Super Bowl Gospel Celebration team made the official announcement before a standing room only crowd that the 2012 Super Bowl Gospel Celebration will be held on Friday, February 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Clowes Memorial Hall at Butler University. Celebrating 13 years of inspiration, the NFL sanctioned event transcends the traditional Super Bowl Weekend activity, bringing together top NFL players and Grammy Award-winning artists together on one stage, for one night on one accord.

“We are thrilled to bring the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration to Indianapolis, a city with a long history of high level sports activities and a rich gospel culture,” said Melanie Few-Harrison, president of Results Marketing & Media and event producer. “This is our first time in Indy and we are planning some exciting firsts for Super Bowl Gospel along with another dynamic, diverse line-up.”

Named by USA Today as “One of the best Super Bowl events to attend,” and the only inspirational concert to air on ESPN, the event has featured marquee players including Donovan McNabb, Ray Lewis, Darrell Green, Cris Carter, Kurt Warner, John Elway, Jerry Rice, Deion Sanders, and Coaches Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith. Also, numerous other NFL players and their families attend the event each year.

In 2008, the NFL Players Choir became a part of the annual event. More than 40 active and former players garbed in choir robes showed off their vocal talents under the direction of gospel icon Donnie McClurkin. “We are accustomed to seeing the rough and rugged side of these guys, but this event allows them to express their spiritual side, which is very important to them, and share it with their fans, said Few-Harrison.” The choir will celebrate its five-year anniversary in 2012.

Music icons that have performed include Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Jaci Velasquez, Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, and many others. This year’s line-up will be announced at a later date.

The event also serves as a fundraiser with a portion of the proceeds benefiting national and local charities. To date, more than $400,000 and 5,000 tickets have been donated over the last twelve years.

Sponsors to-date include Verizon Wireless, the official wireless service of the NFL; and American Family Insurance.

For event updates on the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, visit www.superbowlgospel.com or follow the event on www.twitter.com/SuperBowlGospel and facebook.com/SuperBowlGospel.

Evangelist Billy Graham is keeping a positive attitude during his hospitalization for respiratory problems.

A. Larry Ross, a spokesman for the 93-year-old evangelist, tweeted early this morning that Graham “remains in good spirits after a time of Bible reading and prayer with daughter, Gigi, last nite.”

Graham currently remains at Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., where he was admitted late Wednesday morning “suffering from congestion, a cough and a slight fever,” according to AP. He is being tested for pneumonia, which he was previously treated for in May.

The hospital said that he was “alert, smiling and waving at hospital staff” when he was admitted and that “while no date has been set for discharge, Mr. Graham is looking forward to returning home to spend the upcoming Christmas holidays with his family.”

Many Christians took to Twitter to express their well wishes.

“Praying for Dr. Billy Graham, taken into hospital in Asheville, NC for evaluation and lung treatment,” tweeted Sheila Walsh. “What a hero of the faith.”

Founding pastor of the Fellowship Church Ed Young tweeted, “Praying for Billy Graham as he’s in the hospital. One of the greatest men God has used to reach millions! Get well, Dr, Graham!!”

Graham is one of the most renowned Christian preachers of the century who, according to the Cincinnati Post, has personally preached the Gospel to more people than anyone else in history. Graham rose to fame during the post-World War II period during which he spoke out against communism and helped unite the country by bringing Christianity back to the forefront. He is most well-known for his heartfelt and compelling sermons. Graham’s 30th book, Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well, in which he shares personal reflections and wisdom on growing old, was released in October. “All my life I was taught how to die as a Christian, but no one ever taught me how I ought to live in my latter years,” the greatly admired evangelist wrote. “I wanted to share some of the things I have learned about this stage in life with others, as the aging process is something most of us will experience.”

One of the best-selling artists in Christian music since her self-titled debut album released in 2009, Kari Jobe returns with Where I Find You Jan. 24, 2012. This will be Jobe’s first album with Sparrow Records, a division of EMI CMG Label Group, which will distribute the album from the two-time Dove Award winning, Gateway Church (Southlake, TX) worship leader into worldwide markets.

Produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Chris August), who also produced her breakout self-titled debut, and acclaimed producer Matt Bronleewe (Natalie Imbruglia, Josh Wilson), Where I Find You is an engaging project that stretches Jobe both sonically and thematically. In addition to emphasizing the beauty found in God’s presence, Where I Find You is a clarion call for listeners to actually experience it to the fullest, even in the midst of personal storms.

“I think there are times as believers when we feel entitled and that life shouldn’t be hard. We live in this culture of convenience that says we can do everything ourselves and find all the answers on Google,” Kari says. “But if we can learn to fall more in love with the Lord and trust Him in the middle of every storm, we build our endurance to keep running the race.”

The message is clearly hitting home with listeners as Jobe’s first-ever radio hit, “We Are,” has spent multiple weeks as Billboard’s Most Added Christian single and is not only a Top 15 and climbing single on the National Audience chart, but also quickly soared to top of the iTunes Christian and Gospel chart.

“‘We Are’ is a song of commission for us as believers,” says Kari, “to be reminded of what we’ve been called to, and that is to impact people’s lives in everything we do.”

Taking the new music and message of Where I Find You to audiences coast-to-coast, Jobe is featured on Christian music’s biggest tour, Winter Jam, which begins Jan. 6 and travels to over 45 cities before wrapping up in April. One of the most respected female worship leaders in the country, Jobe also leads worship at Gateway Church, which she has done for the last nine-years. She further leads worship at conferences across the country and around the world.

Releasing her self-titled debut album in February 2009, the album went on to sell well over 250,000 copies and led to a New Artist of The Year Dove Award nomination. Taking home two Doves from the ceremony, Jobe later joined Rick Warren (Saddleback Church) to lead worship for more than 45,000 at Angel Stadium (Anaheim, CA). Having studied at Oral Roberts University, Christ For The Nations and Dallas Baptist University, where she finished her psychology and Pastoral Ministries degree, Jobe also partners with the A21 Campaign, an organization dedicated to abolishing human trafficking.

“Whether I’m participating in an effort like the A21 Campaign or leading worship, it’s all about making a difference,” Kari says. “It’s all about seeing God’s name lifted high, to encourage the hurt and the broken and to remind everyone to draw close to Him because He really, truly does care about each and every one of His children.”

For more information on Kari Jobe, visit www.karijobe.com, www.twitter.com/karijobe and www.facebook.com/karijobe.

The inspirational syncopated rhythms and soulful intricate harmonies of Soul Tempo have been resonating throughout performance halls and on TV and radio for many years. Recently, the group has traveled across the country from Richmond to Nashville to Chicago, dazzling audiences with their inventive vocal arrangements, and dynamic entertaining stage presence. The group has been promoting their CD Doing Our Father’s Businesswhich features the radio hit “Never Give Up” and legendary Sam Cook’s timeless favorite “Touch the Hem of His Garment”. Jerry Brunson, Tony Burnett, Kevin Mitchell and Phillip Mitchell make up Soul Tempo and share melodies, but more evident, a brotherhood bound by friendship, music and a passion for the Lord.

So people get ready! More Soul Tempo is comin’! The group is currently in the studio working on their 2012 project but continuing in their tradition of sound inspired by The Temptations and The Whispers, the quartet has released their last radio single from the Doing Our Father’s Business CD. Soul Tempo stylishly remade the gospel favorite “People Get Ready” and executed the recording with their signature vocal smooth flare. The classic tune is a short but soothing rendition and in the true spirit of great gospel music, can be appreciated by the new generation of gospel music fans.

The announcement came three days after his wife Vanessa filed for divorce, changed her mind and then proceeded with plans to divorce the Mega-church Pastor.

Although her husband’s church issued a statement Friday, attributed to Vanessa Long, saying she was withdrawing the divorce petition, her attorney said she was proceeding with it.

Last spring, Long, head of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, settled a lawsuit filed by four young men who accused him of pressuring them into sexual relationships while they were teenagers and members of the congregation.

He denied the allegations against him.

“I’m going to take a little time off to work with my family,” Long said Sunday to a packed house at the televised service.

“I do want you to know that this is, for me and my family, especially with me, one of the most difficult times and things I’ve had to face, and only because my strength, other than God, is in Miss Vanessa,” he said to huge applause.

“And I want you to rest assured that I love her and she loves me. … In all the things that I’ve ever had to deal with and being pastor, my rock has been to be able to come home to a virtuous woman who always had peace in my house,” he said.

“We’re going (to) work it out,” he said.

He insisted that the two of them are not fighting, and that they are not mad at each other.

Long said the situation is “not because of allegations” of sexual relationships last year and instead blamed the pressures of being a pastor’s wife.

“It’s been very difficult to her, some of the things that she’s had to endure,” he said.

The church issued a statement emphasizing that Long is not stepping down, and “will continue to be the senior pastor of New Birth.”

Her attorney’s statement Thursday said Vanessa Long “continues to hope that this matter may be resolved expeditiously, harmoniously and fairly.”

Her divorce documents say the Longs are “living in a bona fide state of separation.”

The 12-page petition adds that Vanessa Long “is entitled to a divorce upon grounds that the marriage between the parties is irretrievably broken, there being no hope of reconciliation of the parties, and it being in the best interest of all parties concerned that this marriage be terminated by divorce.”

The statement attributed to her that was issued by the church had said, “Upon prayerful reflection, I have reconsidered and plan to withdraw my petition for divorce from my husband, Bishop Eddie L. Long. I love my husband.”

“I believe in him and admire his strength, and courage,” that statement attributed to her said, adding, “My filing followed years of attacks in the media that frustrated and overwhelmed me. I love my family and church family, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. Therefore, my husband and I have mutually agreed to find healing from these attacks. We ask that you respect our privacy during this time.”

In announcing that she was still seeking divorce, her attorney Michael W. Tyler said, “To avoid any undue confusion, Mrs. Long’s future statements, if any, will be issued through her attorneys only. At this time, neither she nor we will have any further comment on this matter.”

Click to Read the Full Story on CNN.com

Arise: The Live Worship Experience from William McDowell celebrates its third week atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts. The album also enters at #15 on the Independent Albums Charts.

Le’Andria Johnson’s The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson holds to the #2 position on this week’s charts. Marvin Sapp’s Playlist: The Best of Marvin Sapp moves seven places to the #3 spot followed by Hello Fear from Kirk Franklin which enters at the #4 position. Uncommon Me from Isaac Carree rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, Genita Pugh’s new release My Purpose debuts at #9 while The James Fortune & FIYA Story from James Fortune & FIYA debuts at #20.

In the world of radio, “I Need Your Glory” from Earnest Pugh spends its ninth consecutive week at the top of the radio charts. Isaac Carree’s “In The Middle” holds to the #2 spot while “Spiritual” from Donald Lawrence & Company takes the #3 position. Kirk Franklin’s “I Smile” moves to the #4 spot while “Be Still” from Yolanda Adams rounds out the week’s top five songs. (Dec. 4, 2011)

Less than a day after Vanessa Long filed for divorce from Bishop Eddie Long, she’s changed her mind.

Path MEGAzine received a statement from Vanessa Long that states:

“Upon prayerful reflection, I have reconsidered and plan to withdraw my petition for divorce from my husband, Bishop Eddie L. Long. I love my husband. I believe in my him and admire his strength, and courage.

My filing followed years of attacks in the media that frustrated and overwhelmed me. I love my family and church family, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. Therefore, my husband and I have mutually agreed to find healing from these attacks.”

Vanessa Long filed the divorce papers at a DeKalb County courthouse late on Thursday.

In the video below My Fox Atlanta reports that Bishop Eddie Long and his wife were up throughout the night trying to mend their marriage.  Eddie and Vanessa Long have been married for 21 years and have three children.

Bishop Long is the pastor at Lithonia’s New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and recently settled lawsuits involving allegations of sexual misconduct involving young men in his congregation.

A couple of months ago, Bishop Long announced that he is seeking the settlement money back from 3 of the 4 accusers after public statements were made breaking confidentiality terms of the agreement.

Nicole C. Mullen makes an appearance on Daystar’s Joni Talk Table on Tuesday, December 6 to share “Nicole’s Story.” Nicole talks about her worship record, Captivated, life and family with host Joni Lamb. 
 
Nicole C. Mullen’s “Nicole’s Story” airs December 6, 2011 at 10:00 p.m. CST on Daystar with encores December 8, 2011 at 6:30 a.m. CST and 7:30 p.m. CST and December 9, 2011 at 1:00 a.m. CST. Check your local listings for more details on programming.
 
For more information on Nicole C. Mullen, please visit: www.nicolecmullen.com.

TWITTER: twitter.com/NicoleCMullen

Vanessa Long, wife of Bishop Eddie Long filed for divorce Friday.  The two were married in 1990 and have 3 children.

The divorce comes after a very public scandal broke accusing Bishop Eddie Long of sexually abusing 4 teenaged boys.

Vanessa Long has remained relatively quiet during the whole ordeal, but today she released the following statement:

“After a great deal of deliberation and prayer, I have decided to terminate my marriage to Bishop Eddie L. Long. It is my sincere hope that this matter can be resolved expeditiously, harmoniously, and fairly. 

I ask that you respect my privacy and that of my family, as my attorneys and I have agreed that we will not try this case in the media, and I do not intend to make any further statements concerning this matter.

The announcement is yet another twist in the Bishop Eddie Long allegations of sexual mis-conduct which were settled out of court.  Each accuser in the case was given a un-specified amount of settlement money.  The settlement was reached under the condition that the 4 offenders not speak about the case publicly.  

A couple of months ago, Bishop Long announced that he is seeking the settlement money back from 3 of the 4 accusers after public statements were made.

UPDATE: Vanessa Long Has Change of Heart will Stay Married to Bishop Eddie Long

When you think of The Rance Allen Group, many words come to mind, such as Legendary, Hit-makers, Trailblazers and Ministers of Music.

Over the years, they have been recognized for their many contributions to the Gospel Music Industry, even today for their most recent musical achievements.

Beginning this weekend, The Rance Allen Group will be gearing up for a few special recognitions and awards. On December 3-4th, they will be featured on Dorinda Clark-Cole’s Nationally Syndicated Radio Show, Serving up Soul “Best of Show” episodes.

At the top of the year, on January 12, 2012, the group will travel to Nashville, TN to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Urban Soul Café at the Cannery Ballroom. They will also share this momentous occasion with Dorinda Clark-Cole and Kim Burrell.

On January 14, 2012, The Rance Allen Group will celebrate their four 2012 Stellar Award nominations, including Group Duo of the Year, Traditional Group/Duo of the Year, Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year and Quartet of the Year during the Stellar Award ceremony.

Yes, 2011 is coming to an end for many, but it’s an exciting beginning for The Rance Allen Group!

For More info on the Urban Soul Café visit: www.urbansoulcafe.com

The Rance Allen Group CD & DVD The Live Experience II are both available in stores and online.