Hi Steve,
We really enjoyed your concert with the CPO last fall and are looking forward to the concert on December 10, but I too have a problem finding the tickets that are supposed to be on sale since Monday Sept 15. Please let me know how and where to buy them!
Thanks.
Blessings,
SharonZ

Hi Steve

It was wonderful to have you with us in Sackville for an entire day. I enjoyed so much hearing your music again, and especially enjoyed the time you and Mike spent “jamming” onstage during the evening concert. Music is always so much more meaningful when the artists are so apparently enjoying what they are doing. You are both awesomely gifted. Any news on the Halifax symphony situation??

Hello!
This is a remarkable happening that I should learn from Mr. Zeglinski about Lois Shuford and “Ready my Heart” on the very same day that Brenda asked for the sheet music. I am desiring to teach it to my childrens choir for Christmas and would like to know where to contact Ms. Shuford for permission. Sheet music would be a major bonus! I can’t wait to see what God does with this ‘coincidence’!

Hello Steve, I have been a fan for quite a few years now. I would like to bless you and your family with the free use of the property referenced in the website above. Email me back if your interested. I do rent it out but I have good availability this fall and next years. Blessings Rob

Hi people!
Long time no write. Just dropped by to see what was new in these parts. I’m very sorry to learn that I missed Steve on tv in June. Was checking out upcoming tour dates… What gives? Have you forgotten that Quebec loves you too? HMMM?

Anyways, I’m all moved and settled in and gradually getting involved in my new church, and I’ve even slipped my pastor a copy of Steve’s promotional cd… you know, to plant the seed…

By the way, I’ve recently become involved in starting up a theater troup in my church, and just thought I’d mention that I’ll be taking a storytelling course, to diversify things and add a new dimension to it all. I’m all excited about it too. Stories are powerful. And somewhere along the way, I’ve had some good inspiration. *smile*

You know, I read somewhere recently that Jesus never spoke in 5-point sermons. Ever. And it’s true. He told parables. And he didn’t explain them, either. He just left it, let his disciples scratch their skulls, and taught people to ponder and think for themselves. Stories move people. Heck, anyone who has ever attended a Steve Bell concert can attest to that. So anyways, thanks for helping put a fire under me.

Hope all is well at Signpost. Blessings to all…
Heidi

Hello my brother, and old friend. I hope all is well with you and the family. I see the kids are all grown up. My 3 eldest are on a mission’s trip to Mexico right now. They’re taking over from us. Man, it’s been awhile. I still remember first meeting you at a singer tryout way back when you were 18 or so. I may have been 20 or so. Do you remember that far back? lol I’d like to keep in touch with you all the same. I don’t know if you have a myspace site but I’ll give you mine. I just got it…myspace.com/focusdei

God bless you in all your future endeavours in the Lord. Shalom in Christ. Say hi to Dave and all my old friends for me!

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J. Frank Morin

Hi Steve!

I see you are coming to Halifax… Is the Grace concert the only one you are doing on the East Coast at that time or might there be another option? Trying to fit in an escape weekend before the fall hits and was hoping that your conert could be one of the refreshing and rejuvenating highlights!! Not sure the 24th works for me, though. May not work at all, but one can always dream!!!

Hey Steve,
Once again, I wanted to thank you for your amazing gift to my brother Glen as he grieves the loss of his soulmate and wife Lizzie. I cannot begin to imagine the sacrifices made for you and Mike and Ferg to be here in Ottawa, donating your incredible talents and invaluable time to us. This will never be forgotten!
Terry and I were extremely touched and blessed. And we are so thankful that your heart remains one after God’s own heart.
Everytime I sing my prayer is that God will remove me and that HE will be all that people hear and see. It was evident that you also choose to be emptied of yourself when you perform because you radiated the love of our Saviour!
Thanks again, man and someday we will get together and sing! Hopefully before Glory!!
We are praying for the safe delivery of Luca!!
Happily ~ Carla Bellamy (Ottawa)

Hey Steve I look forward to hearing you as you stop in Regina in September. Send me an email sometime. We have much to catch up on.

Hi, Steve,

It’s been a while since I’ve written in. I just wanted to share with you, I just learned that John Michael Talbot’s Community suffered some significant losses in a house fire. There’s an article on the Catholic Online website, the home page of where my email goes. Check out http://www.catholic.org.

Dear Friend, Kathy has been keeping me up to date on your music. I have heard the symphonic recording and the Cockburn. You are just getting talenteder and talenteder! I admire you a great deal and the memory of all our music stays in my heart. Pacing the Cage, by the way, seems like the national anthem of ME. It’s profoundly insightful. Meanwhile, your voice is perpetually deeper and richer. Keep up the great work. Come back to Wheaton soon. Remember you have friends here. Drop me a line.

Hi Steve,
Congrats on the Distinguished Christian Leadership Award,you certainly have been a beacon in God’s world and it’s nice to see the rewards of being faithful.I was checking out the tour dates to see if you’ll be coming to Halifax this year and was happy to see a scheduling for the East Coast. We’re looking forward to enjoying another evening with you - it’s been awhile. Next month Robin Mark and Brian Doerkson are coming to the area for a worship leaders conference/seminar and I am looking forward to the messages and classes being presented.
I would imagine you are exhausted after the trip so I trust God to give you the strength to carry out your tour. God Bless you and your family ( how’s Sarah & family,Jess, Micah and Kendara hope “all is well “, your wife is a light in our world ). Keep shining
“Til we meet again- Barb

Steve and Dave,
I thought you’d appreciate this little story from Australia. I’m a transplanted Canadian from Niagara Falls and Guelph, and part of the community at St Davids, Campbellville, so I’m very familiar with your music (and miss your concerts!).

I recently joined a house church - there’s 8 of us in our church! It’s wonderful. For Palm Sunday I thought I’d share Ride On King Jesus with them. They loved it so much they wanted to open our Good Friday/Easter service with it. We organised the service for the collection of house churches in Canberra - about 35 people turned up. Our service theme was reconciliation, given the recent events in Australia with the government apologising for atrocities done to aboriginal people over the years.

The song started and people were still talking. As they quickly quieted down I could tell they were listening intently. And before long I stared to hear people humming along. Then a voice here and there quietly joining the chorus. By the end of the song we had full 4 part harmony! It was a truly beautiful way to set the tone of the service and to get into the spirit of Easter and reconciliation - being reconciled to each other as Jesus reconciled us to God and “offers all his pardoning grace”.

People wanted to know who you are and wanted to learn the song! I’m looking forward to exposing them to more of your music over time. Who knows, maybe we’ll generate enough interest for you to come to Aus.

Blessings from Aus.
Anne

Hi everyone.It’s been awhile since my last post so I’m checking in.I’ve been busy with the music Heidi sent my way- many thanks again. Our church is becoming more and more familiar with your work Steve and has been blessed by the messages you bring.I was reading Grant’s comments about the lack of enthusiasm about worship these days and wanted to send a ray of hope out to him and others that feel the same way.When l moved here 10 years ago Sunday morning consisted of 1 hr Sunday School ( for some ) and the usual 1 hr service.People rushing out the door to feast at the local watering hole wasn’t a strange sight to see , nor was it odd to have your neighbor checking out the clock in hopes that the service would soon end.l personally don’t like a clock on the wall of the church but so-be-it it’s there.Now for the good news. God goes where He’s welcome and loved even if there’s only two gathered and a revival in our church has begun.We now , along with the regular services, have invited God to be with us each week for 2 bible studies , additional evening services, music/ prayer services, youth groups and rallys , conferences, learning seminars , and a mix of other fellowship times and of course the infamous worship team which consists of our Pastor , a member of our sister church in Parkdale and myself.I have brought Steve’s music into our church because it does dig deeper than the usual “pop ” ( all fizz . little soul ) as well as picking up some of Carolyn Arends music. It is so important to keep God the focus as most of the music these days is more about the performance than the worship.My hats off to the artists at Signpost as they give voice to David”s ” Sing to the Lord a new song “.Many thanks God Bless. Barb

Hi Steve & Nanci, Don’t know if you can retrieve our comments, but we are there with you, bed bugs and all. Okay, well, we’re not itching, but we can imagine! I just happened to be listening to Alan Jackson’s “Precious Memories” CD when I checked in, and having those amazing hymns playing while I read your last entry pretty much brought me down. Let it flow, our friends, let it flow. Thanks for going where so many of us just don’t have the opportunity to. We’re holding your hands all the way. Much Love! Dan, Barbara, Curtis, Katrina & Karmen

Bangladesh is amazing. However I’m not exactly thrilled about my body being covered in bed-bug and spider bites. Not all the accomodations have been 5 star

There are 140 million people living in an area the size of Iowa. It’s crazy! So far we’ve had two 8-10 hour days of of driving. The roads are relentlessly populated with people walking, riding, pushing, pulling. My body is very sore from being tossed about the vehicle as our driver lurches at alarming speed from shoulder to shoulder of the road dodging the endless stream of rickshaws, busses, overloaded trucks and people.

Out of 140 million people, half can only read and write their name. 45 percent of the work force are day labourers who work for about a dollar a day. In the rural areas, folks live in tin houses built on bamboo frames and wring out an existence from share-croping and land leasing arangements. Apparently almost all of the land is owned by roughly 10 percent of the population - there is no land ownership among the poor.

But there is alot of energy here. The people themselves are overwhelmingly friendly and hospitable. We get stared at alot, but any small gesture of warm friendliness is immediately returned ten-fold. The people seem quite happy and there is a fond at-easeness among them that is lovely.

Yesterday we visited a small village on the southern coast that was wiped out by a cyclone back in November. The storm brought a 25 foot wall of water that swamped the village at about 9:30 at night - after the sun had gone down. The village itself was decimated and the storm claimed 3000 lives - 17 from this village. We listened to several women speak of having their babies torn from their arms as the waters raged and their bodies were battered and cut open by the sharp edged corregated steel (from the homes) floating in the water. One woman told the most heartbreaking story of watching her husband clinging to a tree with one arm and his child with another as a large beam crushed his arm which released the child and they watched thier child float away into the horrible night.

Obviously, emotions are still pretty raw here. We cried with them and felt priveleged to hear their story. It’s hard to know how to respond. Homes can be replaced, the children cannot. However, homes are not as easily replaced here as back in Canada. There’s no insurance and limited government support. Canadian Foodgrains Bank is starting a food-for-work program here to help rebuild the roads. Other agencies are helping but it is not enough.

An average home here would cost two-thousand dollars to rebuild. A parent earning a dollar a day can’t imagine how that loss will ever be recovered. It’s hard to not think about the fact that the cost of our flights here would make a big difference to the lives of a few families in this place. I feel very conflicted about being here. I pray it will turn into some good otherwise.

Tomorrow we will visit several school feeding programs and a water management (irrigation and diversion) project. Then we return to Dhaka (central Bangladesh) to catch a flight to India on Sunday morning. Unfortunately we have to miss a several hundred thousand person Easter sunrise service in the capital.

Nanci is doing great - no allergy problems yet, which is wonderful. We’re both still a bit jet lagged but expect that to be over by the time it’s time to turn around and go home. Sigh…

Hi, I am requesting permission to put lyrics of the song from Steve Bell, “Ride On King Jesus” this coming Palm Sunday in our church on our screen for the AM service. Please email back if this is possible. Thankyou so much,
Brenda

Grant - you’re not alone believe me. I’ve had so many conversations of this sort. More and more, folks are telling me they deliberately go late to church so they don’t have to endure the “worship.”

I’ve thought about this a lot and I’m not sure I have much that is helpful to say. It does seem though, that a market driven economy careens quite naturally toward “products” that cater to a homogeneous lowest common denominator. It would take great effort on the part of the church to resist this and I think the NA Evangelical church has yet to appreciate the implications of not doing so. We, in our music, have simply bought into a market pressure ideology for attaining “success” and as a result are now producing, for mass culture, songs that are, to great congregational music, what Thomas Kincaid paintings are to fine art and what McDonalds is to fine dining.

I think also that the theological paradigms behind much of our institutional identity are crumbling. There seems to be a bit of a hole in the center and rather than face that void courageously, we comfort ourselves with thin sentimentalism. Rather than producing great congregational worship born out of deep and patient theological reflection, we’ve simply defaulted to romantic sentimentalism (Jesus is my boyfriend songs) that reflect an adolescent stage of relational capacity. And it works actually. As long as we can muster up the sentiment, we don’t have to face the desert.

I’m not sure how to combat all this. I think pastors are generally rather ill equipped to think theologically about the arts and don’t understand how profoundly a congregation is shaped by them. I’ve never understood why there was so much encouragement to discern the secular arts (because of their power to shape) but there is almost no similar respect for the arts within the church. We expect our pastors to do their homework but not our songwriters and worship leaders. This suggest to me that our churches still view the arts as a sweetener and not an actual language that speaks and creates worlds (for good or ill).

I’m not sure that any of the above makes sense. The best way to end this is to restate the beginning: you’re not alone Grant.

Dear Steve,
Hi, you left a comment about a mystic experience you had with a music group, on Carl McColman’s Website. Is therre any chance you might recall the date when this happened to you? Or the time? It would be of great interest for some research I am doing if you could.
Gratefully yours, Nick Kollerstrom (London UK)

Steve, We miss you and your bride. You meet many people so reminder, John Knox - Semihamoo - Doug, Emily (cute redhead), Amber (cute, now 8 year old). Steve, I was called and answered an inner city mission, so every other Sunday I drive 80 miles (round trip) to play drums at second service at St. Marys Episcopal Church in Tacoma (it’s 1 mile to John Knox, I must be crazy) to help them with their option to the full liturgical service. I want them to use your Holy Lord for the Sanctus. Are your rights still one time, $100 ? I also want them to have you in concert if that might be a near future option. After getting to hear and see you years running, I believe I am in “Steve Bell withdrawal”. Please write. Thank you and God bless.

Steve,
I have enjoyed your music for many years. I am also a musician of sorts. I sing with the angels when the spirit takes me. Mostly, I’m too self concious to sing with what God gave me.

I have doubts about God lately. I’ve been in pain since May of 2007 without relief, without diagonosis, without treatment. You see I’ve had an eating disorder for many years and I am certain that I have killed myself already. It’s just taking a while to die. The pain is every day, every night.

I am not asking for anything save for a prayer. I know your talent and your passion. These things that I lack.

Please say a prayer for me. Send a little song to heaven in my name.

I want to live for my children. They are Jacob-12, Jonah-10 and Grace-8.

Thank you. God bless.

Margaret

I heard you do a song many years ago in Vulcan, Alberta. Ride On King Jesus. At age 64, I now attend Eastside Community Baptist Church in Calgary. I have started a Men’s Quartet. We would like to use your song for a special music presentation on Pentecost Sunday, with your permission.
Blessings;
Mark Langen

Steve, any idea when Bravo will air the Edmonton concert?

We’re still a ways away from that Sr.Christine. This week Dave and I mix the final audio for the show and then it’ll be a few weeks before the final cut of the film is complete and then ( I suppose a month or so from now) it will be ready to show the various networks that have indicated interest. I really don’t know the TV world at all but I would be surprised if this got any showing before the fall.

Steve B

Dear Steve,
I’ve been asked by Christian Week (www.christianweek.org) to do an article on Canadian artists’ recently released platform concerning copyright issues in lieu of the Internet Age. I am wondering what your thoughts are on the importance of reforming the current copyright law, and how it will affect you personally as well as the other Signpost artists in a positive way if the government passes the Creators’ Copyright Coalition request? Thank you for your time. If you could respond to this as soon as possible, that would be appreciated.
God bless,
Emily Wierenga.
519.523.9903

I just want to share something from the Edmonton Symphony concert that we attended in November, 2007.

We were seated in the middle of the main section (floor) and just at the beginning of the second song, “Pleasing to You”, I noticed up in the higher level seats, high above the left side of the stage was a young boy. I’m guessing he was about 9 or 10 years old sitting with his mom (I presume).

As the orchestra began the introduction I watched as the boy raised both his hands like the conductor and began conducting from on high, oblivious of any attention he might be bringing upon himself. It was really great to see, especially when the music swelled to the chorus. What a moment, and since I knew the song well I knew a big crash of sound was coming. When it did, he threw his arms out to make it happen! And the orchestra responded with great sound, just for him it seemed.

I’ve wondered since what it would be like to be the conductor of all those fabulous players with Steve singing praise, “The law of the Lord is right, a blazing light, ever making wise the simple”. I’ll never know, but the young boy knows.

Perhaps we need to come to God like a child, believing already rather than waiting to be convinced, in order to experience the wonderful love of God.

Don - Thanks for the lovely story . I’ve passed it on to Rei (the conductor). She’ll enjoy that.

Steve

Heh Everyone, Just listening to Sessions again. When the strings come in with their first high note in Deep Calls to Deep is undoubtedly one of the greatest musical moments ever written. Shivers every single time. Hope all is going great with the new album. As always when there is a new album being created, we live in anticipation!

Wow. It;s been at least 5 years since i’ve posted anything, or even visited this site. I’ve recently rediscovered an interview of yours I have on CD, discussing Father John of Kronstadt. What a blessing. I have now been re-inspired to seek out Christ on a deeper level.
Thanks Steve.
PS, please visit Southern California again, soon. I loved the show you did with Bob Bennett the last time you were here.
DAVE

hey Steve, I was just listening to your music with the orchestra and it calmed my restless heart!
thanks,
–Rob

Steve:
After reading through your portion of the website I was so impressed and blessed. Your commentary is so gracious and real–clearly from the heart. I am a daddy, husband, pastor, and guitar player in Kalispell, MT. Blessings!

Hi Steve,
I am sorry I did not think. I was not anticipating my previous message to be posted directly to the site.
Lincoln

No worries Lincoln. At this point, we’re really in no position to entertain taking on a new artist for development. I’m trying to cut back, rather than add to, responsibilities and for the next year or so we are committed to helping Kerri Woelke find her way in this music ministry business. However, if the band you’re talking about simply wants some advice about where they could record a decent project, I’d suggest they start by calling my manager Dave. Our studio is for hire if an engineer (usually my son Jesse ) is available - or there are other studios in town Dave could recommend. You can click on the “Booking” button on the top bar for contact information. - Steve

Hi Steve..my husband and I are very old time appreciators of your music (sorry to date you). We have also appreciated your input into the lives of our children, one who is doing the deep searching of working out his faith. He’s disappointed with the evangelical churches and I’m wondering if you know of an Anglican church in Edmonton that you could recommend. If that’s not the kind of thing you should post publicly then I would really appreciate it if you would send it to my email address. Thanks for your input and God bless you and your ministry.

Hi Steve,
Really enjoyed listening to your Christmas Concert via cbc radio on demand. I was just wondering why you rarely sing the song Somebody’s gotta pay. With the violence against children and women on the rampage with at least 1 in 4 of your audience members has been affected in some way… and it is such a powerful song that portrays an honest anger and the powerful justice of God. Just kinda wondering….
Anyway, do keep doing what you’re doing!

Janice, I always feel somewhat awkward about that song as it is not just a personal story about myself, but about my foster daughter whom I adore. My whole career/ministry has been about being fairly open about my/our life and I think that’s been ok for the most part. But every time I tell the story and sing the song behind SOMEBODY’S GOTTA PAY, I have an uncomfortable feeling that I’m either close to, or have crossed a line. In my work, there is a danger of exploiting a story in order to achieve an effect. And I would describe that kind of exploitation as when you are willing to risk harm in order to achieve a perceived good. I think that particular story has that potential. And so I rarely do it. Every once in awhile, I feel powerfully compelled to do it in concert, and at those times I interpret the compulsion as a prodding of the Holy Spirit and so I do it - I sincerely hope I’m not wrong.

Steve

I heard the concert on Tues eve as well, and was also impressed with the clarity. It was easier to hear than at the concert in Burlington, where I sat at the back. ( I emailed my brother to congratulate him on the mixing. {D) Will have to write to CBC, too, to thank them. It was a real treat! I’ve never caught you on radio before, Steve.

God bless you all, always!
sr. c

Hello, Steve
Have you ever considered producing a strictly instrumental compilation of music? I would love to hear that.
Denis

Yeah, the idea has been floating around for some time, but I’ve never had (yet) the songs to do a complete CD of just instrumentals. It would take a particular kind of focus to pull of such a project. Maybe someday.

Steve

Great Concert on CBC 2 this Chritsmas Eve! As always Steve, the songs were a cut above, especially with such a “back up” group! Wow… and the stories and introductory remarks were so “Steve” - insightful, funny, honest and humble. So cool! To be sitting here in Nanaimo, listening to Steve Bell being broadcast nationally (and internationally) along with an entire band, symphony and vocal choir — I’m in awe watching the amazing trail God is taking you along!

Dave, I recall our first meeting in Montreal when you viewed the Olympic Stadium and commented humorously about wanting to play there next visit. Well, I’d say God has taken you all a giant step beyond a mere 50,000 seat stadium tonight. Did I say - Wow! - yet?

All the best to everyone at Signpost for Christmas and Twenty-O-Eight!

Hello Steve, (or should I say “whole be thou”?!)
I just had to let you know how much I enjoyed your concert with the WSO on Dec.14. The WSO show on your birthday last November was just amazing, so I knew as soon as I heard you’d be playing with the Symphony again that I had to be there. Your music is so very inspiring and moving. I have to say that I am so extremely impressed by Mike Janzen’s orchestrations… what a feat! It is also so wonderful to see how touched and humbled YOU are by what he’s done with your music, and how amazing it sounds with the full orchestra.
I’m so glad you recorded the Symphony Sessions for us to enjoy over and over… and I see from previous “comments” here that the Edmonton show will be televised — I trust all the info will be in your e-newsletter soon; I’ll watch for it! I can’t wait.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas,
- Sherry in Winnipeg

(PS as I write this I’m listening to the concert again through the “concerts in demand” on cbc.ca - how great to be able to hear it so soon after!)

Hi Steve,
I along with my family attended your concert with the WSO on Friday night. As I attended the symphony concert last year and left on a “spiritual high”, I once again experienced that most awesome feeling. You are truly a gift to many. God Bless you as you continue to minister God’s word through your music and stories. Merry Christmas!

Just heard the sad news that Dan Fogelberg passed away from prostate cancer. Thought the Steve Bell fans would want to know this,
Dan

Hi Steve,
I couldn’t find your direct email back so I hope you don’t mind me leaving this on here. I thought you might be interested to know that Jessie van Eerden had another article published. This one too is about laundry. It is in Ruminate magazine. Here is the link to her husband’s (my son’s) blog which can get you to the site - http://thesedays.ohsohabituo.us/. Just scroll past the bit about the vehicle they are looking at:). I’ll leave it up to you if you want to let readers here know the connection to Jessie.
BTW, you may want to look at SearchPigeon.org while you are at the site. Have a good day. Looking forward to your next visit to Abbotsford.
Roy

Steve, you might not see this until after the Christmas concert at least, and having read your ‘re-unioning’ posts, this weekend will be quite exciting for you, I’m sure…. And here I come with another off-the-wall question. I was just listening to the Dinner album, and following the text, and it reminded me of an unasked question from aaaaages ago, from your Beyond a Shadow compilation. I noticed in that one, in the paperwork inside, the symbol of the Sacred Heart, and I had wondered if that had a special significance for you. Looking at the Dinner album, I noticed in the very stylistic artwork what looked like a stylized Sacred Heart on the page of the My Lady and My Lord text. That placement ’says something’ to me intuitively, and I just wanted to check my intuition… and hear the story if there is one.

an aside… my brother, Joe, will be at the Christmas concert. I’m excited for him!

Hello old friend!

It’s been a while since we last chatted. You’re a hard guy to keep track of. Glad that you have this website.

It is so awesome to see how well you have done in your music career. In reading some of the comments, it’s amazing to see how far your music has grown from those initial days in Stony Mountain and Selkirk.

We love your music. One of our favorite discs is “The Feast” and my wife Linda and I always look to listen to it over the Christmas Season.

When we heard you were playing in Winnipeg, some of the old group decided we’d go to the concert as a means of getting together for Christmas. What better way to enjoy an evening than watching a close friend doing what he loves to do.

Terri, Wendy, Brian, myself and our spouses will be there Saturday December 15th.

Looking forward to an excellent evening.

In closing, so many people who have written in, expressed how your music has touched their lives. I am privileged to say that over the past 30 years I have had the honour to be touched by you as a person as well as from your music.

May God continue to bless you.

Rob

Sandra - the gentlemen who emceed the Edmonton concert was Tim Plett and the quote is as follows:

Art is born when the temporary touches the eternal; the shock of beauty is when the irresistible force hits the immovable post.
- GK Chesterton

Source: Fancies Versus Fads; New York; Dodd, Mead and Co., 1923

Has anyone out there been reading Brian McLaren’s new book “Everything Must Change” ? I’ve just finished it for the second time and think there’s a lot there that needs to be discussed. Brian tends to read the bible more through a social-spiritual, and eco-spiritual lens. And although he get a lot of flack for it, there is much in his approach that is necessary to balance my evangelical tradition’s personal-spiritual emphasis.

I won’t go into more detail right now, but this site has a guest house that is set up for us to invite anyone we would like to interact with. Brian McLaren has agreed to be our guest and talk about his book for the month of February, so readers out there, get the book and read it if you are looking for something new. I’ve asked five very different people to read the book, write a review, and give a list of questions to ask Brian. We will post Brian’s responses (in February) and then others will have a bit of a chance to interact with him and each other over the content of the book. I’m looking forward to activating this part of the website.

Hi,

Love your music!! We listen to you alot!! And our 11 year old son Reilly has interest in the acoustic guitar (not just electric) now because he came to hear you! — so that is nice

Question — when you were in Saskatoon, you brought along a british comedian, Adrien Platz or something — I was wondering if you have any of his CDs for sale or where I could get ahold of it. We bought a CD that evening, borrowed it out and forgot to whom — and now we would like to get some more of his stuff to send to someone who we believe would love his humor for Christmas. Thanks so much for responding if you can!! I know you must be busy.

Thanks and may God continue to use you for His glory,

Colette Regier

Hi Steve,
I am wondering how to acquire permission for using the song “Ready My Heart” by Lois Shuford as part of our Advent worship services? Any information would be helpful.

Thanks,
Jane Ann Settergren, Worship & Music Director
Glen Cary Lutheran Church
Anoka, MN 55304

I am continually amazed at every concert I attend. But this one with the Symphony was absolutely outstanding. Mike is brilliant with all his arrangements. I feel privileged to experience such a gift. Thank you to Steve and the band for sharing your talents. Burning Ember and the Wellspring are my favorites full stop. The fullness of the instruments with every note is transcending… May the Lord continue to Bless all of you. And a special thank you to all your families who support you and allow you to deliver such wonderful music to the rest of us.

Hello everyone - thank you so much for all you kind words regarding the recent symphony concerts. It has been the most wonderful music experience of my life and I’m still a little shocked it’s happened at all. The halls have been magnificent, the audiences fantastic and the symphonies have all been unique and marvelous. I couldn’t say enough about the marvels that are Mike Janzen, Gilles Fournier and Daniel Roy. I couldn’t begin to tell you how great it’s been to travel with and get to know Rai Hotoda (conductor). Dave Zeglinski (sound and management) and Tim Plett (concert producer) have been so very expert in their field that I’ve had nothing but music to worry about. At home, Laura Funk and Faye Hall have kept the office humming and the rest of us energized with affirming, encouraging words and actions. All the while, Jeff Lukin has been creating and developing this website. It’s quite the team!

The more I ponder this fall’s events, the more I’m convinced about the God proclaiming reality of community. When this many people get together and submit to one (nunanced) direction and goal, something about the Communion of God (Triunity) is revealed and glorified, and in the process, something of the true nature of humanity (made in the image of God) is also revealed. That’s why it feels so good. That’s why it’s so soul enlarging.

Anyway - very happy to have shared this with you all.

Hi, Steve!
What a joy to read all of the precious comments in response to your concerts! And how I wish I could be in Manitoba in December!! Lord bless…from upstate NY…

Hi Steve and band, loved the concert in Edmonton with our ESO! I must say that I keep picturing Snoopy dancing away listening to “Waiting for Aidan” - the song always brings a permanent grin to my face - I hope others delight in it too! I was amazed with the 3rd way you brought out Eventide. Thank you for coming here again, and for bringing God to our Symphony!

Hey Steve! Thanks for the CD! I wanted to let you know that I was elected last evening for a 4 yr. term as one of the 2 Town Justices for the Town of Corinth, New York. Of course I was running unopposed, But still…….. I’m called to do this and most of the time it is gratifying. There’s much praying involved. Did you locate the book I sent last year yet? It’s hilarious! The best of luck and Godspeed on all your endeavors and especially with the remaining Symphony Series Concerts. Give our best to everyone at Signpost. You’re the “best!” Lane and Brenda Schermerhorn

Hi Steve,
Your concert in Burlington was just fabulous. I loved it so much on Saturday that I went again on Sunday. Okay, okay, I’ll fess up. I was in the orchestra. But seriously, I really enjoyed the whole show (both times!). Great music (and we in the orchestra thought the arrangements were excellent), and a profound message for all peoples, Christian or not.
But I have one very minor comment, (and you have to take into consideration where I’m coming from, being a choir director and organist at a Catholic church). I’m a little puzzled why you pronounce the word “Hosanna” (in Holy Lord) the way you do, with the “a” vowels sounding like the “a” in “cat”, for example. Clearly, “Hosanna” is a Latin word, and to the best of my knowledge, the “a” would be pronounced “ah”. Very small thing, but maybe you’ve never thought about it. If you had a word or phrase in German or Spanish, you’d probably ask a German or Spanish person how it should best be pronounced.
Think about it?
Hope I have the chance to play back-up for you again. Or maybe some time you’ll find you’re in need of a conductor, if Rei isn’t available?

Philip

Hi Steve,
You are fantastic as always. Could you let me know more about the drummer who helped you out in Burlington. How can I contact him or find out where he is performing.
Thanks and God Bless

My wife and I just returned from Steve’s Burlington Ontario Concert. Steve and his band were backed by the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. Throughout the performance, I wanted to run out and get all of my friends so they could share in the authenticity and genuine manner in which Steve delivered a message from his heart. It is a night to remember. Thank you.

Hi Steve
One of my dearest friends Gail, lost her 49 year old husband very suddenly a week ago today. Our group of friends all really enjoy your music and have attended several concerts over the years and incorporated your music into our worship times.
You were/are a particular favourite to this couple and Gail played your “Simple Songs” album over and over during the 4 times of visitation. It brought her (and us) a lot of comfort (especially the last two tracks. I know her husband Hugh, also spent many hours resting and soaking in the powerful words of your music and the gentle sound of your voice and the guitar strings. What a blessing your music has been in the last weeks since his diagnoses of a very rare and aggressive disease.
Our friend and local artist Sean O’leary (who I believe you may know) sang “All the Diamonds” and led the worship time that we were able to be a part of as just some of their special friends.
I just wanted to thank you for your ministry, and needed you to know how helpful your music has been thru this very difficult time.
And yes, we had hoped to attend your concert this w