Franklin’s concert will be at 6 p.m. at Fairview Baptist Church, 1700 NE 7. The concert is free and will feature guest appearances by local Gospel artist Sean Johnson and Wings of Harmony, a performing arts ensemble.

The tour is in partnership with the American Heart Assocation’s Power to End Stroke initiative. Franklin performed in concert in Tulsa over the summer. An Oklahoma City concert was planned, but officials were working with Franklin’s busy schedule and trying to find an Oklahoma City  location to host the event. Many people had been asking me if a date had been set for the Oklahoma City concert so I’m glad that I can finally give them some facts. 

I just saw Franklin perform at the 2009 Woman Thou Art  Loosed Conference at Bishop T.D. Jake’s church The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas. He was, as usual, outstanding. As part of the upcoming health tour, the Grammy Award-winning artist will encourage concert-goers to pledge to take control of their health, reduce their risk of stroke and learn the warning signs of stroke.

Save the date.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Contemporary Christian recording artists Natalie Grant (at bottom left), Jeremy Camp (below right) and Bebo Norman are to perform in concert at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at First Baptist Church of Moore, 301 NE 27 in Moore.

The Speaking Louder Than Before” tour will feature Grant opening for Camp.

Grant has won four consecutive Dove Awards for best female artist for her signature song “Held.” She’s released four albums since 2001, including “Stronger,” “Deeper,” “Awaken,” and “Relentless.”

After finishing the “Make it Matter” tour in July 2009 with Chris Sligh and Meredith Andrews, Grant was invited to open for Camp’s fall tour.

For ticket information, go online to iTickets.com or purchase tickets at the Moore church, Lifeway Christian Store or Mardel. For more information, call 793-2600 . 

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

I have interviewed Sandi several times over the years and listened to her music, of course.

But it was great to see and hear her in person Tuesday night at Crossings Community Church.

The best part of the evening was that it served as a benefit for White Fields boys home. Sandi and her friends Anita Renfroe, the Tabors and Miss America 2009 Katie Stam made it so pleasant that I heard many people say they could have stayed to hear more.

What struck me the most was  Sandi’s obvious rapport with all her guests, from the folks in the audience to the friends she had invited to entertain us.

She sang some of her songs that the crowd has deemed favorites over the years and a medley of Southern Gospel classics had everyone singing and up on their feet at the end.

My favorite song was “The Prayer” which Sandi sang with her husband Don Peslis. I found myself hoping that they would sing it. I’d heard them sing the song for the first time at the 10th anniversary of the Murrah Building bombing several years ago. They did not disappoint on Thursday.

All in all it was such a worthwhile evening. I entered the sanctuary tired from a long day and left knowing that the heaviness that had beset me had been lifted — all with a little help and music from Sandi and her friends.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Part of the proof of the power of the Sandi Patty and Friends event is that it made me want to tell others about it. And what better way than to write a brief review? That’s what I found myself thinking during and  after Tuesday’s concert at Crossings  Community Church. But I didn’t realize just how brief it would have to be! So, here’s at least some of the rest of the story. I didn’t take notes, but the impressions remain strong.

Patty has a magnificent voice and stage presence. Especially on favorite hymns and the many songs of praise  she recorded, the  sound seems to flow from her soul. I loved a medley that included some of her early hits, including “Let There Be Praise,” “Hosanna” and “In the Name of the Lord.”  She said the people who knew the words to those songs  were showing their age. But moments later, Miss America Katie  Stam, probably less than half Patty’s age, proved that wrong. Stam said she grew up singing Patty’s early songs around the piano with her siblings and parents.

Stam was amazing. I was not aware of her story, including how bold she is in her faith. The fact that she sang “Via Dolorosa,” a  gripping song about Christ’s crucifixion, as her talent for the pageant hadn’t caught my attention. But I was impressed to hear her say that when  interviewers questioned her about choosing such a “risky” song, she didn’t back away from its message. (She could have said it’s just a powerful song that showcases her focal range and expressiveness, which also is true.) When Stam and Patty performed “Via Dolorosa” as a duet, it was beyond description. Both women sang as if they owned the song and its message, and the power of that message was magnified as they traded solos and then shared harmonies.

I didn’t think that moment could be matched, but then another of Patty’s friends arrived on stage. I’d never heard  of Anita  Renfroe, but I’m a fan now. The Atlanta-based mother of three and wife of a former pastor describes her performance as musical comedy. The humor is irresistible and infectious. Her favorite  subjects seem to be motherhood,  weight  and sex. She wraps them in  amazingly tasteful hilarity. And her songs: Between the words and the performance, I was rolling over in my pew!

Patty’s friends for the night also included Brian and Kim Tabor,  a  talented  duo from Indiana who led  worship at the start and also performed a  song midway.

It was also a night for family, as this  concert was a homecoming for Patty, an Oklahoma City native who recently moved to the Deer Creek area after living most of her life out of state. Her duet of the “The Prayer” with her husband, Don Peslis, was powerful, and a duet with one of her daughters, a student at the University of Central Oklahoma’s new Academy of Contemporary Music, was poignant.

Bridging the gap between  family and friends were the program participants from Crossings Community Church, where Patty and her family are now members. The choir  and music minister/instrumentalist George Skramstad provided joy as well as accompaniment throughout and were frequently acknowledged by Patty. As mentioned in the published review,  the concert was  a benefit for White  Fields, a Piedmont home  for neglected and abused boys. The ministry was founded by Tom Ward, a Crossings member, and its houseparents also are Crossings members.

For all the words that I’ve written, I still have to say this is one of those events that my words are inadequate to describe. You really just have to be there and experience it. And again, part of the proof of the value of being there  is in the fact  that   I’m even trying to describe it!

There’s incentive to get your tickets in advance: Tickets are $20 in advance and $40 the day of the show.

Avalon’s release “Reborn” is in stores now. Selah has a new release marking their 10th anniversary, “You Deliver Me.”

The concert is in conjunction with Victory’s Beautiful Women Conference.

More information about the concert will be featured soon in The Oklahoman.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Here’s my “faithful five” — five events going on in the faith community this weekend, Oct. 4-5. If what you read below intrigues you, go check it out for yourself:

1. Buddhists balance. Buddhists from various traditions will gather Saturday for the 10th annual Oklahoma Buddhist Conferencefrom 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Meinders School of Business at Oklahoma City University. Cost is $15 for students and $20 for non-students. Theme for this year’s event is “Equanimity: Practicing Balance.” A free pre-conference session featuring a film and discussion will be from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight.For more information, call Maurice Hoover at 519-2447 or go online to www.oklabuddha.org.   

2. Builder bands. The “Music Builds” concertfeaturing Third Day, Switchfoot, Robert Randolph and the Family Band and Jars of Clay is set for 6 p.m. Sunday at the Ford Center. Some proceeds from the concert will help fund a Habitat for Humanity Build planned for later this month by Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity. This is music with a heart, in more ways than one. Ticket prices for the concert are:  $59.50, $39.50 and $29.50. Tickets are available at the Ford Center Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.LiveNation.com. To charge by phone, call 235-8288.

3. Parenting with purpose. North MacArthur Church of Christ is hosting a free four-session seminar “Parenting in a Media-Filled World” on Sunday at 9300 N MacArthur. The first session, “The Reality of TV’s Effects” will be at 9 a.m., followed by “Trash-In — Trash Out” at 10 a.m. In the afternoon, “What Teens Watch and Hear” will be presented at 5  p.m. and a session on “Electronic Battlefields” will be held at 6 p.m. It’s all open to the public. For more information call the church at 621-5962 or go to the church’s Web site at www.northmac.org.  

4. Blessings for Fido and Kitty. There are numerous pet blessing ceremonies this weekend in conjunction with the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. Here are a couple to consider if you are looking for a nice family gathering that includes your beloved pet:

– In Edmond, New Covenant United Methodist Church will host its Fourth Annual Blessing of the Animals from 1 to 3 p.m. Sundayat the duck pond area at Hafer Park, Ninth and Bryant. This event is more like a festival because the church has partnered with many community agencies to make the day fun and adventurous for the whole family.

– Church of the Good Shepherd in Edmond, 1000 N Broadway, will host a Blessing of the Animals in the church’s St. Francis garden at 4 p.m. Saturday. Pet owners who can’t make that event can bring their pets to the church’s 8 and 10 a.m. services on Sunday for a special blessing at the altar.  

– St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church will host a Blessing of the Animals at 3 p.m. Sunday at the church, 14700 N May.  

5. Singing songs of inspiration. The Children of the World International Children’s Choir will perform at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday at Cornerstone Church, 9900 SE 15 in Midwest City. The concert is part of the choir’s 2008-2009 tour. The choir is comprised of orphaned and disadvantaged children from several different countries. For more information, call 737-5599.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

That’s not the only thing under construction, so to speak.

The popular contemporary Christian band’s “Music Builds” tour is helping to fund Habitat for Humanity homes in the communities where the group’s concerts are performed.

Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the tour cities will be the beneficiaries of a portion of the funds raised during the tour as part of Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity and Live Nation, in partnership with Third Day and the other groups.

Artists on tour with Grammy award-winning Third Day include Robert Randolph and The Family Band and another perennial favorite, Jars of Clay.

Ticket prices for the Oklahoma City Music Builds concert are:  $59.50, $39.50 and $29.50. Group discounts are available.

Tickets are available at the Ford Center Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.LiveNation.com. To charge by phone, call 235-8288.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Here’s my “faithful five” — five events going on in the faith community this weekend, Sept. 26-28. If what you read below intrigues you, go check it out for yourself: 1. Through the fire. Catch a showing of the feature film “Fireproof” premiering todayat your local theater. Actor Kirk Cameron, best known from the TV sitcom “Growing Pains” and the faith-themed film “Left Behind,” stars as a firefighter whose marriage is restored through faith. The movie is showing at a variety of metro theaters, including Tinseltown, Interstate 44 and Martin L. King Ave.; Spotlight 14, 1100 N. Interstate in Norman; Harkins Bricktown 16, Reno and Mickey Mantle Dr.; AMC Quail Springs Theater, Quail Springs Mall; and Warren Theatre, 1000 S Telephone Road in Moore. 

2. Walking for a cause. Oklahoma Christian University will host its annual Walk for Honduras Sunday on the campus, 2501 E Memorial Road. A lunch will be held at 12:30 p.m., followed by the walk at 1:30 p.m. Walkers make a donation for mission efforts in Honduras. For more information about the mission organization, go online to http://predisan.org.

3. Sing a song. The folks at Del City First Church of the Nazarene have helped put together a night on song at Del City High School. Ivan Parker (pictured at right) and David’s Song will perform in concert at 6:30 p.m. Saturdayat the school, 1900 S Sunnylane in Del City. tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for the balcony. For more information, call 677-2330. 

4. Marching to the beat … Unity Center of Tulsa has offered ongoing Spirit Drumming Sunday sessions since Aug. 17. Bring your own drum, rattle or other instrument or use of the drums and percussion instruments provided by the facilitator at this week’s class set for 6 p.m. Sunday at the center, 1830 S Boston Ave. For more information, call (918) 582-6624.

5. Tell the truth. The Truth Project simulcast will be offered at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Mid-America Christian University, 3500 SW 119. It’s not too late to sign up. For more information, call 691-3800.

Bonus: Not your average vegetable garden. Larry the Cucumber and all his friends are coming to you live in “God Made You Special Live!” featuring Veggie Tales. The veggie special will be offered twice, once at 3 p.m. and at 7 p.m. Mondayat First Southern Baptist Church of Del City, 6400 S Sooner Road. For ticket information, call (800) 965-9324 or go online to www.itickets.com.

1. Blessing our furry and feathered friends. A free Pet Blessing event is set for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at United Methodist Church of the Servant, 14343 N MacArthur.  Five Church of the Servant ministers will offer individual blessings for each pet at the event in the church’s east parking lot. The blessing is in partnership with the Central Oklahoma Humane Society.

2. All’s Fair in Health and Fitness. Two Oklahoma City churches are offering free health fairs on Saturday. Estes Park Church of Christ will host a health fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 440 NW 89. Health screenings and other activities are planned. For information call 818-4521. St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church is hosting a Fall Fitness Fair from 9 to 11 a.m. Health screenings, the Oklahoma Blood Institute’s bloodmobile and other activities will be featured. For more information, call 692-4242.

3. Celebrating Scope Ministries. An international ministry headquartered here in Oklahoma City, Scope Ministries International, will celebrate 35 years of ministry tonight at First United Methodist Church of Oklahoma City, 131 NW 4. The event will begin at 7 p.m., with Christian singer-songwriter Dennis Jernigan to offer praise and worship. It’s free and open to the public. For more about Scope, visit www.scopeministries.org.   

4. Trouble in the jury room. The play “Twelve Angry Jurors” will be performed as part of a dinner theater offered at 6 p.m. Saturday at 

5. It’s the end. An End Times Prophecy seminar with the Rev. Dean Moore as guest speaker will begin at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday at Family of Faith Church, 13500 SE 15 in Choctaw. The free seminar continues at 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday at the church. 

BONUS: Yes, the faith and fun will extend on into Monday. Santus Real and Tenth Avenue North will perform in concert at the 7:30 p.m. Monday at the State Fair of Oklahoma (Toyota Stage). The concert is free with paid admission to the fair.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Fans of contemporary Christian recording artist Robbie Seay have a chance to quench their thirst for his music and quench someone else’s thirst for good, clean water.

A portion of the proceeds from Seay’s upcoming concert set for 7 p.m. Friday at Crossings Community Church will benefit Water4, a nonprofit organization established by several Crossings members.  

Water4 supplies water to underpriviledged countries.

So the mission-minded can pay the $7 ticket price to see Seay in concert (along with Chris Taylor and Alli Rogers) and help someone in need at the same time.

For more information, visit www.crossingsokc.org.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor