St. John's UMC from Edwardsville, IL Sunday November 30th, 2008
Hi, Jacqueline, Jonathan, and
Janet,
I am so glad to have the opportunity to share my thoughts with you about Jonathan and Janet's visit with us this past Saturday.
Though our attendance was much lower than I had hoped, due I am sure to my own failures for which I apologize to you, the people who attended your performance were DEEPLY blessed and impressed.
You truly are "Spirited" and Spirit-filled, and the Lord speaks and sings through you both to prod God's people into greater awareness, faithfulness, joy, love and creativity in service to Christ.
I cannot tell you how much those who attended "Spirited" have overflowed with praise for your spiritual offerings and gifts shared, and with the sincere desire that we will have the opportunity to host you again in the future. "Now that we've experienced it," they've all said, "we want to be able to tell people what they're all about and get all of Orangeburg in to be touched by them!"
Thank you so much for stopping in at our church. I will certainly be passing on your names to other ministers in our Conference, and will hope to be able to see you again in our area. We also, of course, would love to host you again at any time.
Thank you again.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Kristen R. Richardson-Frick, St. Paul's United Methodist Church,
Orangeburg, SC, November 15th, 2008
It was an awesome, refreshing worship experience for both services and all ages. I’ll get more comments for your marketing when my feet hit the ground.
Blessings,
Don Thomas, Trinity UMC, Knoxville, TN, November 2nd, 2008
Our congregation greatly enjoyed Spirited, finding them to be entertaining, warm, humorous, spiritual and uniquely suited for the balanced views of a mainline congregation.
Blessings!
Pastor David Schrader, Grace UMC, South Bend, IN,
October 22nd, 2008
It was great to have you here at Christ Lutheran Church on October 5.
Your proclamation of word and music was a breath of fresh air and
renewing spirit for our congregational worship. One of our members, who
was unable to purchase CD's on that Sunday wanted to know if there was a
way to purchase recordings of Jonathan and Janet on line. Please
forward information to me.
To You God's Peace and Joy,
Pastor Ron Poisel, Christ Lutheran Louisville, KY, October 5th, 2008
Jonathan
and Janet were delightful to work with and
flexible in working around our scheduling
issues. You may have heard that this
presentation, lined up months in advance, came
at a perfect time, when both our ministers
were unexpectedly away.
I’ve heard lots of positive comments from
members: “Wow! Such talent!”
Our best wishes to all of you in this musical
ministry.
Marti Johnson
Worship Team Chair
St. Paul's UMC, Lenexa, KS
September
28th, 2008
Dear Jonathan and Janet,
Roger Talbott, Lead Pastor, Elyria First United Methodist Church, Elyria, OH, September 7th, 2008
Our recent "Visitation" by Jonathan and Janet was
a wonderful way for our church family to enter the fall season of worship. The stories shared
were both humorous and pointed. The music was beautiful and uplifting. The "spirited" ministry
made it so easy for us to host this special event.
Thank God for all you folks are doing!
Rev. Jonathan Reese, Westbrook Park United Methodist Church,
Canton, Ohio, September 7th, 2008
Thank you for coming. Though we were a small group everyone was delighted with the beautiful music, humorous and witty insights and the spirit of the program. It was a joy filled night. May God bless you in your ministry.
Marcia,
St. Paul UMC Frankfort, KY Friday, July 18, 2008
We had looked forward with joy to Jonathon and
Janet being with us this past weekend. I
have to say the mixture of love and laughter
along with the insights into life and faith
brought us that deep joy and abiding love.
Please accept my deepest thanks!
Sincerely, Bob Howard, PastorPlatte City United Methodist Church (Sunday July 6th, 2008)
What
a wonderful experience to have Janet and Jonathan
with us this past weekend. They lifted our
spirits with God’s spirit through their wit,
humor, stories and songs. They
challenged us to hear, to see and to feel in new
ways through God’s re-creative work in making
our joy complete. –
I thoroughly enjoyed myself and found myself inspired! Thanks for your belief in the church. There is a lot of craziness that passes for the church and you brought some sanity, hilarity, and inspiration to us.
Dennis
R. Fakes,
Pastor, St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church
Huntsville, AL 35801
(Sunday, June 8th,
2008)
Jonathan
and Janet's visit to Franklin First UMC on May
18th was one of the more memorable
experiences in my life. Jonathan's obvious love
for people and love of the Lord combined with his
delightful - and insightful - sense of humor provided
observations of God and life that touched the
hearts of all of us who heard them. The beauty and
depth of the music from Jonathan and Janet that
framed the times of monologue warmed my soul. They
are both truly people of grace.
I
extended Jonathan and Janet a standing
invitation to return to Franklin Ohio and I hope
they are able to take me up on it. They certainly
made this little piece of the world a better place
than it was before they touched it. Thank you for
introducing them to us and please accept my
prayers and best wishes for the ministry they fulfill.
Blessings
to you all.
Pastor
Franklin First United
(Sunday, May 18th,
2008)
Valerie Waibel, Lead Pastor
Lindenwald United Methodist Church
Hamilton, Ohio
(Sunday, May 18th
,2008 – 3 services)
(Spirited, Sunday April 20, 2008)
Jonathan and Janet offered us a "spirited" morning of story-telling, song and music that touched our souls and our minds as well. We laughed, we cried, we applauded, we offered "Amens". Our beliefs and our outlooks on life were both confronted and affirmed. It was a time of joyful celebration. We can't wait until they are in our "neck of the woods" again so we can do it all one more time!
Central United Methodist Church
Stockton, CA 95204
(Spirited, Sunday April 6th, 2008)
Thank
you for joining us at
Pastor
John Broad
Pioneer UMC,
(Spirited, Palm Sunday
March 16, 2008)
Dear
Jonathan and Janet -
We
thank you for sharing your gifts of word and music
in worship on March 9, 2008 in our sanctuary.
In general, your ministry was very well received and
appreciated. One of the comments was,
"Jonathan seemed to be speaking directly to me
and my inner spirit." One of our young
persons said, "I want to learn to play that
'air horn' just like Janet." There were
many fine comments. The flow of music from
floor to ceiling was very uplifting. The
congregation was uplifted and challenged to show the
love of Christ in their lives by the legacy of words
and actions. The
In
God' Shalom,
Pastor
Tim
First
United
(916)
783-3464
"The
Our
evening with Jonathan and Janet was a real blessing.
Full of humor and deep spiritual insight, our
congregation was engaged--everyone from young
children to seniors--left wanting more. We would
really enjoy hosting them again when they are in our
part of the world! May God continue to bless this
empowering ministry.
Judith Bither, Senior Pastor St. Paul's UMC in
Manteca, CA
(Spirited,
Sunday March 9th, 2008)
University United Methodist Church received the blessing of Jonathan and Janet at our three morning services on February 24. Good humor, insightful stories, lovely music yielded a special morning for our congregations.
University UMC,Las Vegas.
Gratitude to Jonathan and Janet who brought their talents to Holy Trinity Lutheran, Chandler, AZ, this past Sunday. Jonathon's dramatic readings and original songs, lifted from his own experience, offer deep insights into the way of God and the way of humanity. As I heard both deep sighs and laughter from parishioners all around me, I was drawn to Micah 6:8 and the prophetic call to justice, kindness and mercy. Jonathon, along with the Janet's marvelous music, became the instruments through which Jesus again offered the invitation, "Follow Me." Humor and Christian spirituality became "one" through these marvelous servants.
Your music was inspiring, and message was heartfelt. Something us
common folk could relate to! Thank you for sharing a wonderful God
given gift with the folks of Gloria de Cristo.
In Christ- Jerry Grill
Gloria de Cristo Lutheran
Yuma, AZ
(Spirited, February 3, 2008)
Recent Letter from Lord of Grace Lutheran, Tucson, AZ Jan ''08
Jonathan & Janet provided a rich and wonderful worship experience Sat. Jan. 26th, 2008. I had told them they might only see 6 in attendance. There could, on the other hand, be as many as 30. We had 27! Jonathan's wit and relating things to scripture was especially good. Janet is a consummate musician. Her renditions on both instruments were really special. I have heard nothing but praise from the people who attended. We thank them for enriching our church with their presence.
St. James United Methodist Church,
Tuscan, AZ
Jonathan & Janet were simply a gift! The
presentation was engaging and
enjoyable!
Thank you so much,
Rev.
Jonathan Arnpriester
Sr. Pastor, Grace UMC,
Jonathan and Janet,
(Spirited, January 6th, 2008)
"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.
First United
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
(Spirited,
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
Jonathan and Janet.
Spirited Presentation
Dear Jonathan and Janet,
First United Methodist Church
Lebanon, Il (July 9, 2006)
Spirited Presentation
Epworth United Methodist Church
Louisville, KY (June 28th, 2006)
Spirited Presentation
On behalf of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Vienna,
Virginia, I want to express
deep appreciation to Jonathan Cring and Janet Clazzy and
everyone behind the
scenes supporting their tour. Â Their two performances
of "I'm: the Legend of
the Son of Man" topped Emmanuel's 50th Anniversary
celebration and provided not
only an evening's entertainment but also the very gospel
Emmanuel has been
called to proclaim! Jonathan and Janet were both
gracious and professional
guests, and working with the "Spirited" team was a
pleasure from the start.
Blessings as you continue you ministry!
The Rev. Dr. Beth Spitzner Neubauer, Lead Pastor
Emmanuel Lutheran
Vienna, VA (May 20th, 2006)
I'M presentation
Jonathan and Janet were gracious and wonderful! Their fusion of music, story and comment warmed our hearts and made us laugh, and there is no greater, no more legendary task in these times, than to be gracious and of good humor.
Pastor Merle Brockhoff Overland Park Lutheran Overland Park, KS (May 7, 2006) Spirited Presentation
On a separate note, our crowd was small, and I think one reason for that is
because it was hard to communicate exactly what to expect. Even as the host
Pastor, having read the material and gone to the web site to listen to
excepts of the music, I didn't really know what to expect. Many of our
congregations now have video projection capability, or use multimedia in
promotion. I think it would have helped us to have had a 30-60 second DVD
"preview". If you can give people a taste of what to expect, I would bet
that we could better fill our spaces.
I found the musical program SPIRITED to be delightful
and refreshing. It was
impressive musically and the readings were done with a
loving and gentle
enthusiasm that helped the whole experience be a
spiritually uplifting one. I
have heard nothing but positive and enthusiastic
comments from those in the
congregation who attended.
Yours, in Christ
Reverend Jay Archer
Senior Pastor of Manchester First UMC
Manchester, TN (April 26, 2006)
Spirited Presentation
Dear
Jonathan and Janet,
It was such a joy to meet you both and to become
acquainted with two such
talented and God centered people. One of my
parishioners was grieving over a
terrible fire that her twin brother, a firefighter, had
to battle. She was
able to feel peace and let go through your music.
I have already told at least seven of my pastor friends
about you and they'll be
checking the web site. Blessings on you my friends.
Sandy
Rev. Sandra Schaller
First UMC Webster Grove, Missouri (April 2, 2006)
Spirited Presentation
Jonathan and Janet have a unique
vision for reflecting upon the Gospel that is
fresh and compelling. Jonathan's musings are teaching
moments that, I suspect,
capture some of the character of the manner in
which Jesus' parables challenged
and intrigued the listener. Janet's accompaniment and
musical interpretation
fascinated and delighted our appreciative congregation.
And as for logistics,
from scheduling to set-up and take-down, our "Spirited"
friends were thoroughly
professional and a pleasure to work with. Kudos to both!
Rev. David Goodpasture
St. Paul United Methodist Church, Christiansburg,
Virginia (March 19th, 2006)
Spirited Presentation
Dear
Jonathan and Janet:
Your recent appearance and performance in our midst was
a joy, delight and
blessing. Jonathan's readings and music were at once
comforting and
motivating. The audience felt that they were in the
hands of complete
professionals who were doing more than performing at
their best: they had
something to say, and it was from the heart. And, as
ever, Janet was superb;
she might have played for hours and had it seem like a
moment.
Thank you!
Rev. Richard Dow
First Lutheran Church
Shreveport, LA (March 10, 2006)
Spirited Presentation
Jacqueline, Jonathan, and Janet:
Just a note to thank Janet and Jonathan for being here this past Sunday. Their presentation of word and music was a wonderful “mid-winter sustenance” for our congregation here at Lenexa United Methodist. It was clear the people were entertained, touched, and moved to deeper pondering of the faith by all that SpiriTed shared in the two services Sunday morning. I heard comments of “this was something we needed”, to words of wonder at Janet’s skill with her music. It was indeed a good day. The ease with which Jonathan and Janet met people, related to them right where everyone was that morning was a good thing to watch and experience. Have safe journeys as you all continue to share your ministry there and around the country. Take care.
Jan Hayen, Senior Pastor, Lenexa United Methodist Church
Lenexa, KS (January 15, 2006)
Spirited Presentation
Pastor Bruce Tuttle
Cave Spring UMC
Roanoke, VA
January 8, 2006
Spirited Presentation
Jonathan
and Janet were a breath of fresh air. We enjoyed
having them. We also appreciate the balance they
brought to the music.
The humor was good, too!
I am glad they were able to come.
God bless and we wish all the best.
Andy Kinsey, Pastor
Community United Methodist Church
Vincennes,
Indiana
(Spirited,
September
2005)
We at The Broadway United Methodist Church of Maryville, Tennessee; wish to thank Jonathan and Janet for the different worship experience. The pearls of wisdom, and the musical presentation were enjoyable and challenging. We were blessed to have them in our midst. The presentation was spirited, and laughter was an unsolicited response by many who attended. We would highly recommend them for any church who is trying to see Christ, and culture in a constructive way. No one slept through the service, and several said they wished we had time for more. May God guide Jonathan and Janet. In Christ, Rev. Daniel F. Moore, Pastor
October 25, 2005
Lakeland Ledger Ad: Saturday, April 16th, 2005