Dear Rev. Moss:

We are writing to make official our decision to end our membership at Trinity.

We make this decision with sadness. Trinity was where I found Christ, where we were married and where our children were baptized. We have many friends among the 8,000 congregants who attend there and we are proud of the extraordinary good works the church continues to perform throughout the community to help the hungry, the homeless and people in need of medical care. We also have come to appreciate your ministry and both think you have been, and will be, a wonderful pastor for years to come.

But as you know, our relations with Trinity have been strained by the divisive statements of Rev. Wright, which sharply conflict with our own views. Our larger concern is that because of my candidacy and membership at Trinity, these controversies have served as an unfortunate distraction for other Trinity members who seek to worship in peace, and have placed you in an untenable position as you establish your own ministry under very difficult circumstances.

Our faith remains strong and we will find another church home for our family. But we also know that faith and prayer are not merely exercises to be discharged for two hours on Sunday. They are and always will be a bulwark for us in our daily lives.

We are grateful for our years as part of the Trinity community, and wish you all the best as you lead the congregation into the future. You, your family and the entire Trinity family will be in thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Michelle Obama
Barack Obama

It seems Chicago's Trinity United Church just won't leave Barack Obama out of its controversial headline making ways, so the Illinois senator is leaving it.

News of Obama resigning from the church was confirmed by his spokesman Ben LaBolt. At press time, no other details are available.

We all know about the huge firestorm that was centered around remarks by the church's now ex-pastor, Jeremiah Wright. Rev. Wright said the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks were the "chickens coming home to roost" on the U.S. for its foreign policy. He also uttered the now-infamous words "God damn America."

Obama publicly disagreed with the sentiments in a carefully crafted speech about race, in which he said he could do no more disown Wright than one could disown a family member. Now it seems that Barack is disowning the church that he attended for more than 20 years.

The newest controversy involving the church flared up this past week when video of the Rev Michael Pfledger's sermon from last weekend appeared on the Internet.

To put it mildly, Pfleger, a Roman Catholic priest, doesn't exactly see eye to eye with his superiors in the Chicago archdiocese as far as his political activism is concerned.

In his appearance at Unity, Pfleger seemed to go out of his way to mock Sen. Hillary Clinton. He also suggested the former first lady is a white elitist who felt entitled to the Democratic nomination.

Pfledger has since apologized, stating that his opinions have nothing to do with Obama’s views.

When the story broke on Thursday, the Obama campaign called pfleger's rant "divisive, backward-looking rhetoric." When Obama appeared in Great Falls, Montana on Friday, he made no mention of Pfleger. He is expected to deal with it this evening while campaigning.

Below is the link to check out the video of Rev. Pfledger’s controversial statements.

Copy & Paste:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWigzBClEk8&eurl=http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur43949.cfm

NBA player Dwyane Wade couldn't hide his emotions this past Sunday when he sat in the first pew of the church he brought for his mother, Jolinda Wade.

"This is tears of joy," Wade said, beaming. "Tears of joy for my mother."

Before she was known as the mother of the Miami Heat superstar and 2006 NBA finals MVP, Jolinda Wade was known as an inmate, a fugitive, a drug user and drug seller. Her life turned around seven years ago when after years of urging by her children, she got help and got clean. Along the way, she devoted her life to spreading the Word of God and started her first ministry while doing time in state prison.

Now that ministry has a new home called the Temple of Praise. Dwyane Wade bought it, and her children and her congregation gathered to dedicate it on Sunday.

"I respect my mother so much, from the life that she used to live and to see her today in the life that she lives. I'm so proud of her," Dwyane Wade told The Associated Press before the service. "Everybody thinks I'm the miraculous story in the family. I think she is. I think what I've done means I've been very blessed, but she's been more than blessed. She's been anointed."

Wade's sister Tragil Wade, who essentially raised him, would get word that someone died in the Chicago-area neighborhood she often feared it was her mother. One day she talked her mother into accompanying her to church. That moment, they say, is the one that convinced Jolinda Wade to make some radical changes.

She got sober, turned herself into Illinois authorities to serve a prison term that she skipped out on under auspices of joining a work-release program, and repaid her debt to society.

"My mother is a miracle to me and to our family, to see from where she came to where she's at now," said Tragil Wade, who at 30 is only four years older than the brother she has looked over for virtually his entire life. "I can't even describe it. It's like, if you didn't believe in God, this right here would make the belief strong."

"I feel reborn," said Jolinda Wade, who arrived for Sunday's service head-to-toe in purple, matching the newly redesigned décor of the sanctuary of the church.

Her church was formed in October with just 47 original members, Sunday she welcomed hundreds to service, including the mothers of Shaquille O'Neal and Magic Johnson.

Since becoming a Baptist pastor, Jolinda Wade's following – she shares the title of pastor with LaDell Jones, whom she befriended when they began minister training together in 2004 – had to meet in a small rented room, one that didn't give the NBA star's mother space to move around while delivering her testimony. The new facility has plenty of room for everyone to dance and rejoicing.

-Source: Eurweb

 
A few years ago, Tye Tribbett made a decision to forgo a lucrative career working with music stars like Faith Hill, Don Henley and Elton John to answer God's call in the gospel music arena.

That decision is paying off, as Tye Tribbett & G.A.

's new Columbia album, "Stand Out," debuts at No. 1 this week on Top Gospel Albums and at No. 16 on the Billboard 200 with 26,000 first-week U.S.

sales,
according to Nielsen SoundScan. (Tribbett's 2006 "Victory Live!" topped the Gospel Albums chart, but this is his strongest showing yet on the main album chart.)

Tribbett and his choir, Greater Anointing, first gained national attention in 1998 on "The Prince of Egypt (Inspirational)" soundtrack that accompanied the animated DreamWorks film. "That led to us going on tour with Faith Hill, Don Henley, Luther Vandross and Elton John," Tribbett recalls. "Then we started working with hip-hop artists and we became the background singers for everybody"

But Tribbett says some of the music was contradicting the gospel message that he felt called to spread. So he asked the members of his choir to commit totally to gospel music for one year.

"I said, 'This is going to hurt us for a little while financially, but we're going to trust God at least for a year and do music that promotes his ways.' So that year we pulled out of secular music, and 'Victory' came out and blew our minds," Tribbett says of the success of his sophomore album.

"Stand Out" features a guest appearance by Kim Burrell on "He Has Made Me Glad," and Kierra "Kiki" Sheard lends her vocals to "Look Up." The latter tune started as an interlude on 2004's "Life" album before Tribbett decided to flesh it out for the new project.

The album was recorded live at Rock Church International in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Plans call for a live DVD of the recording to be released this fall.

"The D.C./Baltimore/Virginia area loves our music," Tribbett says. "With the 'Victory' album, we were in that area once every two weeks, and every time we went to Virginia, there was an overwhelming response."

 
The former Destiny's Child singer always gets mobbed by fans when she attends religious services, so has made the difficult decision not to go anymore.

She said: "I can't really go to church anymore, which is a shame. People have come up to me in church during the sermon and, of course, people watch everything I do. They come up and take pictures on their mobile phones too.

"They are very nice, but I think God understands if I miss Sunday service!"

Beyonce also revealed she will never officially confirm that she has married rapper Jay-Z.

She added to Britain's Look magazine: "I don't deny it. I just don't talk about it. We have never talked about us and it has kind of protected our relationship.

"A lot of actresses that have had successful relationships don't talk about them, so neither do I. I just want to protect my private life."

 
Gospel artist Darwin Hobbs' fifth CD project is titled “Free” and will be released on Tyscot/Liaison Records on August 26. Hobbs is hailed as one of Gospel’s foremost praise and worship leaders.

     “Free” is the first album release on Hobbs' newly formed production company Liaison Records, done in partnership with Tyscot Records and his wife Traci.

     It is a 12-track album which Hobbs uses to address finally coming to terms with the sexual abuse he experienced as a child. At the age of 40, he decided to share publicly his past of childhood sexual abuse and his new-found sense of freedom. 

     This is also Hobbs' debut as a songwriter and producer. He wrote three songs on the CD which includes the first single, “Free,” “Heal The Land,” “The Name of the Lord," and he co-wrote “In This Place” with co-producer and songwriter Aaron Pearce.

     The single and title track, “Free,” was written on the eve of Hobbs breaking his silence to his mother about a 30 year secret of sexual abuse. The perpetrator was her now deceased husband.

     Darwin Hobbs is well respected by many in the Gospel/Christian community having performed with CeCe Winans, Michael W. Smith, Michael McDonald and Donnie McClurkin.

     Hobbs and his wife Traci moved to Nashville from Cincinnati in 1996 and he soon after signed to EMI Gospel where he released four albums. For more information on Darwin Hobbs, please visit www.myspace.com/darwinhobbs

Nashville, TN –The Bridgeport, CT-based choir and charismatic director James “JJ” Hairston along with Youthful Praise, are back at it again with the CD/DVD combo release of “Exalted… Live in Baltimore” (Evidence/Light Records). Set to release May 13, 2008, the 35 member aggregation recorded their live performance at Baltimore’s Church of the Redeemed of the Lord. The project is packed with cameos by Judith McAllister, Ted Winn (Ted & Sheri), Jordan Martin, Timiney Figueroa Caton & Steve Lawrence, and Hairston’s mother-in-law, Gloria White, and is guaranteed to have viewers dancing and singing praises.

With 20 years and five albums under their belt it was only natural for YP to finally release their first DVD. Much like the album, there is something on the DVD that will impact everyone. “We try to bring the church service to the listeners and viewers,” says Hairston. So much like a church service, YP fashions their album accordingly: praise and worship which leads to worship ballads in preparation of the word, the message, and closing praise.

All with YP flair there are worship anthems such “He is Exalted/Give You Praise” and “Glory and Honor” featuring Judith Christie McAllister, up-tempo pop-rock tracks, “Everything is Changed” and “You Are” featuring Jordan Martin, congregational tunes such as “Sincerity” and “Jesus Reigns”, street rhythms such as “Freedom” and the rousing modern disco vibe of “Spirit of God.” Consistent with YP’s praise mantra there is the call and response tune, “I Will Give You Praise” (featuring Timiney Figueroa Caton & Steve Lawrence) that stylistically lends a resemblance to “Incredible God, Incredible Praise.” Led by Hairston’s mother-in law, Evangelist Gloria White, “Satisfied” will remind YP enthusiasts of the traditional Pentecostal feet stomping and fast piano playing. To close out the taping is the soulful groove of “Wonderful God” which was written and led by Ted Winn of the Stellar award winning duo, Ted & Sheri.

While YP has stayed true to glorifying God, YP has certainly grown over the last two decades they have been performing together. There sound has matured, there praise has impacted lives, and their experiences have changed their outlook. But even with the changes Hairston exclaims, “We worship, we praise, we dance, and we shout! And we try to present all of that in our music as well.”

“I hope and pray that believers will truly be encouraged to praise God after listening to this record. I want them to believe every word He says without doubt. In a day like today, our faith has to be stronger than ever before,” Hairston shares.

For more information please visit www.youthfulpraise.org or www.myspace.com/youthfulpraise.

Evidence Records partners with the Light Records family that is based in Nashville, TN and is a division of the Sheridan Square Entertainment. Light Records serves as a full service independent music company and is committed to releasing and offering quality Gospel music. Light Records is home to a diverse group of Gospel artists including Shirley Caesar, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Youthful Praise, Bishop Albert Jamison, and Zie'l, among others. You can also visit www.light-street.com for more information.

 
CD/DVD In stores Tuesday, June 17th

Also featuring Dr. Bobby Jones, Ted Winn, Nikita Clegg-Fox, Shawn McLemore, Nikki Ross, Rhonda McLemore, Zacardi Cortez and more…

Atlanta, GA — Pastor Gregg Patrick enters into the Gospel musical forefront in his debut recording with his church choir and friends. Pastor Gregg Patrick & The Bridge Project featuring the Bridge Mass Choir is an exceptional blend of traditional Gospel, Contemporary Christian, and Praise & Worship songs. This premiere project is sure to be one of the most incredible musical offerings this year. The project will be released on the newly formed joint venture Tyscot Records – Crossover Entertainment and in stores Tuesday, June 17th on CD and DVD. The album features the latest hit single “I Am A Witness” featuring Rhonda McLemore is already blazing up the charts and moving into massive radio airplay across the nation.

It was some 17 years ago when Pastor Gregg Patrick founded “The Bridge, Southwest Community Christian Center” (SWCCC) in Houston, Texas with 19 members and a vision to meet the growing spiritual needs of its surrounding community. Since 1991, SWCCC has grown into a mega-church of more than 8,000 members. The ministry and its leader have become renowned for awesome leadership, special events, concerts and community outreach including the Stellar Awards Star Search, which yielded Micah Stampley; and Patrick continues to produce the world wide annual broadcast of Take It To The Bridge Gospel gathering, which each year, features the greatest in gospel music.. It was inevitable that this phenomenal ministry would rise up one of the finest choirs in the country with over 100 members. Patrick is in the planning stages of bringing this major production to many cities across the nation. He will take his ministry abroad in June, but will return to the states in time to celebrate the release on June 17th.

Known for being an awesome leader and executive, Pastor Patrick is a lover of great music and Christian entertainment. On November 14th 2006, in front of a standing room only audience at SWCCC, the Bridge Choir recorded its first album entitled "Gregg Patrick, the Bridge Project featuring the Bridge Mass Choir”. This diverse project also features Dr. Bobby Jones, Shawn McClemore, Ted Winn, Alvanetta Nelson, Nakita Clegg-Fox, Brian Hurst, Nikki Ross, Gregg Patrick and more.

Pastor Patrick joined forces with celebrated composer and producer Elvin Ross, who with extensive experience in composition, Gospel and pop music was able to capture the true essence of worship the live worship experience at SWCCC.

In 2007, Pastor Patrick established his new record label, Crossover Entertainment LLC, to produce and distribute musical works, including the Bridge Project, in partnership with Tyscot Records.

The 12-track CD/DVD features outstanding production, masterful vocals and lyrics penned by Gospel music icons as V. Michael McKay, Darius Brooks, Ted Winn, Myron Butler, Shawn McLemore, Maurice Rogers and Joel Britton. From the beginning of the first song until the very end of the last song, the project delivers powerful inspirational, contemporary and traditional messages that are fitting radio formats. The video will make its debut on most national programs in the next few weeks.

“Every song is a virtual hit; every choir will want to sing every song,” says Charles Hudson, KTSU Radio in Houston.

Alvanetta Nelson reached back and gave a soul-stirring performance on the hand clapping, foot stumping traditional gospel single, “Just Like That.”

Shawn McClemore delivers riveting performances on “Holy,” and “El Shaddai” and the tightly woven neo-soul remake of “Saved” is already getting major nods from radio program directors.

“Lord I Love You” is a moving song of love to the Lord full of musical brilliance and vocal strength by Nakita Clegg-Fox of the Kurt Carr Singers.

Television legend Dr. Bobby Jones, stopped by to stamp his seal of approval by extending and ovation for Pastor Patrick in his introduction of the project. To quote Dr. Jones, “I’ve never stayed for an entire recording session before….I enjoyed every moment of every song! The CD is sure to be a classic”

V. Michael McKay’s “I Am A Witness” is a song of encouragement and affirmation to stand on God’s promises. Pastor Patrick narrates this powerful song while Rhonda McLemore takes the lead. McKay came nightly to teach the song to the choir to ensure a successful recording.

Ted Winn celebrates with high praise on the smash, “Celebration” penned by Winn and Myron Butler.

Plans are under way for promotional tours, in-store signing and release parties in select cities. Stay tuned to www.crossover-entertainment.net

 
Reports from the Associated Press say that Bishop Thomas Weeks, estranged husband of Evangelist Juanita Bynum, wrote in his new book that she has tried to use their highly publicized physical altercation to revive her own flagging ministry. Weeks made the same admission to EUR last December

The self-published book includes chapters with titles such as “I Would Rather Push You Now Than Punch You Later” and “She Wanted to Be Oprah at Any Cost” and says it was him who suffered physical and emotional abuse in the relationship.

In the 153-page book, “What Love Taught Me,” Weeks says the August 21, 2007 dispute was nothing more than a continuation of the “heated fellowship” the two ministers engaged in during their marriage. The scuffle between the two in a hotel parking lot landed Weeks in jail on charges he pushed, choked and beat Bynum, and he ultimately pleaded guilty to assaulting her. He is serving three years of probation.

Bishop Weeks claims his wife instigated the parking lot incident and used it to paint herself as a poster girl for domestic violence and to boost her ministry.

“Ultimately, she had to have …a plan to destroy my credibility, to leak issues that were in the process of being resolved…so that she could get out of the marriage almost blameless,” he wrote.

Weeks said he wrote the book in the wake of his arrest. Within days, Bynum announced her intentions to become “the new face of domestic violence” and last week, she appeared in a two-part episode of “Divorce Court” offering advice to a couple dealing with alleged abuse in their marriage – moves Weeks said were indicative of her desire for more secular fame.

The Bishop said he is telling his story to help others heal, to clear his name and to ring balance to the story that has unraveled over the past eight months. He said in the book that they both had strong personalities and that there were times when their arguments turned violent.

Weeks also claims in the book that on that night, August 21st, the couple had just finished arguing at the Renaissance Hotel when Weeks left and headed for his vehicle. Bynum followed, according to him, blocking the driver’s side door and began to cause a scene. Weeks said Bynum then swung at him with a cell phone in her hand.

He claims, to avoid her blow to the head he pushed her away with great force causing her to hit the ground pretty hard. By the morning, he writes, reports of the confrontation were circulating on the Internet and in the media. Two days later Weeks turned himself in to face charges of aggravated assault and making terrorist threats.

Bynum is a former hairdresser and flight attendant who became a Pentecostal evangelist, televangelist, author, and Gospel singer. Among her books are “No More Sheets: The Truth About Sex” and “Matters of the Heart.”

Weeks is a Bishop and is pastor and co-founder of Global Destiny Ministries in Duluth, Georgia. He co-wrote “Teach Me How To Love You: The Beginnings,” with Bynum.

Nearly two-dozen conservative Christian leaders have signed a letter to the Senate Finance Committee questioning an investigation into six large ministries that preach a gospel of prosperity.

The letter argues that the 6-month-old inquiry sets a dangerous precedent. It also suggests that the ministries were targeted for sharing "the same branch of evangelicalism" and promoting "socially conservative public policy positions such as support for the traditional definition of marriage."

Although the ministries under scrutiny are conservative theologically, they are not at the forefront of the culture wars issues championed by the leaders who are now rallying to their side.

The most prominent figures who signed the letter are Moral Majority co-founder Paul Weyrich, American Family Association chairman Don Wildmon and former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell.

"The ministries have been asked to produce financial records and internal documents in what appears to be an exercise in disproving their alleged guilt," the letter states.

The group repeats an argument by some of the targeted ministries – that the investigation falls short of the high bar the Internal Revenue Service has for justifying a church investigation.

Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa, the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, sent letters to the six ministries in November seeking answers about spending on private planes, oceanside mansions and board oversight. The committee's Democratic chairman, Sen. Max Baucus, joined Grassley in asking for answers.

The six ministries in question – led respectively by Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn, Eddie Long, Joyce Meyer and Paula and Randy White – have denied wrongdoing. Some have pledged full cooperation and others have either refused or provided limited information.

Jill Kozeny, a spokeswoman for Grassley, said the investigation is not concerned with church doctrine but with the adequacy of tax-exempt laws that have not been substantially changed since 1968.