(...) "Alive" by Rebecca St. James
I won't wear you out by putting the words, and they are pretty easy to hear. The song is just so very good. It reminds me that it's only when I die to my own desires that true joy can be found. That is a stay at home mom's life in a nutshell. Rebecca's my new musical phase right now. Her music can be trusted for quality and amazing lyrics too. (...)
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO--(Marketwire - December 20, 2007) - Rebecca St. James, a long-time spokesperson and advocate for Compassion International who has been named "Favorite Female Artist" by CCM Magazine for the seventh consecutive year, will host Compassion's newest half-hour radio special, "Malaria: A Plague of the Poor."
The Grammy award-winning Christian artist, who was also voted "Best Female Artist of 2007" by ChristianityToday.com for the fifth consecutive year, is working with Compassion to release the program on April 25, 2008, World Malaria Day, as designated by the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership. Compassion's radio special will feature stories of African families affected by the disease, which kills one million people each year.
"Rebecca St. James is one of the most committed and talented Christian women that I know, and I am so proud of her and her accomplishments," said Dr. Wess Stafford, president of Compassion International. "Compassion is very fortunate to have someone as gifted and dedicated as her to serve as a voice for the poor. Rebecca is one of Compassion's staunchest advocates for children in poverty and I have no doubt she will deliver a message of urgency and hope through Compassion's malaria radio special."
St. James has been a passionate spokesperson for Compassion International for more than a decade. Her work has led to the sponsorship of more than 30,000 of the world's neediest children.
Having performed in more than 30 countries, St. James highlights the work of Compassion during each of her concerts. In fact, her song "Beautiful Stranger" was inspired by her work with Compassion.
After a trip in 2006 to Rwanda to visit her sponsored child, Sam, St. James said, "I saw first-hand once again how funds donated to Compassion are actually reaching and being utilized for good in making a profound difference in the lives of children. It was a powerful experience for me to see the work of Compassion in action and how children are actually being so benefited in everyday life."
On the same trip, she visited a horrific slum in Kenya "that represented the most intense poverty imaginable. In the middle of the desolation, Compassion workers have built a project -- a school filled with wonderfully joyful children who are being given love and hope and the message of Jesus."
Compassion is one of the world's largest Christian child-development organizations, working with more than 65 denominations and more than 4,000 indigenous church partners. It serves more than 900,000 children in Africa, Asia, Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Since 1952, Compassion has touched the lives of more than 1.6 million children and has been recognized for its financial integrity with top ratings and recommendations by several of the nation's leading not-for-profit "watchdog" organizations.
For information on how to sponsor a child, visit Compassion online at www.compassion.com or call (800) 336-7676, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST.
NOTE TO EDITORS: For further information on Rebecca St. James, please call Jackie Monaghan/Morningstar PR.
Phone: 615.646.5990. Email: morningstarpr@comcast.net
I recently read a story in Sister Freaks, by Rebecca St. James, about a girl who found her language a barrier in sharing the word of God. She says, "I am limited, Lord. I can only go so far, and beyond that it's not possible. I need to recognize my limits." But as soon as she prays that prayer, she feels God saying, “It is true. You are really a limited person. You have a great barrier in your way. But [Lauren], do not make your limits My limits, because I don't have them. For Me, there are no barriers... I am the one who makes the difference. You trust more in yourself and in what you can do than in My power. I just need you to be willing.”
Since the age of 16, Rebecca St. James has been writing empowering lyrics for today's teenagers. Now with the digital release of America, Rebecca shares with her fans a beautiful song about the beauty of this country.
The song "America" is one of the most beautiful songs Rebecca has ever recorded. With the pop/rock background flowing behind her vocals, Rebecca chants the words Honor God, America / The Land of the free / Honor God, America / O Land of liberty / Honor God. The song literally left me speechless.
The following track, "I Thank You", which was released on her Greatest Hits album back in Spring 2003, is wonderful addition to this Patriotic EP. Almost as if she's thanking the soldiers for what they've done, Rebecca shines in this vibrant, upbeat song. The EP closer, "Yes, I Believe In God", is another of my favorite RSJ songs. I almost start crying every time she sings the bridge, You said, "If any man comes after Me / He must deny himself, take his cross and follow after Me" / So here I come after You / Knowing when my life I lose / You give Yours in return / You give Your new life in return.
(...) if you’ve ever seen Rebecca sing, you’ve already experienced the worshipful atmosphere of her concerts. I caught up with her while she was vacationing in Australia, and even though it was the crack of dawn, she still had some great insights to share on worship and the average American
(...)“I believe worship is the greatest thing we can do here on earth,” Rebecca says. “It’s our human Christian calling; it’s what we’re created to do. I love worship. There is such a need for it today.”
God created us out of His desire for fellowship. He wants us to choose to worship Him. “He didn’t make us robots,” Rebecca continues. “He gave us a choice. Every time we choose to worship God it delights Him, but it can also be an enjoyable experience for us too. It’s an amazing thing to be able to worship the Creator of the Universe and feel His pleasure when we do. God delights in our praises, and for me it’s a joyful experience to worship Him.” Rebecca thinks worship is good for us because it gets our eyes on God and off ourselves. “Everybody has a need for worship. Worship is an essential ingredient in the Christian life.”
(...) Rebecca believes worship should be natural, not forced. If you’re having trouble getting started, she suggests, “Think about His blessings and who He is. Just praise Him for His faithfulness and His love that He’s shown you. Praise Him for His creation. Look at the world around you and praise Him for it. I sometimes sing a worship song to Him.”
Some of the most amazing times in Rebecca’s life have been during worship. “I remember being in a youth conference years ago and singing song after song of beautiful choruses to God and just crying my eyes out because I was so moved. I felt God’s presence with me, and I loved Him so much that it just came flowing out of my heart.” Worship can be an awesome two-way experience.
(...) “There’s so much great worship material out there!” Rebecca says. “It just needs to be found and explored.
(...) “If there is no time to spend with God, cut something out,” Rebecca says. “Whether it’s limiting extra curricular activities, shopping trips to the mall, or conversations on the phone with friends, make that time. There are always things we can say ‘no’ to. Especially if you’re a teen.“The teen years can be some of the most self absorbed years in life,” Rebecca remembers.
(...) "One of the things that is so excellent about worship, no matter our age, is that it really gets our eyes off of ourselves and onto God. If I feel that my heart isn’t quite centered on God or I’m being distracted by something, I just pray, ‘God help me to focus on You, and help me put aside the distractions’. Worship is hugely important at every stage in life, but to keep focused on Him during the teen years is especially essential.”
(...)
So what if you think God is calling you to become a worship leader? What steps can you take? Rebecca is convinced, “The best place to start is definitely at church. Find a church where you can really worship God within the services there, where you get good teaching and really great worship time. If you don’t have much of a choice about where you go to church, talk to your pastor about having a worship band where you can sing current worship songs. Ask how you can get involved.”
She emphasizes prayer as a huge part of any ministry, but especially a ministry in worship. “Praying about your ministry is massively important,” she says. “Praying that it’s a God-thing, not a self-thing. Sometimes we think we’re doing something for God, but we’re really doing it to get ourselves on a stage. That shouldn’t be the motivation.”
Rebecca suggests, “Listen to worship CD’s, where you can worship God along with the music and experience worship in a new way. And don’t be afraid to start out with humble beginnings. Sometimes just getting 2 or 3 friends together, maybe finding somebody who can play a guitar, and just starting a little small group singing worship songs together can be great. That could lead to other opportunities later.”
Rebecca means it when she says, “I’m so glad for the worship revolution that’s happening around the world right now. People’s hunger for worship is so obvious. I hope to help that grow more and more by putting out worship songs through which people can really draw closer to God.”
(Tracy Darlington is a freelance writer, and her work has appeared in Brio, Breakaway, YS, CCM Magazine, Insight, Infuze Magazine, and other publications. She has interviewed countless Christian musicians including Rebecca St. James, Delirious, Newsboys, Leigh Nash, Barlowgirl, Krystal Meyers, Joy Williams, Pillar, Michelle Tumes, and many others. In her spare time she can be found listening to music and sipping a Venti 3-shot sugar-free vanilla latte.)
(...) award-winning knob twister, Pete Kipley (Rebecca St. James, MercyMe, etc.),(...)
Depends on where the fans are at in their own lives, and whether they follow Plumb more for her sound or the heart expressed through her songwriting. Blink is definitely softer than the modern rock of her previous efforts, but it is exactly the sort of lullaby album you could imagine her making, relying more on gentle programmed pop ambience than harps and strings. The gorgeous opener “Sweet and Lovely” is cut from the same cloth as an ethereal Sarah McLachlan ballad like “I Love You,” while the straightforward hymn covers (”Children of the Heavenly Father,” “God Will Take Care of You”) resemble material from Christmas and worship albums by Rebecca St. James and Natalie Grant.
Arabian Nights – In this stunning holiday fairytale, 60 magnificent Arabian Nights horses and a cast of more than 40 holiday characters are joined by spectacular pyrotechnics, snow, special sets and breathtaking holiday costumes to create a winter wonderland fit for a prince and princess. The Arabian Nights Holiday Show includes a wide range of seasonal music from Andy Williams, Hilary Duff, Rebecca St. James and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Appearances by toy soldiers, horse-riding elves, gingerbread men and sugarplum fairies add to the holiday cheer.
PPT is a non-profit, non-partisan ministry that was launched in 2001, seven days after the 9/11 attacks on America. With over three million participants worldwide, PPT is a well-respected grassroots effort to rekindle America’s rich cultural heritage of prayer. Leaders such as Franklin Graham, James Robison, Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James, and Joni Eareckson-Tada have endorsed this effort that is so vital to America’s future.
Rebecca St. James and her family would appreciate your prayers this week as they go through a personal loss. Rebecca shares that her “beloved maternal grandma, Jean Francis, went to be with the Lord on Monday of this week. Lovingly known as ‘Nanna’ to the family that cherished her so dearly, she was a shining beacon for Jesus, His love, and goodness. I have flown to Australia to be with her mother and dad, David & Helen and extended family. Nanna will continue to reach the world for God’s Kingdom for many, many years through the ministry hearts she and “Pops” have so lovingly nurtured.”Your Music Zone - Rebecca St. James Sends A Personal Note From Australia
[See also Rebecca's own weblog on myspace]
Rebecca St. James Sends A Personal Note From Australia
Publish Date: Oct 15, 2007
A week ago, we received that sad news that Rebecca St. James’ maternal grandmother, Jean Francis, had passed away. Lovingly known as ‘Nanna’ to the family, Rebecca describes her as “a shining beacon for Jesus, His love, and goodness”. Over the weekend, Rebecca posted an update on her webs site:
My dear friends..
Thank you SO much for the overwhelming response of sympathy and love that you have shown to me and my family over the last few days. You have truly blessed us with your compassion and prayers. So many of you related to what we are going through right now and it definitely has made us feel united with you.
The funeral was hard, especially as it was my first, but the ‘celebration service’ afterwards was beautiful. She was an amazing woman of God and we were all proud to know her.
Thanks again for your kindness to us and may God be close to you as you walk with Him today..
With love,
Rebecca
Emily and I had the opportunity to meet and interview Rebecca, as well as her very talented brother Joel, a little over a year ago. In preparation for our interview, I had read that Rebecca had recently spent six weeks studying in L'Abri, and I was particularly anxious to ask her about that experience.
(...) Rebecca is one of the most delightful young women we have met in the
Christian music industry. She is not only talented and beautiful, but
humble, gracious and mature beyond her age. The initial interview was
conducted over the phone a few days before we met her at a concert.
After brief informal introductions, it was Rebecca who offered to pray
before we began the "official" interview. Rebecca's publicist had
granted us twenty minutes to complete the interview (...)
Patricia - Rebecca, thank you so much for taking the time to let us interview you for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.
This is a huge honor for my daughter Emily and I to be interviewing one
of Christian music’s most loved, appreciated, and celebrated
artists. We both want to congratulate you on your recent Dove award
nominations for your contributions to WOW Christmas Green and Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Both of those CDs are part of our personal music collection.
Much later in the interview...
Patricia - Rebecca, I was intrigued to read about your retreat to L’Abri. Can you tell us about that experience?
Rebecca
- Yes, it was a real amazing time in my life. I went to L’Abri
just wanting to be renewed and to be refreshed knowing that I might be
filled up so I could continue to give out in ministry and I felt that
at the beginning of my trip that God promised me that time would be
like a sunrise in my life. I was praying at the beginning … I
was outside on my walk and just sort of praying and I was watching the
sunrise and felt like God was saying that a similar thing was going to
happen in my life through this trip and that is exactly what happened,
it was like a sunrise and a new day in my life spiritually. It was kind
of a time where God was just teaching me who I am in Him and teaching
me that I am loved just as I am. I felt that He was just loving on my
life, loving on my heart and just really treasuring me through that
time. The new album and the new season of ministry that has come from
that time has a lot of joy in it and shows how renewing my time with
Him was there.
(Patricia) Icannot seem to find it in my notes, and
would need to listen to the tape to know for certain, but I remember
that Rebecca also told me that her experience at L'Abri changed her
understanding of the meaning of Christian community. I grieve that I
did not have more time for her to elaborate.
(...)
The interview as it was published:
EMILY: C.S. Lewis and his writings are very popular among
homeschoolers. What was your first exposure to him, and how has he
influenced your writing and music?
REBECCA: C.S. Lewis has
influenced my life quite a lot. I’ve read a lot of his work and
really appreciate the challenges he issues. I love that he is so
honest, but so profound—aspects I want in my music and in my
writing. I want to be profoundly led by God’s Word and also very
real. I have a song on my new album called “Shadowlands”
that ties into C.S. Lewis and the movie about his life. We all go
through shadowlands where it is like we are surrounded by a fog and
don’t know what is coming next. It is a scary, fearful, and dark
time and yet God is working with us through those times where we cling
to Him. He will walk us through and back into the sun and into the new
day and the new season. Sometimes when people are in the middle of a
dark or hard time, they find it hard to see how God is going to bring
good out of it. “Shadowlands” encourages people to see the
hope in the midst of their pain and know that God is with them. I read
[the Chronicles of Narnia] as a child and again as an adult,
probably 6 or 7 years ago. I love the richness of the symbolisms
throughout, and when I wrote the song for the Chronicles of Narnia
soundtrack, I wanted some of that symbolism— to look at Aslan the
lion who is so powerful, so strong, and yet so gentle, the same as
Jesus—strong and powerful but also loving and kind, and that is
what draws us to Him.
EMILY: What motivated you to add writing books to your already very busy schedule?
REBECCA:
Writing books is something that happened quite naturally. It
wasn’t this big huge dream, but one of those things that God
opened up the doors for me and I walked through them. When I was about
18 or 19 I had an opportunity to write a devotional book. The amazing
thing is that God had already prepared my heart that that might happen.
Even though it was not a huge consuming dream to write books, it was
something that God had prepared me for and something that He contin-
ued to lead me into, so I wrote a second devotional book, and a book
about purity. SHE, a book for women, was after that, and SHE Teen. Then Sister Freaks, which I was involved [with] more on an editor level.
EMILY:
You once stated, “A big problem with our generation is that we
don’t have mentors. We surround ourselves with our peer
group.” Can you elaborate on that thought and share with us who
you consider to be your mentor(s)?
REBECCA: Yes, I think that
mentoring is a lost art. It is something that generations before us
naturally knew was important— older men and women speaking into
the lives of younger men and women, giving them wisdom they had
learned. I think that saves a lot of young people from having to learn
the hard way, but our generation seems to want to do stuff on their own
… largely because they don’t know there is a better way.
Mentoring is something that we need to recapture. As young people we
need to be asking for it, and the people in generations above us need
to be available to mentor those of us who are younger. I prayed for [a
mentor] for a while—I saw the need in my heart to have a mentor.
My parents have definitely been mentors, but there came a time in my
life when I needed wisdom outside all the wisdom they had imparted me
so that I could have even more life wisdom. God provided Evie
[Tornquist] through a friendship I built up with her. Through a series
of pretty miraculous events, He opened up the door for her and me to
have that mentoring relationship. I am on the road so much that it is
hard to be involved in meeting regularly with young girls, but there
are a couple that I do feel I am an informal mentor to, especially two
in Christian music.
PATRICIA: Does your family travel with you on tour?
REBECCA:
Yes, they come out most of the time—not all of the time, but when
we do a tour like we are on right now with BarlowGirl and Jadon Lavik.
All the family except for two brothers—three brothers, my sister,
and my parents—are all involved in different areas, from
merchandise to accounting to background vocals. They are a huge, huge
part of the team— the show couldn’t go on without them!
PATRICIA: Are your parents still homeschooling your brothers or sister?
REBECCA: Yes.
PATRICIA: How do you feel that homeschooling prepared you for adulthood?
REBECCA:
It taught me a lot about the importance of good family relationships,
and I grew in closeness to my family just spending so much time
together. I also think that spiritually I grew because the books that I
was reading were all encouraging me in my faith. [Homeschooling]
definitely allowed me to live out my calling. I was signed at 15 and my
first album came out when I was 16, so I was able to travel and do
schoolwork as well. Also, my family went through some financially hard
times when I was homeschooling, and we pulled together and prayed
together as a family, so it really enriched my life both spiritually
and relationally.
EMILY: Do you feel that you missed out on more traditional activities by being a homeschooler?
REBECCA:
My life was so different anyway. Being on the road kept me from being
involved in traditional teenage activities like hanging out with
friends, going to prom and dances … so it wasn’t really
homeschooling that kept me from things like that. You know, my brothers
and sister have really good friends from church, and my sister rides
horses, so she has friends through that. [Homeschooling] can keep you
from being able to do some things, but I think that if you are
intentional about being involved in other groups where you are meeting
people or you are involved in sports or other extracurricular
activities, you can make up for it.
EMILY: Do you have any advice for homeschooling teens?
REBECCA:
Appreciate the joys and the blessings of being homeschooled, like the
closeness to your family that you are achieving. And being able to get
done with school. Homeschooling generally takes about half the time
that you take in school. You can then devote your time in other things
like training for your future. I think often that the education is
better, but I think also that the spiritual value of what you are being
taught in the home— making sure that what you are hearing is
solid—is great, too. Just value the blessings of homeschooling.
Also, I have spoken a lot about purity and the importance of honoring
God in this area of waiting for marriage. Sometimes we think,
“I’m in a Christian community or high school, so I
don’t need to worry about that,” but there is so much
pressure on young people in this area to compromise. All of us need to
be encouraged to wait and save sex for marriage and be honoring to God
in that area. I have a book, Wait for Me, and a song I wrote
to my future husband saying that I was waiting for him and praying for
him, and that is a very important part of my message.
Check out this complete article here:
http://pollywogcreek.blogspot.com/2007/10/labri-and-rebecca-st-james.html
Thanks to Cathy for the link to the Pollywog interview.
* "It is Well", by Rebecca St. James on her Worship God album. I don't know about you, but I love the words to that song. However, to me, the (beautiful!) traditional hymn music seemed sad (played in the minor key?), and would only remind me that the author of this song wrote it in the memory of losing all his daughters at sea. Needless to say, I kept getting sidetracked by the tragic story and could never focus on the words. And that is one reason why I love Rebbecca St. James's new upbeat rendition which still flows seamlessly with the well-known words.
* Keep looking at the Worship God CD, girls, because now we're going to check out "Quiet You with My Love." Remember waking up in a nightmare as a little girl? If you were like me, I'd usually run and get up Mom, Dad, or Katie. They would comfort me, quiet my fears with their love, and tuck me back in bed. That's the mental image that comes to mind when I hear this song - God taking us reassuringly by the hand, quieting our fears, comforting. "Lay your head down on my shoulder; be still, My child, rest awhile; and I'll quiet you with my love, rejoice over you with my song..."
* One last song from Rebecca St. James before we spin off to other artists! Ready? This one is called "You". I love it because it re-focuses the eyes of my heart on God, it reminds me that he is the one I should want to be like, and that He is the only thing that will last ("cause at the end of the age, You will remain").
ATLANTA, Oct. 4 /Christian Newswire/ -- Tune in to "Word of Promise: Behind The Scenes" to witness how the star-studded The Word of Promise New Testament Audio Bible--a scripted dramatization of the New King James Version (NKJV) of the New Testament--came together. Meet the cast and crew, watch them in the recording studio, and learn about their personal experiences with this project.
(...) The Word of Promise(TM) -- which released this week through Thomas
Nelson, Inc.-- is presented in a compelling, dramatic audio theater
format with state of the art audio technology. This 20-CD audio New
Testament allows listeners to experience the Bible like never before.
(...) The production also features the voices of Grammy and Dove
Award-winning artists Michael W. Smith and Rebecca St. James; as well
as "The Promise," an original song by Smith.
(...) The stellar cast of 120 features a number of familiar voices including Michael York as narrator; Richard Dreyfuss as Moses; Marisa Tomei as Mary Magdalene; John Heard as Matthew; Lou Gossett, Jr., as John; Lou Diamond Phillips as Mark, and Terence Stamp as the Voice of God. Two Christian music stars have minor parts: Michael W. Smith is Cleopas (one of the two men who walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus) and Rebecca St. James plays a servant girl.
From My Utmost for His Highest and Streams in the Desert to The Prayer of Jabez and The Purpose-Driven Life, Christian publishing/marketing firms have proven time and again how much they love to release companion CDs to best-selling books.
(...) the three new songs vary in relevance. Sandi Patty's sweeping power ballad "Born Again" touches on the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus preceding John 3:16, and Charmaine (backing singer for Rebecca St. James)
returns to the spotlight with "In Him," a pleasant AC ballad exploring
the specific meaning behind that phrase in the verse. In contrast,
while Velasquez enjoyably revisits her classic AC pop roots in "Loved
By You," the lyrics feel very tangential to the theme.
Though most all the songs are good, there's not a
lot of added value for people who already have them from other discs,
and as a supplement to the book, this album doesn't stay on point
enough.
When they were 10 years old, twins Jessica and Jennifer Worcester received a gift from their dad — silver rings that they slipped on their fingers with a promise: They would remain sexually pure until marriage.
The Worcester twins, now 13, have made their abstinence vows an annual celebration. Along with their dad and other fathers and daughters, they will attend the annual Purity Ball in Tucson Friday night.Proponents view Purity Balls as fostering healthy bonding between
fathers and daughters and teaching girls and young women that they are
valuable and worth waiting for.They've heard what critics say, that the Purity Ball concept puts
a girl's virginity in a metaphorical lockbox to which Daddy holds the
key. But they say that's a misinterpretation of the event's purpose."It's not about a bunch of rules, about bolting a chastity belt on
them," said the twins' father, Tom Worcester, 47, a Raytheon engineer.
"That would really not be a successful approach. It's about a choice a
young lady can make and stick with."
(...) The Worcester twins don't watch much mainstream television, though they
enjoy reruns of "Gilmore Girls" and "Seventh Heaven." They like
contemporary Christian singer Rebecca St. James, who is passionate
about sexual purity. Recently the twins have become involved in "Secret
Keeper Girl," a Bible-based program that teaches girls not only about
purity, but the power of modest dressing and inner beauty.
On the heels of the release of their fourth studio album, REMEDY, David Crowder Band embarked Wednesday on a 28-city tour that will hit many unlikely venues.
(...)Crowder is just one of many CCM artists who don’t just use
music to tell others about the love of Christ and God but to encourage
them to live their lives as an act of worship. Other Christian music
artists who have used their music and celebrity status to prompt the
Christian community into social action, include Rebecca St. James,
Michael W. Smith, Steve Chapman, and Jars of Clay.Voted Artist
of the Year by MSN in 2006, David Crowder Band was said to have
"single-handedly redefined what contemporary Christian music should
sound like."
Michael Neale, Rebecca St. James, and myself [=Chad Jarnagin] will be part of "From The Inside Out" TONIGHT.
Address: The People's Church Franklin Campus is located at the corner of Highway 96 and Mack Hatcher Parkway.
The People’s Church
828 Murfreesboro Road
Franklin, TN 37064
The new season, hosted by Dove Award-winning artist Scott Dente, continues to mix coffee, music, and conversation with some of the biggest names in Christian music and publishing.
(...) CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, Sept. 25 /Christian Newswire/ -- The exclusive Inspirational Life Television (i-Lifetv) talk show Faith Café launches an exciting new season on Monday, October 1, 2007 at 10:00p.m. Eastern.
(...) "This season, we go even deeper with our guests to explore issues such as relationships, issues faced by the modern church, and the practical problems faced by people of all walks of life," said Faith Café producer Charles Powell.
(...)
Another element of the show that Powell said continues to sparkle is Faith Café host Scott Dente. "Scott brings a depth to the show that appeals not only to our viewers, but our guests as well," said Powell. "He's able to dialogue with them about a wide range of issues because he's willing to be transparent about his life." For his part, Dente said that it helps to have guests that also are willing to open up. "It's amazing to hear what our guests have to say," said Dente. "Sometimes, I have to do a double take because I'm talking to people like Rebecca St. James and Cheri Keaggy about subjects that can be very weighty. But these artists are real people, too. These conversations remind us that all of us are striving to live the best life of faith we can.
(...) Some of the guests joining Scott on Faith Café's chaise lounge include: award-winning artist, author, and speaker Rebecca St. James, who talks to Scott on the topic of "Other People's Expectations";
Fervent Records welcomes new female duo, CADIA, to its artist roster. Spotlighting positive messages for music fans, the group will release its self-titled, national debut album on Feb. 26, 2008.
Nashville-based CADIA comprises longtime friends Courtney Myers and Tori Smith, both 19 years old. The two became fast friends while participating in a junior high school play and continue to perform together.
(...)
Produced by Otto Price (BarlowGirl, Out Of Eden, SONICFLOOd) and Rob Hawkins (Big Daddy Weave, Jump5, Rebecca St. James), CADIA's debut addresses themes of honesty, empowerment, self-esteem, compassion, and confidence in God, issues that both Courtney and Tori have confronted on their own journey to adulthood. In addition to providing fun, meaningful pop music, the record also aims to encourage other teens facing similar life experiences.
COMPASSION IN EUROPE: ARTIST MICHAEL W. SMITH, TIM NEEVES (Videographer); Rebecca St. James; Jan Willem Vink, Marketing & Communications Director/Compassion Netherlands; Philippe Mermod, CEO Compassion Switzerland; Martin Ijmker, Events Co-ordinator/Compassion Netherlands.
Australian born St. James has for more than a decade been lending her voice of considerable influence to the work of Compassion International, for whom she is a globally out-reaching spokesperson. Through bringing the word of Compassion to her concert goers in her U.S. and international travels, Rebecca has directly connected her audience to the ongoing sponsorship of more than 30,000 of the world's neediest children in 24 poverty stricken nations of the world.
"I saw first-hand once again how funds donated to Compassion are actually reaching and being utilized for good in making a profound difference in the lives of children," St. James commented to press last year following a missions trip to Rwanda. "It was a powerful experience for me to see the work of Compassion in action and how children are actually being so benefited in every day life," she continued. "In Kenya we visited a slum area that represented the most intense poverty imaginable. In the middle of the desolation Compassion workers have built a project - a school filled with wonderfully joyful children that are being given love and hope and the message of Jesus."
Last month Rebecca St. James' lightning round tour of Europe cast a huge net for Compassion on the continent of Europe. In her travels, in two days alone she performed a headlining engagement at Holland's annual Flevo Music Festival, drawing a crowd of more than 30,000 concert-goers. On the same tour, St. James charted new territory with the rare introduction of Christian music and the Compassion message in the formerly communist held Czech Republic, now free to greet her with a capacity audience of 7,000 enthusiastic Czech music fans who warmly embraced both music and message despite any language barriers.
(...)
Speaking of her work for Compassion, the organization's Vice-President of International Development, Tony Neeves, notes: "Rebecca St. James is passionately, articulately, and untiringly speaking out about the needs of children in poverty, and the God given responsibility of Christians to reach out to do something about it. As a direct result of Rebecca's love and commitment, there are literally tens of thousands of children who have escaped the cruel trap of poverty, and who now have a real hope for a better future."
While on tour, St. James concert each night graphically spotlights her dedication to the work of Compassion as she takes the message of "aid that works" ever increasingly wider with each new audience. As multi-screens onstage behind her in the rock concert setting flash the stark reality of her mission to Africa, the young woman who refuses to be thought of as a 'star', passionately shares the message of the importance of child sponsorship.
She nightly performs the song Beautiful Stranger, self written with a message she hopes will stay long after the music ends. "The song challenges me, as I hope it will challenge those that hear it to reach out to offer God's help and hope to those that are struggling around us. From the obvious needs that I saw in Africa to those in need who are all around us every day too often faceless and lost in the crowds. God is longing for us to reach out to others. The world needs more compassion."
Agnew is on the top of the charts again with "Our Great God," a duet with Australian-born Christian recording superstar Rebecca St. James, from his 2007 CD, "Better Questions." His gravelly, Neil Diamond-like voice offers a rich contrast and surprising harmony with St. James' smooth-as-silk vocals.
Rebecca St. James is in the Czech Republic today (8-14-07) bringing the message of Christian music to a part of the world where concerts such as hers are seldom staged. Nevertheless, Christian organizers in the former communist held nation expect a massive outpouring of young people will attend to see St. James perform at the outdoor National Youth Gathering being held in the city of Tabor.
Donnelly was as surprised as anyone when someone representing Christian recording artist Rebecca St. James called his small-town church, asking if she could sing there.
“Rebecca St. James is one of the biggest stars in Christian music,” Donnelly says. “We didn’t expect it. It was out of the blue.”
But it all panned out, and St. James will be at Grace Community Church in Overbrook on Monday.
It’s part of SHE (Safe, Healthy, Empowered), a gathering of Christian women that is hitting sites across the country. The Overbrook event, which begins at 7 p.m., follows recent tour stops in the much larger cities of Macon, Ga., and Panama City, Fla.
(...)Donnelly says church members are excited.
“You don’t get an opportunity to see Rebecca St. James very often,” he says.
General-admission tickets are available for $18 by calling (785) 793-2141. More information can be found at www.sheevent.com.
Overbrook is 30 miles southwest of Lawrence. The church is located
at 310 E. Eighth St., on the eastern edge of Overbrook along U.S.
Highway 56.
Soulfest opened up its yearly festivities on Wednesday and is expected to draw 13,000 Christian fans from New Hampshire and surrounding New England states.
Now in its tenth year, the four-day festival held at Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford, N.H., has brought in 125 performers to perform on its four stages.
Soulfest organizers have recognized that the music is a vital part to its success.
(...)
Some of the top names in Christian music
today have trekked to the northern state from all styles of genre.
Artists include Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin, tobyMac, Rebecca St. James,
Jars of Clay, Superchic[k], the Afters, Natalie Grant, Pillar, Seventh
Day Slumber, Building 429, and of course, Skillet and the Newsboys.
(...) [Natalie] Imbruglia is from Australia, which has brought us Radio Birdman and INXS, but is also responsible for less angry Christian Alanis Morissette clone Rebecca St. James, and most of the members of '90s CCM favorite the Newsboys
Grammy-Award winning artist and author Rebecca St. James will be back in Europe this summer for a line-up of gigs.
The Australian singer will be playing in Norway, Czech Republic, Holland, Switzerland and finally London.
This follows St. James’ visit to Europe last year, where she performed on stage with BarlowGirl and Delirious? in Holland and Germany respectively.
“God 'showed up' so powerfully and encouraged my heart more on this European tour than on any other tour there before,” she had expressed after the tour.
“I have truly come home refreshed -with my heart feeling 'strangely warmed'. That’s how some of Jesus' followers felt after walking with Jesus on their way to Emmaus and truly I relate.
“We expressed such incredible community with believers in all of the 11 countries we visited, and through them our hearts have been warmed by Jesus' love.”
The first Ignite Chicago festival was this past Saturday - great weather and great music all day long. Check out our photo album for pics of Barlow Girl (a hometown crowd favorite!), The David Crowder Band, Rebecca St. James, Tree 63, Vicky Beeching, Seventh Day Slumber, John Reuben, and TruEmotion.
Ignite Chicago photo set
[PS. These photo's can also be viewed from our own concert photo pages.]
By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (ANS) -- You could say that it's all "plain sailing" for Rebecca St. James this week as she appears on an Alaskan Cruise performing for Focus On The Family.
As Rebecca's spotting
whales among the sparkling Alaskan waters, television viewers will this
week have the opportunity of seeing her as a major centerpiece of The
Gospel Music Channel’s “Celebrate Freedom Special,”
taped at KLTY Radio’s massive annual two-day outdoor concert
event which draws thousands to the Southfork Ranch staging site near
Dallas.
(...)With her sharing air
time with the Rivers will be friend and fellow artist Todd Agnew to
talk about their current creative duet partnership on, “Our Great
God,”connecting nationally both as a radio single and as a
feature track on his new album from Ardent/INO.Last
week both artists teamed on air to host two hours of Salem Radio
Network’s “Family Friendly Doug & Kim In The
Morning” as they pitch hit from the air team's homebase at 94FM
The Fish studios in Nashville to the delight of listeners as fun and
friendly guest co-hosts with anchor air personality Kim Bindel.
By John Askew, Journal staff Sunday, July 15, 2007
Despite soaring temperatures, more than 40,000 people descended upon
Memorial Park this weekend for live music, ministries and fun at the
2007 Hills Alive festival.
The Christian festival is in its 22nd year but has only been offered as a free event for the past five.
"There
seems to be a real stigma about Christianity, that it's not fun or God
is only a very serious thing," Tom Schoensteadt, promoter of Hills
Alive, said. "But with this event, we want to show people that it's not
all about the traditional and that this helps them to have a good time
and help others see and experience what Christianity is about."
The
event offered concerts from award-winning artists such as Rebecca St.
James and Sarah Kelly and provided kid-oriented ministries and
activities.
(...)
A few of the new events featured this year included a late-night
coffeehouse concert, and a mother-daughter after-hours hosted by St.
James.
The Band list again, includes:
Rebecca St. James
Skillet
Tree63
Starfield
Stellar Kart
Leeland
Everyday Sunday
Ayiesha Woods
FireLight
Decyfer Down
Manic Drive
Future Of Forestry
Manafest
Flatfoot 56
Also added: Candlefuse
Kiros
nevertheless
RedCloud
Remedy Drive
Jairus Cry
Slingshot 57
Nailpoint Payment
Delorean Grey
Sestor
Jerimae Yoder
Our Hero’s End
Oneyecry
Eowyn
Hello Kelly
Ember
The Turning
EsterlynBoarders for Christ
extreme skateboard
demo team
For more info , schedule and registration: http://www.plmf.org/
Beloved by Christian Music fans and friends alike, Ardent Records in coordination with INO Records, announces the release of singer/songwriter Todd Agnew's fourth studio project, Better Questions.
The release is set for July 17 and the first single is a duet featuring Rebecca St. James titled 'Our Great God' which will be going for radio adds May 25.
Better Questions, co-produced by Agnew and John Hampton, is a 16-song selection (including prelude) that has a bit of everything with powerful ballads, worshipful church anthems, humorous lyrics, and solid rock moments.
Christian singer designed tour as bonding event for moms, daughters
12:00 AM CDT on Friday, May 4, 2007
By MICHAEL E. YOUNG / The Dallas Morning News
myoung@dallasnews.com
Just off a hard-rocking tour with Brit praise pioneers Delirious, Rebecca St. James decided it was time to turn down the amps, pull the crowd in close and celebrate the power of SHE.
SHE, which stands for safe, healthy and empowered, is borrowed from the book of the same name written by Ms. St. James, a Grammy and Dove award winner. More precisely, the SHE tour is billed as "a special event for mothers and daughters and friends."
"There isn't a lot out there that involves mothers and daughters together," Ms. St. James said in a recent phone interview. "So it kind of hits a niche: moms who want to bond with their girls. And both generations can enjoy it and grow from it."
Joining her on the SHE tour is Evie Tornquist, one of the biggest names in Christian music in the 1970s and '80s and a longtime friend of Ms. St. James' family in Australia.
"She was huge there when I was a kid," says Ms. St. James, who is now based near Nashville. "My dad was involved in the music business. She knew me when I was a tiny tot."
About five years ago, her career soaring, Ms. St. James saw the need for a mentor who could understand what she faced in the music business and offer guidance. She thought of Evie.
"She's amazing. She's blessed my life so much," Ms. St. James says. "She's almost 50 and I'm in my 20s, so it's almost like we're modeling the things we talk about to moms and their girls."
Music forms the centerpiece of the SHE show. But in the intimate surroundings, there's plenty of time to talk, too, about things such as beauty, purity and intimacy with God.
Those topics are important to Ms. St. James, voted one of the most influential Christian leaders under 40 by one publication and among the 50 most influential people in Christian music by another.
"We do a lot of acoustic music in this tour. Often we see three generations coming, and that has broad appeal," she says. "It's mostly music, but we make it very conversational. It's kind of like having coffee with a couple thousand people.
By The Associated Press
BELGRADE - Listeners tuning in to the Gallatin Valley's only local Christian radio station should not assume that they'll hear organ-banging hymns or DJs preaching. At radio station KCMM-FM 99.1, The One, the DJs play rap, hip-hop, heavy metal, rock and pop music.
The artists love God, and their lyrics are clean.
The Christian music genre has been gaining a foothold across America and in the Gallatin Valley, host to at least five Christian music concerts this year. The Gospel Music Association in Nashville, Tenn., reports that Christian and gospel music sales rose from $381 million in 1995 to more than $700 million in 2005.(...)
"The
music has a message, and it's a good message," Light said. "Bryan and
Deb are great. They're very human and they have good hearts."
As
Brucks and Bjelland wrapped up their Tuesday show, they announced that
rocker Rebecca St. James was playing at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse in
Bozeman on May 4. She is a Grammy Award-winning artist who has been on
the top of Christian charts for several years.
"I'm really, really excited about this concert," Bjelland said.
As the show ended, she thanked the listeners for tuning in.
Grammy-winning Christian pop singer Rebecca St. James compares her event in Tucson Saturday to having coffee with hundreds of girlfriends.
There'll be a few laughs, some singing, some confessing, lots of sharing with an audience likely to be mostly females — from 8 to 80.
"The deep stuff we talk about over coffee comes up," she said Friday from a tour stop in Montana.
St. James joins fellow Christian music artist Evie for the "SHE Tour," celebrating women of all ages and encouraging them to be "safe, healthy and empowered."
The name comes from St. James' best-selling book "SHE" and the teen version, the bookzine "SHE Teen."
St. James and Evie, who will be joined by British Christian singer Vicky Beeching, will lead the intimate three-hour evening. They hope that mothers and daughters come together. They might be surprised to learn that their problems — insecurities, love concerns, stresses — cross generations.
"The issues that mothers and daughters face are often very similar," the 29-year-old St. James noted, her native Australian accent softened by half a lifetime spent in Nashville, Tenn.
"They might play out in different ways, but each night we're talking about beauty and how we need to be encouraging in our own lives — beauty of the heart, instead of being obsessed about beauty on the outside," she added.
"It's just really quite uncanny how these issues cross the generations."
St. James can testify to this firsthand. Her mentor the past five years is Evie, a Christian recording artist who hit her stride in the 1970s and '80s. Despite their age difference, St. James and Evie have found common ground through music.
St. James and Evie have been doing the SHE events for two years. They usually do eight to 10 a year, from Australia to Arizona. (They stop in Phoenix Friday before coming here on Saturday.) They sing inspirational songs, answer questions, invite people to share anecdotes and inspirations.
"I have my band with me, but it's an acoustic night, sitting around on the stage," St. James explained. "In between the songs, Evie and I will share what's in our hearts."
Jolie good mates
AUSSIE Christian music singer Rebecca St James has reportedly hooked up with James Haven, actress Angelina Jolie's brother.
After much time (at least in my world)... what should have been done last week, is now done today.
YC MB 07: Drentch, Tree63, Rebecca St James, and EPO!!!
http://hopeandlife.com/alyssa (click on bands.. etc etc)
Awakening w/Tree63 (same place... bands.. go)
YC AB 07: Delirious, United, Rebecca St James, Toby Mac, Lincoln Brewster, David Crowder and Leeland
same place.. http://hopeandlife.com/alyssa
The ninth annual Pro-Life Music Festival may draw as many as 10,000 music fans to Winona Lake later this month.
Event organizer Martt Clupper, Warsaw, said he expects this year's festival to draw a bigger crowd than in past years. Last year's festival drew a crowd of about 6,000. This year, Clupper said he estimates between 8,000 and 10,000. (...)
The three-day festival will feature 36 bands representing a variety of genres of Christian music. Two of this year's headliners are the rock band Skillet and Rebecca St. James.(...)
The Pro-Life Music Festival will be held June 21-24 at the Grace College athletic fields on Pierceton Road. Admission is free. Camping spots are available for $5 per person. Clupper said the camping fee is a one-time fee for all three nights of the festival. A mobile shower unit will be available for campers at this year's festival.
Special events: June 15: Rebecca St. James with Relevant Worship & Brooke Yaiser, $10-$40;
Delirious? will be joining dynamic #1 New York Times bestselling author and preacher Joyce Meyer in another line-up of conferences.
(...) Delirious? recently completed its 26-city Worship Revolution Tour in
the United States with EMI /Forefront’s Rebecca St James and
EMI-Sparrow Record’s Vicky Beeching.
Spirit of Niagara Tours hopes to bring focus to American side of the Falls.
(...) A grand opening ceremony will be held on Friday with a
ribbon-cutting by Anthony, Wheatfield Town Supervisor Tim Demler and
Christian recording artist Rebecca St. James.
A song teaming that holds the promise of being a defining �vocal event of the year� in contemporary Christian music finds EMI�s Rebecca St. James joining vocally in the studio with Todd Agnew on a powerful new single rendition of �Our Great God� �written by Mac Powell of Third Day � and now being added at AC Christian radio nationally.
The track will be included in Agnew�s much anticipated new album Better Questions, launching in July from INO Records.
BY Kevin Jackson
NEW YORK – Popular Christian songstress Rebecca St. James has been invited to play at a secular venue in upstate New York on June 15 as a test to see whether or not Christian concerts can sell.For the event at Artpark in Lewiston, N.Y., near Niagara Falls, the Australian native will have to “sell well” to solidify performances for other Christian artists in the future at the well-known location.
“Artists like Rebecca St. James usually sing in safe, churchy environments,” explained an announcement sent out by marketing guru Mark Weber in his “Holy Arc Network.” “But every once in a while, a visionary comes along and wants to help get the Gospel message out to a crowd outside the Christian bubble – that somewhat exclusionary subculture that so many people wish didn't exist. Well, here's your chance to help burst the bubble, as Josh Maloni, a twenty-something Western N.Y. visionary, took a total leap of faith and worked it out that Rebecca St. James would headline a Christian concert at none other than Artpark.”
According to agreement, the success of the upcoming concert will gauge whether or not Christians should be able to play at Artpark in the future. Should the St. James concert sell 2,000 tickets or more, the venue staff would continue to allow other religious artists. Any less and “that venue will most likely avoid Christian concerts, for years!” according to Weber.
The Gospel Music Association (GMA)’s 33rd Annual Music in the Rockies gathering will be starting up on July 29, and promoters are allowing interested individuals a sneak peak into the activities through YouTube.
(...) A main attraction at the event, for both
attendants and the general public, will be its weeklong performances
from well-known Christian performers. Throughout the six days, 25
performers are expected to perform at the compound, including Dove and
Grammy Award winners Natalie Grant, Aaron Shust, Michael W. Smith,
Brian Littrell, The Crabb Family, Deitrick Haddon, Rebecca St. James,
Sandi Patty, and Mark Schultz.
[YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/GospelMusicAssoc]
This isn't new, but it was so encouraging, we thought you might like to watch it. Rebecca St. James gives us a tour of some sights in Australia, including the church where she gave her life to the Lord.
Put on by The Salvation Army, this concert was aptly titled a Kaleidoscope of Praise as Rebecca St. James concerts have always included worship songs (some original, some traditional). Newcomer Vicky Beeching hales from across the pond in England, but she's making it clear her passion is for worship, too.
Strumming her guitar, back-up band supporting, Vicky seemed calm and at ease in front of the massive crowd, and she soon had us in a worshipful spirit as the night's opener. Performing songs off her first album as well as her sophomore release Painting the Invisible, including "Join the Song" with its catchy chorus, "Praise God from whom all blessing flow..." she also showed her playful side, telling humorous stories from her life. Ending at the piano (after using her harmonica), she paved the way for Rebecca and her band.
Taking the stage, Rebecca immediately had the crowd excited and on their feet with her song "Alive". She performed many more of our favorites, including "Thank You", "Blessed Be Your Name", "Wait for Me", "Forgive Me", and the acoustic "You Are Loved". In between songs she took time to share what's been on her heart. In particular, the revelation God's given her about his love for us. Midway during the concert Rebecca gave the stage to her backup singer Charmaine (an artist in her own right) who sang her song "Save the Day".
Always encouraging and uplifting, Rebecca St. James & Co. are worth listening to, and seeing, whenever they come into your town.
Rebecca St. James Concert At Artpark In Lewiston, NY on 06/15/07
Current mood: sleepy
I traveled to Lewiston, New York from SouthEast Michigan with my 2 daughters to see Rebecca St. James in concert at Artpark. The performance by Rebecca St. James was awesome as usual. A bonus during her concert was seeing Charmaine sing a song during the concert. If anyone does not know, Charmaine does background vocals for Rebecca during her concerts. Charmaine has a solo album out too. The opening act of the night, Brooke Yaiser wasn't bad either. You could see that she was a little nervous during the show but one can understand for her being only 16 years old. Anyway, Brooke does have a CD out titled "Waiting". The title track is an awesome song. Therefore, if anyone has not heard her music check it out. she is awesome and I pray that she goes a long way in the Christian music industry. Relevant Worship wasn't bad either. The only thing that disappointed me was the fan turn-out for this event. Rebecca St. James is my favorite Christian artist and those that didn't go missed out on an excellent concert event. With that I'll close for now. Can't wait for Kingdombound in August.
I cannot neglect Rebecca St. James. For some reason one day I decided to pick up the “Transform” album, and I loved it! From end to end, it’s just plain good. Favorite songs by her include “Reborn,” “Wait For Me,” “You Are Loved,” and “Shadowlands.”
DALLAS, TX. (Top40 Charts/ Salem Communications) - 94.9 FM KLTY, Safe for the Whole Family®, and Interstate Batteries announced that Celebrate Freedom, the largest free, outdoor concert in America, will be held over a two-day period for the first time in the festival's 17-year history. The event, scheduled for June 29-30, will take place at the historic Southfork Ranch in Parker, Texas. Last year, more than 210,000 people attended this event.
This year will feature the largest musical artist lineup ever, with approximately 40 top CCM artists performing during the two day concert including such award-winning acts as Toby Mac, Casting Crowns, Aaron Shust, Skillet, and 33 Miles. Also featured will be artists such as Nichole Nordman, Avalon, Salvador, Thousand Foot Krutch, Shawn McDonald, Rebecca St. James, Natalie Grant, Superchic[k] and new urban artist Anthony Evans.
"Our purpose is to communicate the truth about God and who He is and to become a voice making a difference on the issue of abortion," explained Martt Clupper, the event organizer, in the Times-Union. "We believe there's never a need for an abortion. There's always a better solution. We feel like if we have an event where the bands are great and just speak openly and honestly, we can make an impact."
So far, 36 bands from all across the Christian music spectrum are signed on to perform on two stages at the music festival. Some of the bigger names include Skillet, Rebecca St. James, Tree63, Stellar Kart, Starfield, Seventh Day Slumber, Leeland, Fireflight, and Ayiesha Woods.