On Rod Ellis

Rod Ellis entered my life the day he climbed through a window to enter Greek class. The degree program in which we were both enrolled at our undergraduate school required two years of Greek. I always sat in the front row because I expected the class to be very difficult and I wanted to be as close as possible to the professor so I didn’t miss anything. The old building which contained the classroom had, to my left, an alcove that included three windows with access to a large porch. I happened to glance to my left and I saw a smiling face appear through the window followed by shoulders and the rest of the body as he climbed sideways into the room. Most of the class was laughing as he gained his balance and apologized to the professor for his tardiness. Fortunately, our Greek professor was good humored and laughed at his entrance. Rod later explained to me that since he was going to be late, and there was no way to slip into the classroom unnoticed, he decided to be as noticed as possible. A Short Synopsis This is the short version of my friendship with Rod Ellis. If you want to read more stories and more details, those will follow. That day in Greek class I had no way of knowing that our lives would connect and we would embark on a friendship that would span 48 years. His careers included Pastor, Editor, Jeweler, Life Insurance Sales, Health Club Manager, Business Entrepreneur, Sociologist, Sociology Professor, School Headmaster & Author. Each time Rod changed careers, I was amazed at his ability to apply himself, educate himself about his new career and succeed. His degrees, at least the ones I’m sure of, include Associate Degree in Music, Bachelor of Arts in Ministry & Biblical Studies, Masters in Sociology and PhD in Sociology. He has authored many books and professional papers in his field of Sociology. He also authored a book about motorcycles titled The Old Man’s Guide to a Brand New Ride. Most recently he wrote a book about his Haiti life titled, Drawn and Driven: My Haiti Adventure. You’ve heard the old title, “An accomplished man.” That was Rod. Rod and I developed a friendship that was built around conversations. We never lacked for words. As single males in our 20’s we discussed women, spirituality, women, books, women, movies, women, food, women, fitness and women. Fortunately, we were never attracted to the same woman so we never argued over who got to ask her out! We ate together, often and enjoyed a wide variety of foods. We ran together, literally we would drive to Winton Woods in Cincinnati and run the Parcourse Trail. We both loved reading mysteries, especially Sherlock Holmes and we both loved seeing movies. Tho he had a fine singing voice, Rod was never interested in being a musician but was always interested in hearing my stories of traveling to various places to sing. We lost contact, details below, from 1984 till 2008. After we reconnected, the conversation picked up again, at first strictly by email, then phone calls, a couple of in-person visits, then Facebook messages. Once he moved to Haiti, the phones calls were infrequent but we still shared regular Facebook messages. We still never lacked for words. About six months ago, I messaged him and told him I was really missing the freedom to have long phone conversations. He responded that he had been thinking the same thing. Just this morning, as I continued to process his death, I realize there will never again be an opportunity for one of those conversations. There was comfort in the words. Even when we disagreed, the disagreements never negatively impacted our friendship. He inspired me, challenged me, made me think and helped me laugh. The Biscuit Caper One story for this short section about an evening, not long after Kentucky Fried Chicken added a new type of biscuit to their menu, we decided that, in the interest of science and any other excuse we could think of, that we needed to spend the evening eating biscuits from different restaurants to see whose were the best. That evening we ate biscuits from KFC, Bill Knapps & Bob Evans. Since Rod was from the South he believed he was a biscuit expert. I was not from the South, but grew up with “country cooking,” which, though different from Southern cooking still relies on good biscuits. After our evening adventure, we determined that we just could not decide and that more research would be necessary! Rod was a good friend, not just to me, but to many others. I have marveled at the testimonies on his Facebook page and have especially enjoyed reading those from his Sociology students and his friends in Haiti. The Long Version I have a lot to say about Rod. Feel free to skip around. It is not essential that you read every word. It was essential that I write every word. A few weeks after his unique entrance into Greek class, I noticed on a bulletin board near the classroom, a small handbill advertising a revival at a country church in Kentucky to be led by Rod Ellis. I asked Rod if that was him and he confirmed it. At the bottom of the handbill were the words, “Y’all Come!” That was the day I nicknamed him “Y’all.” He didn’t seem to mind and even told me it was one of his favorite nicknames. We discovered that though Rod and I shared the passion for leading people to Christ, our backgrounds were vastly different. Rod was raised in church and was preparing to become a minister in a church. I was not raised in church, was in school mostly to learn more about the Bible and, although I was certain I would be in some type of ministry, I doubted that it would be as a church pastor. At the time, I was on staff at The Jesus House, an outreach ministry to youth & young adults. We hosted concerts every Saturday night attended by high school & college students. The music was definitely not church-style music. Rod visited one week and, even though it was different than he was accustomed, he liked what he experienced. One week I asked him to speak after the music, which was, for him, a very different setting. Rod was a leader on campus, while I tended to keep to myself. He lived on campus, I commuted. Everyone knew him, few people knew me. One year the school hosted a Preaching Contest, something I thought was a travesty. Rod entered and won! When Rod’s home church agreed to ordain him on a Sunday morning, I was traveling to perform a concert. I was able to adjust my schedule to attend church in Lexington, see him ordained, hug him, then get back on the road to the concert. Though we had our disagreements, a bond continued to grow. Our final semester of school we were in a Preaching class together. (Officially called Homiletics.). We had each taken two previous preaching classes but with different professors. For this final class we had Dr. Karnes together, the professor that I thought was the best preaching professor. With Dr. Karnes, I always received A’s on my sermons and B’s in the class because I was never able to score an A on his exams! For our final exam, Dr. Karnes allowed Rod and me to take it separate from the class. I do not remember why but we both must have had a good reason. We decided to meet at his off-campus apartment, review together, then take the exam. While we were reviewing, Rod offered me a small glass of sherry. Yes, alcohol was forbidden by our school, but we were weeks away from graduation! So, we reviewed, drank sherry and took the test at his kitchen table. It’s the only Dr. Karnes exam in which I scored an A! I do not know if it was reviewing with Rod or drinking the sherry but I’m not arguing with the results! After Graduation Rod had been preaching at a small church in Kentucky during our last couple of years of school but upon graduation, he decided he wanted to do something different. I was happy he decided to stay in Cincinnati rather than moving back to Lexington. Not sure what his parents thought about that decision! He was hired by a local publishing company as an editor to produce children’s Sunday school and VBS material. A few years later, he again decided on something different and sought a sales jobs. For awhile he worked at a jewelry store, then entered the field of Life Insurance. Life Insurance would provide him income off and on for many years. A year after graduation, Rod asked me why I was not ordained. I told him that in the Bible, God told the church in Antioch to set aside Paul & Barnabas so I decided if God wanted me to be ordained, he would tell the church with which I was affiliated. Rod pointed out I Timothy 3:1 to me that the desire to be a leader was a good thing. So, at his urging, I approached the Elders of Highview Christian Church and told them my desire. They set me up with a marathon session of many hours during which they quizzed me about everything. They then agreed to ordain me and, since I believed Rod got me into this, I told him he had to lead the congregational singing at my ordination service. I also required him to wear his yellow suit! I was honored to sing at his wedding to Ann. Even though their marriage did not last, they were two good people who entered marriage with enthusiasm for each other. Hilarious things Happened to Rod. One day, while running at Winton Woods, Rod told me he was tired of his size and had decided to lose weight. He invested himself in that like he did everything else. Besides continuing to run, he started swimming every morning and lifting weights every evening. He seriously changed his menu, cutting out nearly all desserts and fast food. During the next 12 months he lost 80 lbs. In that season, Rod was volunteering with the youth group at the church we both attended. The youth group hosted a swim party. Rod knew that as an adult volunteer the teenagers would definitely expect him to be in the pool. His dilemma was that he had lost so much weight that his old swim trunks were way too big but he was uncomfortable wearing the skimpy speedo that he wore for swimming laps. He decided to wear his old trunks and pull the waist as tight as possible. Part way though the evening, one of the high school girls, Greta, challenge him to a race. Rod was always ready to meet a challenge so he agreed. When someone yelled go, Rod pushed off the side of the pool with all the power he had in his legs and immediately felt his swim trunks down at his knees! He kept swimming alternating his hands trying desperately to pull up his trunks. He did not win the race but he won the prize for creating the most laughter. Rod’s weight loss inspired him in a new career direction. He became a manager for health clubs. The company used him to establish new branches of their clubs. After he was successful in starting a club in Cincinnati, he as transferred to Columbus. After his move, I saw him twice, once when he came to town to finalize his divorce and once when I slept at his Columbus apartment after performing a concert at the Wesley Foundation at Otterbein University. Then we lost contact. For 24 years. Permanent Reconnection I found him again on an email thread which also included Vicki, a mutual friend from college with whom Rod had attended high school. I reconnected with both of them via email. We had many three-way (no chili involved) email conversations. During those conversations, Rod admitted that he was no longer involved in church and had left his faith behind. He was now a Professor of Sociology at the University of Tennessee. I had to know the story that led to his being Dr. Ellis and so, once we began phone conversations, I received the story. From Columbus, he was transferred to Florida, eventually left that company, started a business with a friend, who stole all the assets of the company and left Rod with the debts. One day he was sitting on the beach near Cape Canaveral with less than $2.00 in his pocket. He had driven there in a borrowed car. He was living in a crummy basement apartment and had no future. While sitting on the beach he evaluated his life and didn’t like what he saw. He decided to make a big change but didn’t know how. He said he wanted a career in which he could help people. He no longer had a faith that would allow him to go back into the ministry, so he decided on either Sociology or Psychology. Ultimately, Sociology won. He returned to the Life Insurance field to pay the bills and feed himself while in school. He was able to earn a Master’s & PhD in Sociology. Upon graduation he permanently left the Life Insurance field. He was hired to teach and went looking for a new apartment. The first place he looked had only a penthouse apartment available. The manager to him to the top floor and as they walked down the hallway, Rod noticed the apartments were labeled PH-A, PH-B, PH-C. When they arrived at PH-D, the manager said, “This is the unit.” Rod looked at the address on the door and said, “I’ll take it!” The manager asked, “Don’t you want to see it?” Rod’s answer was, “Sure, but I’m taking it. I want that address.” Rod and I continued to have many phone conversations with a couple of in person reunions in the Cincinnati area. The first time we saw each other, we were eating Skyline Chili (naturally) and I showed him photos of my wife & children, whom he had never met. After staring a the photos for awhile he looked up and said, “Your wife is very attractive.” I responded with, “Yes.” Then he added, “How did that happen?” His Return to Faith Our many phone conversations covered a wide-variety of topics but nearly every conversation touched on Christianity. I was not trying to re-convert my friend, but there were times when I had questions about where he stood with Jesus, questions he freely answered. There were other times when he asked me clarifying questions about Christianity. He freely shared some personal details which I’ll not include here because I never asked him how many people knew them. After several years of conversations, he called me at my office one day and, after verifying that I was free to talk, said he wanted to tell me a couple of things then ask me one question. During the next 15 minutes he told me what he believed about Christianity, Jesus and spiritual things. After his explanation then he said, “Now it’s time for my question. If I believe those things, do you think it is safe for me to call myself a Christian?” I responded with a simple, “Yes.” “Good, then I’m a Christian. Maybe not the same type of Christian I used to be, but I’m a Christian.” Rod’s spiritual hunger grew to the point where he took an online course on Spirituality from a Nazarene Seminary. All of that, along with a few other forces in his life, led him to his final career change. Drawn to Haiti. Three years ago, Rod made a huge move, the details of which you can read if you buy his book about Haiti. He decided to retire from his position at the University of Tennessee, shut down his private practice and move to Haiti. There were many reasons for his decision, some he shared publicly, some privately. Our phone conversations have been rare during these three years. Like many of his friends, I mainly kept up with him on Facebook. After he became headmaster of the school, I prayed for him everyday because he shared with me his goals for the school. He even invited me to visit him and guest lecture for a week at the school. I could not do it then, and I regret not finding a way. While in Haiti, he built a house, made many new friends and, as far as he shared with me, enjoyed his new life. On his death: According to Rod’s brother Gary Ellis, the night before his death, some friends from his church in Tennessee called. They had notes, letters and children’s drawings that, instead of mailing, decided to read over the phone. A nurse was kind enough to hold the phone to his ear, as his friends read the notes and described the drawings. Rod passed away at approximately 5 AM the next morning. His brother wrote these words: “I want to thank the incredible number of friends and colleagues who have traveled the tumultuous seas of his journey for the past five weeks. Words cannot communicate the power of your support. Certainly, Rod led a very rich and full life to be surrounded by such loving, caring, and compassionate friends and colleagues. . . Rod was deeply blessed to have such dear friends. May God bless each of you.” I miss my friend. I miss our conversations. Rod, I suggest you find us a good spot in heaven because when I arrive, we’ll have a lot to discuss.

Jesus House Reunion Concert May 3rd

Finally, we have a schedule of artists! Even though the music starts at 5:00 pm, you are welcome to come to the church earlier for conversation, food, etc. The building will be open no later than 3:00 pm and perhaps as early as noon. Look forward to seeing you! 5:00 pm Ric Blair 6:00 pm Daniel Sisters 6:30 pm Jennie Daniel Pitney 7:00 pm adamsfishyodor 8:00 pm John Gould 9:00 pm Ross Johnson 10:00 pm The Perkolaters If you do not know someone listed above, you can find videos of most artists on YouTube. We'll be at Loveland United Methodist Church 10975 S. Lebanon Road Loveland, Ohio 45140

More on the Jesus House Reunion

It looks very likely that Rick Blair will be available to perform at the Reunion. Tentative plans are to start at 5:00 pm with finger food and conversation with music starting no later than 6:00 pm. Right after Easter I should have confirmed times for all the artists. Keep watching this space!

Save the Date!

Yes, there will be another Jesus House Reunion, Saturday, May 3 at Loveland United Methodist Church, 10975 S. Lebanon Road Loveland, Ohio. Official start and ending times TBD. Artists confirmed to appear: John Gould, Ross Johnson, Rick Fields, Jim Wilson, Jennie Daniel Pitney, The Daniel Sisters(!), Marc O'Hara, Christopher Adams, Terry Fisher (will it be adamsfishyodor? We hope!). More details soon, but SAVE THE DATE!

Jesus House Reunion Concert!

Another one? You ask. Well, we are in preliminary discussions about another reunion. We are looking at the first Saturday in May at Loveland United Methodist Church Loveland, Ohio. Watch this space for further developments!

Jesus House Christmas music on the radio!

Jesus House Christmas Music Update! Saturday evening, December 7th, listen to WAIF radio, 88.3 FM, 8:00 - 9:00 pm and you might hear selections from the JH Christmas CD which was released last year!

adamsfishyodor coming out of retirement!

The rumors are true!  It has now been officially confirmed, from sources close to the group, adamsfishyodor, that famed trio from the Jesus House is going to appear on Sunday, September 29th at Loveland United Methodist Church, Loveland, Ohio in the Greater Cincinnati area.  The group will lead worship and perform during both services; 9:00 am & 1030 am.  Don't miss this unique opportunity to listen to, sing and laugh with adamsfishyodor!
Invite everyone you've ever met to join you.

Jesus House Harmonies

Recently heard from an old friend, Ron Houtz, who was part of a band called The Wild Olive Branch Band. They played often at the Jesus House. Being reminded of them, I began to think of the groups who played the JH who had incredible vocal harmony. I’m a horrible harmony singer, but I love it. This can be explained by growing up on The Beatles, loving the Birds, Crosby, Stills & Nash, but also the Doo Wop groups of the late 50’s early 60’s. Many groups, like Prodigal, Willoughby-Wilson and Rising Hope had good harmonies but the harmonies were not the driving force of their sound. So, my personal favorite harmony groups, in alphabetical order: Odor, Clark & Burns: Not together very long, but these three could fill a room with more harmony than any three voices should be able to produce. I was especially pleased because it gave my long time friend and musical partner, Kent Odor, the opportunity to get out of his system all the harmony that he heard in his brain that adamsfishyodor was not able to produce. Rough Draft: a.k.a. Forerunner. The only Jesus House Band I ever re-named! These guys, sometimes three, sometimes four, had some of the most interesting and unique harmonies. Not all of them had strong solo voices, but their blend was always incredible. Stephens-Brigance: Steve & Barb Stephens with Deny Brigance not only presented great vocal arrangements but interesting acoustic guitar work. Three voices, three guitars with the songs mostly written by Barb or Deny and the occasional secular song thrown in. One year they came at Christmas time and led us in a variety of Christmas carols made even more beautiful by their harmonies. At the infamous concert in Williamsburg, Ohio, where the number of musicians equaled or perhaps eclipsed the audience attendance, Rich Mullins and I sat beside the stage and listened to Stephens-Brigance’s set. When they finished Rich turned to me and said, “They are my favorite group.” Wild Olive Branch Band: a.k.a. Latter Reign. These three had simple, three-part harmony. Each were able to sing lead on songs with the other two singing harmonies. One of the few groups that had three lead singers & three song writers. Zion: It would be easy to assume that Zion was simply a back-up band for Rich Mullins. Even though Rich wrote the bulk of the songs, listening to their one album or live performances found online, quickly dispels one of this notion. They had strong, four-part harmonies that drove their sound. Vocally, Beth, Jen, & Tom were equal partners with Rich. Of course, when you have a voice in your group as rich and strong as Beth’s you’d better do something with it! In this article, I’ve identified two groups who changed their names during their Jesus House career. What other prominent group, also mentioned in this article, changed their name?

CD Listening Party!

"Coming Home: A Jesus House Christmas" is the title of the new CD of original Christmas music by Jesus House artists. The listening party will be Saturday, December 15th, 2:00 - 5:00 pm at Pleasant Run Church of Christ, 2720 W. Kemper Road at the intersection of Kemper & Pippin. Suggested voluntary donation is $5.00 per CD to cover production costs. Artists you'll hear on the CD include but are not limited to Rick Mapes, Geoff Thurman, Randy Moody, Rick Roberts, Susan Rice, Marc O'Hara, Jennie Pitney, adamsfishyodor, Terry Fisher, Rick Marksberry, Barb & Steve Steffens, Michael Goldberg, Rick Nohle, plus a large cast of musicians, vocalists, and sound effects people who assisted in recording. Many of these songs were written specifically for this recording. Special thanks to Rick Marksberry for recording/engineering/playing on this project and Deny Brigance for producing, writing new music, arranging, and playing lots of different instruments. Come to listen. Come to hang out with friends. Come to buy a CD. In fact, buy a whole bag full! Spread the word!

I've been listening to the Jesus House Christmas CD. I like what I'm hearing. It contains some really good songs. Interesting arrangements and performances. I think you'll like it. Do I have a favorite? Yes, several. Am I going to tell you? No. I'll let you choose your own favorites. No details yet on where the listening party will be. We're looking for a location. Any suggestions? Still aiming for the first weekend of December. More details later. I'll include them on this blog as well as Facebook. Might even send out a few old fashioned emails.

Jesus House Christmas CD

Keep the first weekend of December, 2012 open for the release of the long-awaited (?) Jesus House Christmas CD titled
“Coming Home: A Jesus House Christmas”
It is a compilation of original songs by artists who used to perform at the Jesus House.
Quite an assortment of musicians, styles, etc. We’ll have some sort of listening party or perhaps even another reunion concert.

Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The Chronicles of Narnia were books read and re-read during the Jesus House years.
The following review of the latest installment of the movie franchise is added here to reach as many people as possible. Yes, it's the same on I put on my Facebook page.
Hope you are planning to see the movie on December 10.
Blessings
Terry


The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The following is a brief summary of some reactions and reflections on the movie. I viewed the film November 18 with a theater full of pastors, pastor’s spouses, and employees of Zondervan. A few children were present but not many. I’m leaving out a lot of details because I do not want to spoil it for others. There are no spoilers.

I urge you to plan to see the movie December 10 or at least opening weekend. As with all long-term franchises, the next movie gets the green light based on the revenue of the most recent. A strong opening weekend will probably result in immediate filming of The Silver Chair, which really needs to be made if for no other reason than the one I provide below.

My opinion of the film in one sentence: Not as good as The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe but better than Prince Caspian.

Strength: It’s a better children’s movie than Prince Caspian. I still do not like the casting of an older actor, Ben Barnes, to play Prince Caspian. It seemed the producers were trying to produce a teen movie and attract the Twilight crowd.

Strength: Will Poulter, the actor playing Eustace. He is fabulous. He doesn’t look like I imagined Eustace during 36 years of reading these books. but I’m not disappointed. He is the right blend of comic relief, narcissism, and serious reflection. The quality of his performance is enough to green light The Silver Chair. His presence also gives me hope that The Silver Chair will be another children’s movie.

Strength: The relationship between Eustace & Reepicheep.

Strength: Ramandu’s daughter. Wish she had more screen time.

Disappointment: The magical, beautiful moments. There were a few, but they were too short. One of the best was the arrival of Ramandu’s daughter but even this one was too short. Another was the first glimpse of Aslan, but it too was brief. There was nothing to rival the best magical moments in LWW; Lucy’s first entrance into Narnia or the first look we have of Aslan. These books need magical moments.

Disappointment: The battle scenes were difficult to follow. This might be corrected by release date because it was explained that post-production work is still being done.

Changes from the book: A plot devise is added to provide a quest to the story in addition to that of finding the seven lords. It’s an okay change.

Nice surprise: Yes, Peter & Susan make cameo appearances as does the White Witch.

A change I wish they had made: I was hoping they would bring Trumpkin the Dwarf along so Peter Dinklage would be back. He is a great actor who was not given enough in Prince Caspian. If you question my assessment of his ability as a actor watch The Station Agent then compare it with the character he portrayed in Elf.

To all my friends who are hard-core Chronicles fans/geeks: I believe you’ll like the movie. You want to see it on the biggest screen in your area.

Name the JH Christmas CD

The release date of the Jesus House Christmas CD has been delayed due to the time it takes to get everything recorded, mixed, duplicated, packaged, etc. So it will be released sometime before Christmas, 2011. But for now we need your creative help! The previous CD, the one distributed at the last reunion, was given a name that came through the minds of Terry Fisher and Deny Brigance. For this one we would like to tap into your mind. Yes, YOURS! We are announcing the official Name-the-Jesus-House-Christmas-C-D Contest and you get to be part of it. Submit your name either by responding to this note or emailing Deny or me. For me use: revfisher@earthlink.net

Contest ends on Christmas Day, 2010.

So...you are wondering...what do you win? Good question.
At the very least, you'll get a free CD. Of course, lots of other people will get free CD's too, although there might be a small charge to cover materials, but we won't charge you.
Maybe we can get a bunch of the artists to sign yours. How's that for incentive?
We'll acknowledge you somewhere on the cover.
I'll publish your name on the Jesus House Blog.
Maybe I'll put your name on my Facebook page.
Maybe you'll get a free meal out of it, but no promises there.
Mostly you'll have the fun of naming the next CD!

Start submitting those titles. Look forward to reading your ideas.
Blessings
Terry

big hit!

adamsfishyodor was a big hit leading worship at Grace Church in Piqua. Thanks to the JH people who came. We had at least one JH person in each of the three services with nine in the third service! I'm officially done with my duties as Lead pastor at that church. July 11 I begin as Senior Pastor at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte, Michigan. Who knows when adamsfishyodor will surface again. Perhaps at a reunion near you!

this is it, folks!

this sunday those legendary performers, adamsfishyodor, will lead worship at Grace United Methodist Church 9411 North County Road 25-A in Piqua, Ohio. Services are 8:15, 10:00 & 11:15.
don't miss this unique worship opportunity!

Jesus House Day!

Memo:
To: All Jesus House people in the Dayton/Cincinnati area
Re: Jesus House Day!

Sunday, June 13, adamsfishyodor (i.e. Christopher Adams, Terry Fisher & Kent Odor) will lead worship at Grace United Methodist Church in PIqua, Ohio.
Personally, I think every Jesus House person in the Dayton/Cincinnati area needs to attend one of the three worship services; 8:15, 10:00 & 11:15. Come to the last one and we'll let you take us out to lunch!
Many of you have said, "Hey, Terry, some Sunday I'm going to visit you at the church in Piqua." So far, Deny Brigance, John Jaffe, The Perkolaters with Wendy Wilson, plus Kent and Chris are the people who have visited. Deny's been here three times and John twice!

Time is growing short! My final Sunday at this church will be Father's Day, June 20. So, I've declared June 13, Jesus House Day at Grace United Methodist Church!
How can you refuse?
Mark your calendars, put it on whatever means of electronic system you use, look us up on MapQuest, and journey to Grace United Methodist Church, 9411 N. County Road 25-A in Piqua, Ohio

Just in case you cannot make it on June 13, and have a very good reason, of course I can't think of any good reasons, but perhaps you can, but just in case, you are welcome to visit another Sunday just know that I will not be here Memorial Day Weekend.

jesus house mini reunion

April 18, in the afternoon a group of 30 or so gathered in a room at the Vineyard MotherShip in Springdale for a relaxing afternoon of great music. Eight artists performed a selection of songs which included, "the first song the lord ever gave me," a secular song, a hymn, and a personal favorite. We concluded with a joint performance worshiping together with Holy, Holy, Holy. You can view the performances on YouTube by searching for Jesus House Mini Reunion or following this link. http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=jesus+house+mini+reunion&aq=f

If you want to see the performances in order:
Randy Moody
Paul & Kim Niehaus
John Gould
Rick & Diann Marksberry
Terry Fisher
Jennie Daniel Pitney
Finale, Holy, Holy, Holy

It was a great afternoon which caused some of us to remember and miss the occasional intimate evenings at the JH which featured a small crowd with a solo performer like John Gould. The big crowds were great, but so were the small ones.

Hope you can make the next one.
And, yes, a Christmas CD is being recorded!

Thanks to Julie Daniel Green for the videos and the labor in putting them on YouTube.

adamsfishyodor leads worship!

News Break...News Break...News Break
We've just confirmed the appearance of adamsfishyodor at Grace United Methodist Church!
Sunday, June 13, the famed trio will lead worship at three morning worship services. Chris Adams, Terry Fisher, & Kent Odor will once again grace the stage, sing some of their funny songs but also lead in worship. In MorningSong, the 8:15 service, they will lead classic hymns and contemporary worship songs in the other two services at 10:00 & 11:15. It will be a treat for these three good friends to be on stage one more time. Mark your calendars, tell your friends and neighbors, but don't let anyone you know miss this historic morning!

Grace United Methodist Church
2511 N. Co. Rd.
Piqua, Ohio

For more information, call the church office and talk to Steve.
937-773-8232

another Jesus House Reunion, the short version

Most of you have probably heard about this, but if you have not, apologies for not posting earlier.
Sunday, April 18, which is tomorrow, there will be a small reunion concert featuring Jesus House Artists. The details are below. Hope you can make it, if even for a portion of the afternoon. I will be late since I need to speak at three services in the morning and will not be able to make the start time driving down from Piqua. It will be a fun afternoon.
The concert will be in the Vineyard Resource Center Banquet Room

Our event is in the nature of a Coffee House with acoustic guitar performers. Coffee & tea will be available.

Date:
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Time:
2:30pm - 5:30pm
Location:
The Cincinnati TriCounty Vineyard Church (The Mothership)
Street:
11340 Century Circle E.
City/Town:
Cincinnati, OH

Each artist will be playing four songs:
1. Their first Christian Song
2. Their best / Favorite original Christian song
3. A secular song they have always wanted to play
4. A hymn or worship song

Tentative Schedule:
Randy Moody – 2:30
Paul & Kim Niehaus – 3:00
John Gould – 3:30
Rick & Diann Marksberry – 4:00
Terry Fisher – 4:30
Jennie Pitney – 5:00
5:20 - Finale: A song, pre-learned, played by all.

The Perkolaters!

For anyone in the Cincy/Dayton/Lima area.
Sunday, December 6, The Perkolaters will lead worship at Grace United Methodist Church, Piqua, Ohio.

In case you're not sure who the Perkolaters might be, and their connection to The Jesus House, they are Jim Wilson of the Willouby-Wilson Band and Rick Fields of Prodigal. They will lead worship and perform a couple of their originals. Also, Terry Fisher will be speaking! And if that is not enough, the church serves donuts, coffee, & juice so if the message is boring, you can sit quietly eating your donut and drinking your coffee!

The services start promptly at 8:45 & 11:00 am. Yes, they start on time. Hard to believe isn't it? Prompt starting times from old Jesus House people...

The church building is located at 9411 North County Road 25-A and is less than a mile off I-75. If you are traveling north from Cincinnati, once you get to Dayton, keep going north past Dayton, to the second Piqua exit, (exit 83) turn right and you'll find the church after a couple of corn fields. It's a little over an hour drive time from Northern Cincinnati.

Hope to see many of you on December 6.

Happy Thanksgiving!