April 2003 Newsletter
Good Music, Good Coffee, Good Company

March Highlights– Last month was our one-year anniversary show! People packed Studio A at the Ford Center to listen to some good music and to help us celebrate a terrific year. It was our largest-attended show to date and on top of that - a great one! rufus harris – started the show off right with some smooth tunes. They were tight - engaging the audience with their unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics.

In the Poet’s Corner – Tracy Price – a new face to the 4thFridays stage – delivered two outstanding readings from Billy Graham’s book – Hope for Each Day. The first reading discussed how an artist uses light and shadow in a painting to reveal its beauty and character. And how in the same way God uses light and shadows in our lives to create a masterpiece. The second focused on the necessity of sacrifice and discipline if we are to be faithful servants of Christ. The readings were powerful and Tracy’s delivery – passionate.

Next... We thought it would be neat to introduce the people that make up our 4thFridays crew – the behind-the-scenes people who made our first 12 shows possible. From the admissions person to the sound guy, it takes dedicated people to put these shows together. We thank God for them. These are the people who work diligently behind the scenes doing the not so glamorous and at times – down right grueling work. They make 4thFridays happen every month. They are: Mildred Sheats hospitality/admissions Marvin Sheats – production Larry Strong – our coffee service provider Mike Brewer – lighting Naylo Asheber – lighting Rod Sledge – sound Paul Kelley – tear down Dougie Johnson – set-up & tear down. We brought all of these folks on stage to thank them for all they do for us. Afterwards we showed a five-minute video presentation of all of the guests who have appeared at 4thFridays over the past year. It was a exciting to see how many had come to share their talent and the Message with us. We’re looking forward to another terrific year.

Next Up...Zamar! We were happy to welcome these guys back to our stage for the second time. It’s always a treat to hear them perform live. Their level of skill with their instruments coupled with their sincere desire to glorify God was demonstrated in every song. The highlight of their set was when they performed a beautiful and moving rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner. The crowd cheered afterwards and they received a standing ovation. Wow! Needless to say, we’re looking forward to another show with Zamar. Their new project is soon to be released. We’ll keep you posted!

Here’s a look at what’s coming up on April 25th- Great groups just keep on coming to 4thFridays. Contemporary Gospel Group – Sounds of Imani take the 4thFridays stage. This husband and wife team is really generating a buzz in Detroit. Gerald and Carol Ervin are pastors that have an extensive background in music. Gerald has traveled the nation providing background vocals for artists like Anita Baker, Chapter Eight, and The Floaters. Carol, a vocalist and self-taught pianist hosted an evangelistic broadcast on WMKM radio for years. She has directed a church choir and has served as a praise and worship leader. The two are also actively involved in prison ministry, mental health and helping the homeless. They’ll share songs from their latest project with their band on April 25th. This promises to be a great show you don’t want to miss!

And more - from the Poet’s Corner. Hear more thought-provoking readings that really give you something to ponder. And of course we’ll hear more music from the coolest house band in town – rufus harris. Come hang out with us and bring a friend. You’ll love the show!

Something to Think AboutUndercover Christians?In the Scriptures followers of the Lord Jesus are called light and salt. Believers are instructed to not be ashamed of their Lord, to share the Gospel, to love their enemies, etc. How do we fulfill this today? Do we fulfill this today? Let me know what you think. rharris@ameritech.net

4thFridays is held in Studio A at: The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center. 15801 Michigan Ave. Dearborn, MI between Southfield & Greenfield Roads. Admission: $10 Doors Open @ 8 PM Show starts @ 8:30 PM Info: 248-886-0881 bridgerecords@ameritech.net www.rufusharris.com