"I cannot stress how professional, enlightening,
and uplifting Spirited was for us. I
appreciated their presence and leadership as well as
their kind spirit."
Scott Sears
Senior Pastor
Stout Memorial UMC
Parkersburg, West Virginia
(Spirited,
November 11th, 2007)
Thank
you for your presentation on Sunday, October 21.
We were blessed by your creative blend of music and
message. Jonathan's story-telling and Janet's
music skills were certainly on display and greatly
appreciated. May God bless you in all that you
do.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. David Eardley
First UMC, Frankenmuth, Michigan
(Spirited,
October 21st, 2007)
Janet
and Richard brought joy and inspiration to the small
group gathered in our sanctuary. The music was
outstanding and the story-telling was rich and
thought-provoking.
We enjoyed the music, especially the versatility of Janet's WX-5 Wind
Machine. It was a feast for the ear and eye! Thanks for Jonathan's
humorous, thoughtful insights on our Christian life and purpose.
We hope that you will be in Saginaw again soon!
Weatherly Burkhead Verhelst
Pastor - State Street UMC, Saginaw (October 21st, 2007)
It was an absolute delight to have Jonathan and Janet lead us in worship recently!
(Spirited, September 23rd, 2007)
Hope these comments from our church members will be of help:
"out of this world!" (a 90-year old member made a special trip by the
office to share this comment)
- "helped us to look beyond the ways we do things"
- "see, contemporary music is accepted here"
Rev. Rick Price
Clarkesville First United Methodist Church
Clarkesville, GA
(Spirited,
July 28th, 2007)
Dear Jonathan,
I listened to you and Janet on the radio on my way home from church. I enjoyed your service very much! When I heard you describe your package deal, I headed my vehicle toward the church. However, I live 1/2 hour away and you were gone when I arrived. Pastor Mike gave my a copy of the bulletin with your email address and said I might be able to get the package deal if I emailed you. He said you had depleted your supply of materials and were taking orders. On the radio you said 1 for $20 or 2 for $30; I would like to have the 2 for $30 if it is possible. The church bulletin said 1 book, 2 CDs and the movie; but during the broadcast I thought you said 2 books, 1 eighteen song CD, and the movie ($6 Man). Either way I would like 2 have 2 of the packages, if I can get them for $30.
P. S.
The section you read on death from "Preparing a
Place for Myself" was powerful. I would love
to read the entire book!
Becky
New Martinsville church
Sistersville, WV
(Spirited,
August 5th, 2007)
Dear friends,
We really did enjoy your visit here. Jonathan,
your thoughts about the role of creativity mirror some
of my thoughts, recently expressed--perhaps too
subtly to make any difference--in an invocation to our
state legislature in session at
Now... it seems that we collected a bit more than we
guessed, and we will be sending a check for another
$48.50 sometime real soon.
Grace and peace to you!!
Jim Rhea, Pastor
First UMC
Union, Missouri
(Spirited, June 17, 2007)
Pastor Curt Jensen
Hillsdale First UMC
Hillsdale, MI
(Spirited, April 26, 2007)
Dear Jonathan and Janet,
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Monroe, MI
(Spirited, April 25, 2007)
Our congregation thoroughly enjoyed the ministry of Spirited. Jonathan and Janet arrived in a spirit of joy and helpfulness and worked as "two of us." Their presentation was beautiful -- excellent music and wonderful commentary that moved hearts with humor and sincerity. Jonathan and Janet also incorporated an uplifting tribute to those who were part of the violence at Virginia Tech last week, a tragedy that marked our community because of our many ties with the school. Our people were not only grateful that Spirited came our way, but they were also blessed in such a way that the music carried them into the new week with a song in their hearts.
Pastor, Trinity United Methdist Church
Murfreesboro, TN
(Spirited, February 7, 2007)
This is Pastor Art Wuertz of Faith Lutheran Church in DeLand, FL. They were FABULOUS!! Our members and guests were thoroughly entertained by their unique presentation and their witness. Being a musician myself, I don't think I've ever heard an oboist quite like Janet. The WX-5 was a perfect compliment to the sounds of Jonathan's "electric grand". Also - what a deal for the books, CD & DVD! We were delighted that the Holy Spirit connected us with them.
DeLand, FL
(Spirited, January 22, 2007)
Jonathan
and Janet presented a powerful spiritual and
musical program for us here in Byron. It
was such a joy to sit in their presence for
the evening and be blessed by both their
professional gifts and their genuine Christian
witness. I hope that we can look ahead
to times when they will be coming back this
way so we can enjoy them all over again.
The most difficult thing I had to do was on
Sunday when I told the many of our Church
family who did not come to hear Jonathan and
Janet, that they missed what would have been
one of the best hours they could have ever
spent in our Christian Fellowship Center.
Byron
I have hosted Janet and Jonathan many times. This time, what has always
been a thoroughly satisfying and professional performance seemed even
better; more engaging, deeper, more evocative of the faith we share.
Thank you,
Richard Dow, Pastor St. Mark's
Lutheran Church
Jacksonville, FL 32258
(Spirited, January 15,
2007)
Dear Janet and
Jonathan,
Gene Pillow
First United Methodist Church, Ashland, Kentucky
(Spirited, January 7, 2007)
Janet and Jonathan,
Thank you so much for the message you brought to
us. I have heard many
positive comments about the music and about the
message. I know that you
sold lots of the CD's and books, so your message
will continue to grow in
its outreach. I have several books in line to read
ahead of yours. but
your books are on my pile, and I’m looking forward
to getting to them.
On Monday, I had the opportunity in a conversation
with a congregational
member to bring up the issue of letting time dictate
our responses. Why
not me? Why not my dram? it is good food for
thought. who or what is
really in control or our lives? I don't remember
the Bible ever naming
God, "Father Time".
This morning I had a brief conversation with some
members who are here
working on getting our newsletter ready for mailing
and one of the ladies
commented, "When I heard that there was an oboist
and symphony director
coming, I thought, "boring." But it was anything
but! I really enjoyed
the music."
I did appreciate the advance planning information
that was sent to the
church. It was very helpful in publicity and in
getting ready for your
arrival. You were very prompt in your time schedule
-- in the time that
you arrived at the church, in your sound-check and
warm-up, and in your
message. I hope you found us accommodating to your
schedule.
Jonathan, I do want to apologize to you. At the
conclusion of introducing
you, I referred to you as Richard. While I know
that is your middle name,
it is not the primary name by which you are
addressed. Recollection of
names is one of my major flaws. It is my "thorn in
the flesh," for which
I must rely upon the sufficiency of God's grace...
and of those who are
the victims of my forgetfulness. I am sorry you
became one of them, and I
ask for your forgiveness.
I pray God's blessings upon you and your families
as you enter into the
holy days of Advent and Christmas. I also pray
that the New Year will
bring joy and happiness and the nearness of God as
you seek to live out,
strengthen and enjoy your "connection to heaven in
2007."
Grace and peace,
Rev. Dr. Mark A. Shimer,
Pastor, First United Methodist Church of
Springboro, Ohio
(Spirited, November 26,
2006)
The congregations at Marvin Park and Stephan Memorial were blessed by your ministry. The music was of professional quality, and excellently suited for worship. All the musicians were MOST interested in the wind machine, and by your virtuosity. The readings from Jonathon's book were delightful, touching, and moved us in profound ways. Thank you so much for the opportunity to share a Sunday in your lives.
Pastor, Marvin Park UMC
St. Louis, MO
(Spirited, November 19, 2006)
Thank you!
Alamo, TX
(Spirited, November 4, 2006)
Jonathan and Janet,
Thank
you for a tremendous program. We were blessed both
theologically and musically. Jonathan’s ability
to bring alive the life of Jesus was superb. And
the way you both enhanced the story with the wonderful
music enhanced our imagination. You are a talented
pair and we appreciate your sharing your talents and
this wonderful story with St. Luke’s.
If you are ever going to be in our area again, we
would love to have you at St. Luke’s again.
May God continue to bless you as you share the story in
this unique and powerful way.
Richard
E
Richard Edwards,
Sr.
Pastor
St.
Luke's United Methodist Church
"Growing
in Christ - Making a Difference"
3011
W Kansas
Midland, TX 7970
(Spirited, October 24th,
2006)
Dear Jacqueline,
I am happy to provide this praise - and truly was grateful for the Spirited visit.
Mr. Cring and Ms. Clazzy Scott are consummate professionals, who seemed right at home in our sanctuary and wasted no time in engaging young and old alike with "I'M." I have heard nothing but positive comments from those who attended, and even a few laments from those who did not, who themselves hope that the duo will be back.
I am truly grateful that God calls into ministries of drama and music servants like Jonathan and Janet - people of such dedication, warmth and good humoredness.
Peace of Christ,
Dave
Rev. Dave Rochford
St. Mark's United Methodist
Church
Daleville, VA
(I'M, October 14, 2006)
Dear
Ms. Barnett:
Janet & Jonathan were at Faith Lutheran in
Thank
you for giving us this opportunity,
Bonnie
Harstad
Faith Lutheran Church
Lexington, KY (September
(Spirited)
Thank you for the invitation to host Jonathan and Janet at our church on Wednesday. As you promised, they are gifted artists who exhibited, from the moment they arrived until the moment they left, a gracious and personable manner. Jonathan's imaginative insights into Jesus' life were thought-and-spirit provoking and his presentation was passionate and endearing. Janet's accompanying musical work was superb. I am happy to recommend them to other churches. May I make one suggestion. It would perhaps be helpful to Jonathan and Janet if they knew a bit about the "life situation" of the community in which they are performing before they arrived. For instance, Lexington experienced a jet airliner crash a couple of weeks ago which, as you can imagine, has saddened and shocked this community. Though our congregation was on indirectly affected and though the audience on Wednesday evening was not expecting the performance to address this situation, it might have personalized their performance and made it even more powerful if, in the presentation itself or in Jonathan's remarks following the presentation, he had addressed how the Jesus' story relates to a tragedy of this kind. Nothing exhaustive or lengthy. Just a reference. In your "advance work" (which was terrific, by the way) you might inquire of the pastor or contact person if there is any community or congregational situation that Jonathan and Janet might benefit from knowing about as they prepare for their ministry among the people. Then, they can do with this information or not do with it what they choose. Just a thought.
God bless you.
Pastor
Ron Luckey
Faith Lutheran Church
Lexington, KY (September 6, 2006)
I'M Presentation
Jackie,
Thank you so much for bringing Jonathan and Janet to
us!
It is always healthy to see the Gospel through fresh
eyes, to be asked to stand
in a different place to hear the Story. My thanks to
Jonathan and Janet for
being so professional, so congenial, and so
delightful in performance.
Pastor Lynn Hutton
Middlebrook Pike UMC
Knoxville, TN (August 30, 2006)
Spirited Presentation
Our
church was blessed by your message in words and song on a beautiful Sunday
morning. I really appreciate your willingness to perform at two worship
services.A number of
people related stories to me about how words you read, Jonathan, touched their
lives where they needed to hear that particular message the most. There were
several people dealing with issues who felt helped by your insights.
Everyone was
impressed with the quality of your music as well as your enthusiastic attitude,
Janet. You made worship fun! And your voice is incredible, Jonathan!
Thank
you very much for allowing us to share your ministry. Pastor
Marilynn Schroeder Aldersgate
United
Spirited Presentation
Dear Jonathan and Janet,
I'm not sure FUNTASTIC is a word, but it sure describes the time our congregation enjoyed with you leading our worship! You caused us to think, and we weren't even sorry. You made us laugh, but most of all you gave us a beautiful message in word and song and to make it all the better, books and cd's so we can have instant replays whenever we need a pick-me-up!
Janet, your Wind machine literally blew us away! What a beautiful instrument, and such artistry on your part! Jonathan, we loved your quick wit and deep thoughts, woven together with such eclectic music!
I will certainly tell others of your wonders! Thank you for blessings us so beautifully!
May
God continue to bless your ministry, Dick
Boyd, Pastor
First United