Our First Open Mic Church

Last Saturday night at the Bellwether Gallery The Core hosted its first fully-invitational event: Open Mic Church "Open Mouth, Insert Mic." (Watch the KOLR10 New Spot)

In keeping with my commitment not to count people, I did not count people. So I'm not sure how many came. But the point is that there were plenty of people to make the event a success, despite heavy snow outside and a dark, torn up street out front.

Phil kicked it off with an explanation of our reason for doing Open Mic Church. He talked about how important it was to be authentic, and really listen to, and learn from each other, now matter how different we are. Then we observed a moment of silence for the 130+ who were killed that morning in Iraq by an improvised bomb, and those who were suffering from a major series of tornadoes in central Florida. After that, I (Ryan) got up and sang a David Crowder song. Later on I performed an original song and played "Autumn Leaves" on the sax.

The performers of the evening were: Jerry, and Heather, who each recited original poetry, Joe and Skyler, who comprised a two-man rock band, Austin played and sang soulful original songs, and Bailey brought the indy-pop-rock tunes. I was supremely impressed by everyone who performed.

There was also lots of good food to snack on, and we ended up handing out zip-lock bags to each person to take some home with them.

Everyone I talked to said they are determined to come back again next month, they had such a wonderful time. One performer said that he had been to many open mic events, and this one was just so different. Probably because we were actually listening to each other, and taking a real interest in what everyone had to share.

One more thing: Joy Robertson, a highly respected reporter for KOLR10 News (CBS), took a sincere interest in what we were doing. She came 20 minutes early and interviewed me with her hand-held video camera. Then she interviewed several others, and generally soaked in the atmosphere during the first part of the evening. She seemed very intrigued by the whole thing, and told me that she would run a portrait piece about it during the 10 o'clock news on Wednesday, February 7. Here's the link again to see it online.

So if you were there, thank you! If not, the next one is March 3 at the Bellwether (600 W. College St., Suite 116) from 7 - 10 pm. Hope you can join us!

The Core Featured in News-Leader Editorial

Churches Break New Ground in Reaching Flock by Brian Lewis (Make sure to read the comments below the article as well. I recommend reading them in chronological order, from the bottom up.)

I suppose you eventually get used to the fact that, when talking to a reporter, you can chat on and on for 20 minutes, say some really great stuff, and end up with only one or two lame quotes in print.

This is essentially what happened with this article, but I suppose I should be glad that at least I wasn't mis-quoted, and for the most part I wasn't mis-represented.

However (let me know if you agree with this,) I think this is a pretty clunky article. The beginning doesn't match the end, and neither half matches the title. Based on our conversation, he was obviously trying to drag someone from Springfield into the alcohol controversy between the Missouri Baptist Convention, and Journey Church in St. Louis, as reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. But the fact is that no such controversy exists in Springfield, at least not in the two churches mentioned by Brian Lewis.

But hey... we got some free publicity about the Open Mic Church tonight. Also, Joy Robertson called me and said she plans to interview me and get some video about 30 minutes before the event starts, and maybe stick around to see what happens. I sure hope something happens ;-)

Front Porch Work Day changed to February 10

Hey... I just wanted to make sure no one missed this announcement. My apologies if my tinkering with the blog template has caused confusion to anyone.

Mik says...

I'm looking forward to seeing many of you this Saturday, FEB 10th (postponed from the 3rd due to weather) at 8 AM for another construction event-starting to FRAME the walls,office, and Kids Corner of the Front Porch.

There are 7 volunteers so far, BUT we need more! If you have received a phone message from me please call me back. We are planning more than just work(i.e. food and drink),and your call back is important to us.

The real dirty work is done and the fun part starts now. IF you haven't come before and this will be your first time, bring your work gloves.

Call me with questions MIK @ 417-833-6805, or e-mail mik@thecoredowntown.com.

If you would like to be part of the hospitality crew to bring food or drinks please call Christina at 832-1447 or e-mail christina@thecoredowntown.com

SEE YOU THERE!!!!