The house was packed last month - possibly the closest we've come to standing room only. It was our two-year anniversary show. We started off the evening with The Poet's Corner. Our resident reader -Tracy Price tracy0304

read a selection from Billy Graham's Book - Hope for Each Day. It was entitled The Call of Christ and dealt with Believers imitating the world and how the end result is that the church compromises its spiritual authority thus losing its influence. Instead of changing the world, the world changes it. We are instead to let our lives be filled with Christ and share his light.

rufus harris followed with the 4thFridays opening tune - The 4thFridays Intro and led into the band's first set with songs from the first and second CD. They included: Everything Is Yours, Look So Good, Left With Questions, No Compromise and Love In What You Do. He introduced the band and welcomed new band member James McGee an extremely talented bass player who recently moved back to Detroit from Atlanta.

The 4thFridays Crew
After Rufus introduced the band, he introduced the 4thFridays crew thanking them for their continued dedication: Rod Sledge-sound, Mike Brewer-lights and technical 4th Fridays Crew

, Mildred Sheats - greeter, Lawrence Strong - the coffeeman, Kim Strong - his assistant, Marvin Sheats - technical, Tracy Price - poetry and prose reader, and Denise Strong (Harris) 4F director/videograher.

We regret that we neglected to mention a few additional people that have helped tremendously with 4F shows - rufus harris' former bass player - Ralf Patterson who has moved on to dedicate more time to his own music and music ministry at his church. We wish him the very best and will miss working with him and also Michelle (Shelley) Burns who has filled in for Mildred Sheats as our greeter several times. She is a real blessing to us. And we can't forget Monte Bertrand who about four times a year bakes delicious biscotti - or what we call montescotti.

At the beginning of the 2nd Set, Tracy then read another Graham's writing - . The first line:

Walk with God as Noah did; when the flood came, Noah was saved amidst the scorn and rejection of his neighbors...

The reading went on to mention other great men of the bible and how they relied on God despite their circumstances - even when the outcome did not look good. God has never promised to keep us from trouble or affliction but has promised that he would certainly deliver us and go with us through them.

Next...Paul Dozier!
The highly anticipated performance of Paul Dozier was next.

It was his first appearance at 4thFridays with a full band and needless to say it was well worth the wait. Wow! they were great! People are still talking about Dozier and his five piece band who delivered an intense set of high energy tunes that took the audience on a profound emotional journey. Dozier said in a videotaped interivew that he loved the spontaneity of jazz - how it allows an artist to freely move in the Spirit. And while the songs were all instrumental, Dozier made a spiritual connection with attendees skillfully sharing songs that conveyed a message of faith and hope.

rufus harris closed the evening with the song It's Not About... . A song that encourages the church to be directed by the One who we are called by; to be directed to what we are called for: His mission; His purpose; His commitment; and so much more.

We have a special performance planned for you on the stage of the Ford Center theatre. This promises to be a very visual show.

Brothers Union - (formerly Troy Michael and Soul to Soul) - Troy and the guys have performed twice before at 4thFridays. They were the featured band at our very first show back in March of 2002 - that's when the 4F shows were held at the Southfield Centre for the Arts. And they performed again in July 2003. At that time they were known as Troy Michael and Soul to Soul. Brothers Union

In an up close interview, at this month's show, Troy will share why the name change and why "Gospel Blues" is not a paradox in terms. They'll perform tunes from their latest release - Still Climbin'. If you've never heard them, now's your chance. They're extremely skilled and creative musicians with a clever unforgettable sound. Their tight stylized performances on stage coupled with soulful lyrics make them an incredible band.

The Poet's Corner - Tracy Price will share another inspiring reading that will give you something to ponder from Billy Graham's book Hope for Each Day entitled I am the Truth. Is there a such thing as absolute truth? We'll find out. Lawrence Strong will share a reading from CS Lewis' Screwtape Letters. That's right - he's back! Larry does a wonderful rendition of Uncle Screwtape that is quite compelling, effectively blending humor with insight into the deception of the enemy. In this letter, Uncle Screwtape instructs his nephew on ways to bring down the patient who has made some new friends - a middle aged married couple.- rich, smart, superficially intelligent.

And author Elreta Dodds will discuss one of her most intriguing books - Is God a Chauvinist? The Bible and women: A Complete Look.

Rufus talks to Elreta onstage about this somewhat controversial subject. What is the role of Christian women today? Can women be pastors? There will be a book signing afterwards.

rufus harris will share some great tunes at the beginning and end of the show from both of his projects. We've got a great show planned for you.

Come on down and check us out on April 23rd!

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Other News...Remembering Chester Price
Many of you remember our background vocalist - Chester Price. He passed away last June suddenly of a heart aneurysm. We are planning a special benefit concert on to be announced for the Price Family. Join us at Evangel Ministries in Detroit for a special performance with Rufus Harrs and the band Kindred Nation. Hear a touching song Kindred Nation wrote about Chester called "Big Guy". For information call 248-886-0881. Admission is $10 for adults. Free for kids under 12. If you would like to send a donation to the Price family, send to: The Price Family Michigan First Credit Union 7700 Puritan Detroit, MI 48228

Raffle
Every 4thFridays' show includes a free raffle with paid admission. We usually raffle-off the performers' CDs. Last month we added a coffee gift prepared by resident 4thFridays' brew mister and coffee connoisseur Lawrence Strong. This month, we'll do it again! Don't miss your chance to win!

In Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:2-20 and Luke 8:5-15, the Lord Jesus shares the parable of the farmer who sows his seed. A parable is an ordinary story that has a spiritual meaning. Let's briefly look at that story and its meaning.

This is story is a very important one. Basically, it categorizes 4 types of people who hear the word of God. First, the one who hears the word and does not understand it - an example of the enemy stealing the word from the heart. Secondly, the one who receives the word quickly and with joy - but because the roots are not deep - they last only a short while. Third, the one who allows the cares of life and deceitfulness of wealth to choke the word. And finally, those who hear the word and understand it and bear much fruit.