Drama Highlights Trip to Israel

"The FootSteps of St.Peter," a tour of Israel with Christian actor Mac McConnell is being planned for this fall. To view the brochure online, visit http://www.footstepsofstpeter.com/. To receive a brochure by snail mail, email info@way.org with your mailing address.

The trip Nov. 4-13, 2010 will feature drama performances that will transport you back in time and fill your heart with the Word of God. Stops are planned in Tel Aviv, Tiberius and Jerusalem.

For more information about Mac's ministry, One Way Productions, visit http://www.way.org/8.html.

Jazz Underground at the Stoop

The inimitable Sam Barsh brings two-hands and joins Grammy nominated pianist and multi-talent Taylor Eigsti to engage in an evening of intimate and creative explorations of the keyboard(s). Aaron McLendon will be on drums and Derek Nievergelt on bass.

Greg Tardy will MC/Host the evening beginning at 7:30 with sets at 8 and 9 pm at The Stoop at Church for All Nations, 417 West 57th St., NYC. The show is free with a suggested donation of $12. All ages are welcome. For more information call 917.757.9297 or email jazzundergroundnyc@gmail.com.

University Seeks Tech Director

Trinity Western University in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada's Department of Theatre is seeking a Technical Director / Production Manager. This job is both a staff and a faculty position. The candidate is responsible for the management of all production-related activity and the oversight of all technical aspects of each production. The PM/TD supervises all technical personnel,including student workers and contract designers.

For more information contact Angela Konrad, Chair, Department of Theatre, Trinity Western University, 7600 Glover Rd., Langley, BC V1Y 2Y1, at 604-513-2121 x.3576
OR angelak@twu.ca.

Partner with Writer Jerry Jenkins to Help Haiti

Jerry B. Jenkins, New York Times best-selling author of the "Left Behind" books and "Riven," and owner of the Christian Writers Guild, sent this message:

I’m sure you feel as frustrated and helpless as I do over the catastrophe in Haiti.

We want to help in tangible ways and wonder how. As an author, I deal in books, and frankly, books are not what are needed there right now. So, how can I turn books into an effort for that devastated country?

Here’s an idea: I’m offering copies of my book, "Writing for the Soul," with this guarantee:

Add one penny to the retail price of $24.99 to round it to an even $25. I’ll cover postage and handling out of $5 of that and promise to send the rest, all $20 of it, to one of two Haitian ministries I know and trust. And you can even choose which one. Further, if it turns out that postage and handling is less than $5 per book, I’ll send the difference too. I will not take a penny from these sales.

I’ll put the details about the book and the two ministries below so you can read about them if you choose to. Meanwhile, if this resonates with you, either send a check made out to Jerry Jenkins for $25 for each copy to P.O. Box 88288, Black Forest CO 80908, or call my assistant Debbie at (719) 495-5835 with your credit card information. Either by mail or phone, let us know which ministry you want your gift to go to.

Here are the choices:
1. Cross International partners with more than 30 ministries in Haiti, funding schools and clinics to the poorest of the poor. Eighteen schools with 258 teachers minister to 6,000 kids and ensure each gets a meal of beans and rice every day and every teacher receives a meager monthly check.

Many of their schools are in shambles. Many of the kids were living on the edge of a cliff, which crumbled in the earthquake. Cross International will get resources directly to those Haitians they have a relationship with, longtime trusted friends.

2. If you want to help orphans in Haiti, we will send your donation to Orphans First. It will go to two orphanages that Orphans First works with, including one that runs a feeding program.

Details about "Writing for the Soul" (Writer’s Digest Books: This is a hardbound book full of writing tips and with lots of anecdotes about the famous people I have been privileged to work with…people like Hank Aaron, Walter Payton, Nolan Ryan, Meadowlark Lemon, Billy Graham, and more.

Whether or not you’re a writer, you probably know someone who would be interested in this title. And if you already have one, why not get one for your church?

Redeemer Writers Gather

The Redeemer Presbyterian Arts Ministry has carved out time and space for New York area writers to unite in discussion, practice, and prayer. Each meeting includes discussion based on a short devotional/literary text, a writing exercise, and prayer for one another's creative endeavors.

No RSVP is necessary to join the meetings held at the Redeemer offices, 1359 Broadway at 36th Street, 4th Floor. The next meeting is 7 pm Thursday, Feb. 25. Save the date for future gatherings:
April 29
June 24
Sept. 23
Nov. 18

Questions? Contact Maria Fee at maria@redeemer.com or (212) 808-4460 x1345

Fans Can Join 'Love Dare' Online, Use Apps

"The Love Dare" now feature an online community and apps are available online through iTunes and iPhone.

"The Love Dare," the New York Times bestselling book from the 2008 hit movie "Fireroof" helps couples rewrite their love stories. B&H Publishing announces a new web community worldwide, inviting "Love Dare" readers to share their new happy endings on video: LoveDareStories.com.

In the movie Fire Captain Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) reluctantly agrees to delay his divorce and take a 40-day challenge called “The Love Dare.” Before the 40 days end, his notion of married love has turned from “how she fails me” to “what I can do, through Christ, to love and support her.”

Since the movie’s release, "The Love Dare" has sold more than 3 million books in 27 languages. As in the movie, the book helps couples find real love, rekindle marriages, and revitalize families.

Fans also can download additional resources on iTunes and iPod. For more information vsit http://bit.ly/7Uh7k3 or http://bit.ly/70FW8z

Episcopal Actors Plan Poetry Reading, YO PRO Event

Roses are red, violets are blue. We're going to be there, and so should you!

Join the Episcopal Actors' Guild for the annual tradition featuring guild members reading their favorite poetry, as well as original material 7 pm Thursday, Feb. 18 at Guild Hall, 1 E. 29th St., NYC.

A donation of $10 is suggested to benefit EAG's Emergency Aid & Relief Program. Wine and refreshments will be served. Space is limited. RSVP to matt@actorsguild.org or call 212-685-2927.

Also on tap is the guild's first YO PRO Variety Show of 2010 with a few spots for performers still open. Anyone between the ages of 18-45 with a terrific five minute act that will drive the audience wild, should email matt@actorsguild.org.

Looking for the most exciting show in town? Then come and be a part of our audience on March 4, 2010 @ 8pm. The show will feature top dancers, singers, actors and more at 8 pm Thursday, March 4 at Guild Hall.

Haven Serves Calvary Tonight

Join the Haven in a special night of service this evening from 7-9 pm at Calvary Episcopal Church, 61 Gramercy Park North.

Service Monday is a chace to roll up sleeves and help the group's hosts at Calvary Episcopal by doing some cleanup action on the stage, storage closet and kitchen in Anderson Hall. Come prepared to get a little messy, use a little elbow grease, and share a little heart.

Haven continues its series on Prayer next week, Feb. 22. Bring your friends.

Dust Off That Screenplay for a Chance to Win $10,000

Trost Moving Pictures, in association with HOSFU (His Only Son for Us)LC, presents the Raw Talent Screenplay Contest with a grand prize of $10,000.

Besides the monetary prize, the winner will receive round-trip airfare to the 2010 Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival in Ridgecrest, NC (up to $400) and all Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival expenses (registration fee, room and board) paid for the entire week.

Scripts between 90 and 100 pages in comedy, romantic comedy, drama or suspense genres may be submitted. No action, horror or science fiction is being accepted. The screenplay should contain a subtle Christian message and contain a lesson on which a non-fiction teaching book could be based.

For a full listing of requirements and other information, visit RawTalentContest.com. Deadline is April 1, 2010.

For information about the Gideon Arts Conference & Film Festival, visit http://www.gideonfilmfestival.com/.

Project Dance Partners with Ad Deum Dance

Cheryl Cutlip, director of New York-based Project Dance and Randall Flinn, director of Houston's Ad Deum Dance Company, will join efforts for a week of dance training and performance opportunities March 15-19.

The week begins with a four-day dance training intensive. Ad Deum’s Spring “Break Out” Workshop offers an opportunity to study ballet, modern, contemporary, and mime with Flinn and Ad Deum , as well as guest artists Laura Morton, Caleb Mitchell and Dan Cossette. The week ends with a three-day dance event and outdoor performance.

Information is available at www.danceaddeum.com or by emailing info@danceaddeum.com.

Cutlip and Project Dance received a 2009 Masterwork Productions Inc.'s "The Lights are Bright on Broadway" Award, honoring individuals and organizations making a difference through their faith in New York's theater community.

Great Worship Ministy Taking Place in Alaska

Our friend Torry Martin tipped us off to a wonderful arts ministry based in Alaska: Oikeo Music, Inc. (http://www.oikeomusic.com) headed by its inspiratonal President Melissa Saulnier.

The organization offers various services to worship artists, publishes a terrific monthly magazine called "Front Yard Worship" (Masterworks artist Eric Lane is featured in the current issue) and sponsors worship arts conferences. In fact, their team is off to Italy later this month.

This is from their site:
"God is using Oikeo Music, Inc to establish ties with songwriters
in churches there (Italy). We do not fully comprehend all that God is
doing, but we are very aware that God is moving on behalf of
the Italian Christians. We are so grateful to be able to
participate in any way great or small. It means so much to
us! We have been blessed with wonderful connections in
Florence with David Cubit, ministering in Italy for over 30 years.
In Roma our connection is the worship team in the Italian AG
church, and in Napoli we are connected with Tim Faulkner,
Nello and Titti at IL Faro church"

Pray for them as they minister.

Schedule: Italy Mission 2010
Feb 18th Fly to Roma, Italia
Feb 19-21 Roma Italiano Chiesa (Italian Church)
Concert Saturday Night Roma Church
Feb 22-25 Florence Tent Ministry "Christ Is The Answer"
"Cristo e' la Risposta"
Monday, relationship building all day/practice
Tuesday 23rd Concert 7 pm
Wednesday 24th Day Conference Skills and Worship
Thursday drive to Napoli
Feb 26- March 3rd Napoli
Friday 26th prepare for concert
Sat 27th All Day Conference
Sun 28th Worship together at IL Faro
Mon 1st Record 5 hours
Tue 2nd Record 5 hours
Wed 3rd back to Roma and
Thursday 4th Fly Home

Matinee Added for Anita Renfroe Comedy Taping

A matinee taping for Anita Renfroe's newest DVD has been added at 3 pm Tuesday, March 16 at the Strand Theater on the square in Marietta GA. The 7 pm taping is sold out.

Tickets, priced at $10 each or $75 for a block of 10 with a bonus 11th ticket are available at http://www.anitarenfroe.com or by phone at 800-305-1944. The theater only seats 530. Tickets are "virtual" so you will need to print off your email receipt and have a photo ID for entry to event. All seats are general admission.

Because of the taping, no one with a child under the age of 10 can be seated.

New A Capella Group Forms

Members are sought for Zephyr Vocal Ensemble, a new 16-voice, semi-professional vocal group forming in the northern New Jersey/ Orange/Rockland County, NY area.

The group will perform a varied and eclectic repertoire spanning from early chant and classical music including Dufay, Palestrina, Mozart, Mahler, Whitacre, and Lauridsen, to jazz, rock, pop, doo-wop, world music, and show tunes. Most of the works will be sung a capella.

The ensemble will perform in concert without a conductor to foster intimacy between the artists and audience. All music will be memorized. Singers who are comfortable performing (some light dance/gesturing, as suitable to the music will be included) are sought. Weekly rehearsals lasting two and a half to three hours (with a break) will be held in Vernon, NJ. The group's first concerts will be performed in November/December 2010 with the first concert Nov. 20 at St. Francis de Sales Church in Vernon.

Plans are for Zephyr to bring music to a broad spectrum of people. Anyone interested in joining the group may email Artistic Director Cherwyn Ambuter at zephyrve@warwick.net (preferred) or call 973-862-0668. Further information on the auditions, as well as an application, will be emailed. First audition date is Feb. 20. Judges are professional choral directors from the area and from Albany, NY.