Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 2 January 2004 — Page 11

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Order of Service , Religion

B SECTION FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 2004

Smokey Robinson's I s ' inspirational CD is 'Food [or the Spirit' Electronic Urban Report Legendary Grammy winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Smokey Robinson is set to release his first inspirational CD “Food for the Spirit,” and its accompanying video on Liquid 8 Records March 30. The album is 40 years in the making. Michael Catain, CEO of Liquid 8 Records stated, “We are so pleased to have an icon like Smokey Robinson release his first inspirational album as part of the Liquid 8 family. “He is an immeasurable talent having written over 4,000 songs and produced some of the biggest hits of our time. I have already enjoyed working with Smokey during his Motown days more than two decades ago. I look forward to a long prosperous relationship with him at Liquid 8.” Robinson said, “I have long respected Michael Catain since our days at Motown years ago. I’m so pleased to be reunited.” The “Food for the Soul” CD was produced by Michael Stokes who has crafted hits for the “Godmother of Gospel Music" Shirley Caesar. The collection of nine inspirational gems was composed by Robinson. Musically they run the gamut from contemporary Christian to traditional gospel. Three videos for “Let Your Light Shine,” “Road to Damascus,” and “Gang Bangin’” were shot recently in Los Angeles and will imminently be released to a number of national and regional music video outlets covering the gospel, contemporary Christian, and urban formats. The video contains the video clips and rare performance and interview footage of Robinson. The message of the album recorded months ago has proved particularly poignant for Robinson in recent weeks having endured the California wildfires coming dangerously close to his Los Angeles area home. It was his faith that brought him and his family through it. He noted, “I have each one of my homes blessed before I move into it. When the fires got close I knew it was in the hands of God. I kept the faith and we made it through.” Robinson will integrate his inspirational music into all of his upcoming concerts as well as making specialized appearances at television, radio and other media outlets who specialize in the promotion of gospel and contemporary Christian music. Based in Minneapolis, Liquid 8 Records is the owner of one of the largest traditional Black gospel catalogs. The Gospel Legends Series includes such artists as Shirley Caesar, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Albertina Walker, the Staples Singers, Rev. James Cleveland and many more. Liquid 8 also covers the pop, rock and R&B genres with an impressive list of artists including M idnight Oil, Daryll Hall, and Jesse Powell. Liquid 8 Records and Entertainment is distributed by Navarre.

A year of blessings and milestones for both Muslims and Christians

By BRANDON A. PERRY Staff Writer African Americans in the Indianapolis community who are serious about their faith celebrated many accomplishments last year. Several ehurches and their pastors celebrated anniversaries of numerological significance. Rev. Walter Williams w as honored in August for a whopping f>0 years of service to St. Paul A.M.E. Church. Rev. Johnthan Bailey Jr. of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church was not far behind with 30 years of leadership. Rev . Ciirtis L. Vance and Rev. Oliver Devvavne Walker, pastor of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church and Phillips Temple C.M.E. Church, respectively, both celebrated 20 years as shepherds of their congregations. But the biggest praise parties were held at two of Indianapolis' oldest Black congregations, Bethel A.M.E. Church and Holy Angels Catholic Church, which observed 1(17 and TOO years as a church family. Many congregations moved into newfacilities, including Eastern Star Church, Light of the

World Christian Church. Westside Church of Christ and •Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church. Two prominent figures in the African-American Christian community, Chaplain Roy S. Black and Rev. Darry l Lynch made appearances in our community to address both theological and social issues. Rev. Black, who was appointed the L’.S. Senate's first African-American chaplain, preached at Progressive Baptist Church in October during a revival that also featured Lamar Campbell and the Spirit of Praise. Rev. Lynch, a community activist who played a key role in resolving the recent race riot in Cincinnati, appeared in early December as a guest of the Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center. Popular gospel artists who came to Indianapolis in concert and delivered uplifting praise music included, among many others, Vickie Winans. Rizen, Evelyn Turrentine-Agee, the Williams Brothers, Juanita Bynum, the Men ofStandard, Byron Cage, the Jackson Southernaircs,»Rev. L.W. Bolton. Bishop Lany Trotter and his Sweet Holy Spirit Mass Choir, ► See REVIEW, Page B3

Karen Clark Sheard keeps momentum going with latest release

By BRANDON A. PERRY * Staff Writer “Well, I’m about to pull out my weapon and give the devil a run for his money,” Karen Clark Sheard says at the beginning of “Praise Up," a track featured on her latest album, “The Heavens Are Telling.” Indeed, the weapons that Clark Sheard uses, her voice and the mighty promises of Jesus, are critical elements in God’s arsenal during intense spiritual warfare. : Nearly two years after nearly losing her life during emergency surgery, Clark Sheard returned to the studio last year w ith her highly anticipated release “Finally: Karen!" She keeps the momentum going w'ith her current CD, "The Heavens Are Telling." Clark Sheard’s soaring,

multi-octave voice is always a pleasure to hear, whether she’s singinggo|pel standards with the Clark Sisters or reciting a version of “Maiy' Had a Little Lamb." But combining her vocal acrobatics with the slick production skills of gospel great Donald Lawrence of the Tri-City Singers and much-in-demand vvritor J. Moss is incentive for you to make sure that the rewind button on your CD player is working properly. Spicy horns and driving percussion on the cool, Latin-fla-vored “Glorious (Make the Praise)” provide an explosive, energetic form of praise and worship that's very difficult to resist. On the other hand, “Sometimes" is a majestic ballad that offers reassurance to those who feel like God is “far away" at various times. The extremely popular gospel duo Mary Man (Shackles) offer

f” solid support for Clark Sheard.^ the beautifully written “We ilyrej Not Ashamed (To Praise the Lord)." Karen Clark Sheard introduces a new generation of the talented Clark family on “You Loved Me," a Christian recreation of the romantic song sung by neosoul icon Jill Scott. The duet between Clark Sheard and her daughter, Kiera “Kiki" Sheard reminds me of why I love to hear family harmony. Kiera Sheard also appears on the cute and youth oriented track “Don’t Change.” Given the fact that her mother’s sincere and "unashamed” style has rubbed off on her, I believe some company is going to release a project for Kiera Sheard very soon, if they haven’t already. I'd be almost willing to bet half of my gospel music collection on that. .

IN THE SPIRIT

Ebenezer scholars

Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, in conjunction with the Indianapolis Chapter of Indiana Black Expo, recently held their first annual essay contest, "Increasing Awareness Through the Written Word.” The theme for this year's contest focused on the issues surrounding tobacco usage as it relates to God's purpose for humanity. Ebenezer is also one of the sites that participates in Project S.H.O.U.T. (Students Helping Others Understand Tobacco). Both winners of the essay contest received a $500 stipend toward the first year of college. Right: This year's winners were Robbie Flippin (front left), a senior at Chatard High and Michael Lockett (front right). They were joined by Rev. Thomas Brown (left rear), senior pastor of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church and pastor Jeremiah Lockett Jr. (rear right), program director.

St. Rita Catholic Church recently held their annual Christmas Eve Children's Mass. Parish members and visitors came together to view a gospel play detailing the story of Christmas.

The play, which was put on by St. Rita youth, celebrated the miracle of Jesus' birth. (Photos/C. Guynn)

MOTIVATIONAL NOTE Your words speak volumes By WILLIE JOLLEY Most people do not have to wait for someone else to talk them out oftheirdreams... they will do it themselves. They use words that limit their vision and keep them from even giving their dreams a fighting chance. You must stop using negative words and start using positive, affirming words. This poem is one that says it wonderfully: DID is a word of achievement WONT is a word of retreat MIGI IT is a word ofbereavement CANT is a word of defeat OUGHT is a word of duty TRY is a word of the hour WILL is a word of beauty CAN is a word of power. Taken trow “It Only Takes a Minute to Change Your Lite "In Willie Jolley Visit vvavav.williejolley.com for information on the new “Willie Jolley Wake Up And Win” Dailv Success Wake Up Call.