Higher Ground Christian Coffee House

Blog for Higher Ground Christian Coffee House, an outreach ministry of Oakwood Full Gospel Church, Oakwood, Virginia. Higher Ground is committed to creating a positive environment for teens and young adults to enjoy food, fun, and entertainment in a Christian atmosphere like no other!

Monday, September 05, 2005

The Best Labor Day Ever! ;)

The Best Labor Day Ever Weekend Ever!  ;)

Saturday night was absolutely exhilarating!  We all had a HUGE time with the music and laughter in the ‘House…it was a particularly intimate, fun, atmosphere! The Higher Ground house band took the stage at around 7:30 with “How Far is Heaven” and the crowd was electric!  The House Band was missing our drummer, but K.T. Vandyke leaped to the rescue and meticulously filled the space by playing every song, with the exception of “How Far is Heaven” – he sings that one, so  Roger Vandyke jumped right in!  What a cool thing … “MUSICAL instruments”  (pun intended ;)   ).  

We wanted to get right into Morgann McClanahan’s set – and we were not disappointed!  WHAT AN AWESOME JOB!  Morgann literally knocked the ‘House down with such a soulful, powerful, and anointed set of music.  Her presence onstage was powerful and her music was fantastic.  We were all mesmerized with her mostly (I might be wrong, but I think TOTALLY) ORIGINAL set.  “Breakin’ Out” is a Morgann original that is my personal favorite – especially the ala Carlos Santana intro – killer!.  Listen, if you do not have Morgann’s CD, “Breakin’ Out” you need to get it!  If you have not seen her live….well, you are truly missing a treat.  Morgann tried out some brand new stuff that she has not yet recorded nor even finished – debut right there at Higher Ground - that was great!  She played piano and sang some new originals that were very exciting for everyone.  We were particularly honored to have Morgann join the House Band for the final set of the evening!  IT WAS AN ALL-OUT JAM-PARTY!  We performed “Sweet Home Hosanna,” “Who Am I,” “That’s Why We Praise Him,” and several more together.  Emily Ratliff and Morgann took turns on lead vocals and backed each other up…lots of FUN!  We literally cannot wait to have her back.  I want  to get her back on the schedule for some time before Christmas, if her schedule permits.  Many thanks, Morgann (and Kate, and Dave)!  JANIE!  I am so glad you visited as well!  Be sure to visit Morgann’s web site at www.morgannministries.com.

K.T. Vandyke and Gene Boyd shook the ‘House with their version of Relient-K’s  “Be My Escape.”  What a cool song…the teens in the place were really jamming with that one!  They also did a great version of “All the Way Down.”  Awesome job, guys!  Unfortunately Harold Kinder was unable to make it.  We hope he can reschedule at some time in the future.  Oh Well…The House Band, K.T. Vandyke & Gene Boyd, and Morgann McClanahan definitely filled the bill for the evening, though!  

Jeff Arwood – oh my…HA!  Some funny concepts!  He was dead on it when he discussed his “guardian angel.”  You see, Jeff explained that he did not want t “sissy” guardian angel…he prefers a “John Wayne Angel” to protect him…you know, rough and tough…smoking a cigar and carrying  a bazooka!  Jeff’s comedy was as cool as ever.  Awesome job, Jeff!

The House band performed a couple of new songs by Jennifer Knapp this weekend, – “Undo Me,” and “Trinity.”  Emily sang both and they were absolutely cool.  “Undo Me” is a really progressive, jamming tune, while “Trinity” is an ominous introspective look at oneself.  This week, the House Band consisted of Emily Ratliff, Gene Boyd, K.T. Vandyke, Roger Vandyke, Ted Watson, and BR.  Many thanks to Roger for bring these to us (and the words, and the CD, and the chords – wow!  ;)   ) !

After the show, we talked with several visitors, two of whom were from Texas and Illinois!  They were a huge blessing and were very complimentary of Higher Ground, its mission, and our church, Oakwood Full Gospel, for supporting a ministry that actually reaches teens.  I spoke with another lady who was bursting with excitement – she said that she drives a college bus and is associated with a church that has over 200 youth and she could not wait to share Higher Ground with them!  The crowd this week was split about 50/50 between adults and teens.  It was a really nice mix, though.  Many thanks to each of you who attended – please come again!

I want to provide some special recognition to Missi’s helpers in the kitchen this weekend, without whom it would have been very difficult.  Rita Keen – we can always count on you!  You are absolutely amazing and you are a Godsend…great job, and thanks a MILLION (– and I hope you are reading this on the ‘net).  Thank you to Amanda Horn – Amanda, you are such a blessing to Higher Ground and we are so proud of you – thank you so much for jumping right in and helping in the kitchen at the beginning of the show.  God will bless you guys!  

We should have a bunch of new pics up later this week on the website.  Oh!  Don’t forget – Jay Hagy will be there on 9-17-05 – that should also be a great show!  Check out his web site at www.jayhagy.com.

Be sure to check out Higher Ground Christian Coffee House’s web site for pics and info about the show upcoming on 9-17-05.  It is located at www.geocities.com/ofghigherground.

Hmmm.  I think that’s it. ..although I am sure I am forgetting something.  Ah, well…that is the nice thing about blogs…if I do, I can just add it later!  Godspeed, my friends!  BR