (beer mug). He was vilified, however, his music, heavily influenced by pub music where he often drank, preceded the Protestant Reformation. Before Luther, the preferred music was Gregorian Chant. Again, God used music to tip history in a new direction.
- Thomas Dorsey, heavily influenced by the Blues scene here in Chicago was inspired to write many gospel tunes. He's even called the father of Gospel Music. Before Gospel, the preferred music were Wesleyan Hymns et. al. all heavily influenced by the Enlightenment Period. Again, God used music to tip history in a new direction.
- Kirk Franklin, heavily influenced by hip-hop, R&B, & Neo-Soul. Before him, it was Thomas Dorsey followed by James Cleveland and The Hawkins Family. Again, God used music to tip history in a new direction to respond to this Post-modern & Post-Christian generation.
As for Bishop Love, I'm still studying this. I do believe we're at another tipping point and rarely does God do the same thing twice. Since history has moved from modernity to Post-modernity, God's tipping history again.
The bigger problem is not what Bishop Love did, it's how will pastors respond when God tips history in a new direction which requires a different skill-set to lead effectively.
