The Official Monthly Jars of Clay Email News Digest
3/12/97
5,117 Subscribers
web site: http://www.jarsofclay.com
CONTENTS:
*Message from Steve
*Message from Charlie
*Liar Liar
*Jars take Nammy Award
*Dove Nominations
*Concert update
*Web site update
*Prayer Requests
*Campus Life Article: Faith under Fire
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*Message from Steve:
Greetings, posteteers, wookies, and blackmailers (HEY - let's not make this a race thing, OK?!) (An inside joke from the AOL folder)
Hmmm.....we're recording. The song "five candles", written for the movie,"Liar, Liar", is tentatively NOT in the film. The hollywood "people" have decided a new ending is in order - more outtakes from the film - to make Jim's Ace Ventura fans happy, too. That's one theory. We hear different things at different times, but it's just been communicated that again, it is OFFICIALLY not in the movie.
[Interesting side note, R.Kelly, the writer of the song"I believe I can fly", the hit from the movie Space Jam, was told three days before the release of that film, that it wouldn't be included in the movie!....hmmmmm......] Please continue to pray for us as we are finishing the album...it means a lot to us to know you're doing that. You're an important part of what we do, and why we do it! Take care, and keep your nose clean, as this is the peak of bugar season, or something like that. Anyway....
Stephen
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*Message from Charlie: (following a post on Celtic music in the AOL folder)
This is a little late, but regarding the Celtic Music thing..... There's nothing in the world like good Celtic music, except for Starbucks ice cream...
Some stellar Celtic CD's (performers) are:
Seamus Egan- When Juniper Sleeps
Soundtrack to The Brothers McMullen by Seamus Egan featuring Sarah McLachlan
Eileen Ivers- Wild Blue
Riverdance- soundrack
BraveHeart soundrack
Clannad- Lore
Solas (featuring Seamus Egan)
That'll get you started....
peace and grace...the record's coming along great (we think!)....can't wait to share it with y'all!
Charlie
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*Liar Liar:
This is an update on the song "Five Candles" which was written and produced for the Jim Carrey film "Liar, Liar" which comes out later this month. Jars went to London to record the title track for this movie with producer Steve Lipson, but apparently the movie producers decided to change the ending of the movie to something that the song would not fit. The Lord may be protecting Jars through this- the ending was originally supposed to be very drama-oriented and innocent, but apparently the producers thought that Jim Carrey would not fit this role well, so they changed it and removed the song. "Better luck" for jars on future soundtracks, than with the past three that they were supposed to be featured in. (The Chamber (Flood), Long Kiss Goodbye (The Chair) & Liar Liar)
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*Jars presented with Nammy Award:
Jars were voted Group of the Year for the Nammy awards on Wednesday, February 12 (The "Nashville Grammy's"). They were honored to receive this award and they felt overwhelming support from the city of Nashville for their ministry. Congrats!
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*Dove Award Nominations:
Jars were nominated for Group of the Year and Artist of the Year for the Dove Awards. This came as a surprise to us AND them, as we didn't think they could be nominated two years in a row. Flood was also nominated for Song of the Year, along with many other songs by DC Talk, etc. They will perform once again this year at the Dove's, on April 24th. The show is usually televised live on the Family Channel.
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*Concert Updates:
Jars are playing some sporadic concerts during the writing of the new album. These will probably provide a great opportunity for them to showcase some new material, so hopefully we will get some feedback from those who see the shows! Don't forget the concert update hotline: 615-361-0444.
March, 1997:
28: Dallas, TX 6 Flags: 817-530-6018
29: Houston, TX 8 pm Southern Star: 713-794-3232
April, 1997:
5: Branson, MO - 12 pm, 3 pm, 6 pm: Silver Dollar City Theme Park: 417-338-8271
18: Valencia, CA - 9 pm & 11 pm 6 Flags Magic Mountain w/ Sarah Jahn: 805-255-4508
24: Nashville, TN - Dove Awards
26: Wilmore, KY - Ichthus Music Festival 10:45 pm. 606-858-3001
28: St. Davids, PA - Eastern College: 610-341-5970
29: Wenham, MA - Gordon College
30: Grantham, PA - Messiah College
May, 1997
2: Wheaton, IL - Wheaton College - Centennial Hall
3: Greenville, IL - Agape Music Festival
9: Rochester, NY - Benefit Concert
Rumoured dates: The following dates were found on internet in addition to the above dates, but we have not yet received them as confirmed dates. When they are confirmed, they will be placed at the web site.
April:
25: Chattanooga, TN - Memorial Auditorium
May:
3: Greenville, IL - Agape Music Festival
17: Red Deer, ALB, Canada - Centrium
19: Chilliwack, BC, Canada - Alliance Church
June:
18: Austel, GA - Six Flags over Georgia
21: Canal Fulton, OH - Clay's Park & Resort
26: Shirleysburg, PA - Creation Festival
July:
5: Marietta, IL: Cornerstone Festival
10: Wilmar, MN: Sonshine Festival
17: Vancouver, WA: Jesus Northwest Festival
20: Darien Center, NY - Darien Lake Theme Park - Kingdombound Festival
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*Web site update:
Within a couple weeks, there will be quite a few more video samples to download from the web site: http://www.jarsofclay.com. (Thanks to Mike Wilson/Gen-X Communications!) They include clips from the Jesus Northwest festival, Edge-TV, and a promotional reel for Christian bookstores (which includes interviews & various clips including a live rehearsal of "Blind" with violin). The files will be quite large but the quality is near perfect and the segments are quite long.
Steve Carlson has also made some major changes with the graphics and background colors at the site. We hope you like them - please visit often! Has anyone found the secret audio link at the site yet? We're not telling... ;)
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*Prayer Requests:
From: ZBeachgal2@aol.com
I am in an incredible amount of pain right now. I just wanted to let you know that my grandma died this morning. If I was in Nashville, I'd probably have killed myself when my mom called. It is such an empty feeling to know I couldn't be with my family today, but the good news is that I am going home tomorrow morning. It is also empty without her, but at least I know she is young and care-free again and with my Aunt Pat (who died before I was born). Hmm, maybe she and her ex-husband will finally be friends... :)
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From: rmfranklin@juno.com
I have a prayer request for my sister. Her name is Melissa. On Christmas Eve she was in a car accident. Her best friend Wendy was with her. Well, Wendy died. She was only 19. Well, needless to say, Melissa is pretty devastated because she was driving. We keep telling her that it wasn't her fault but I still believe that she blames herself. My husband and I are both Christians. We have been trying to get Melissa saved for about four years. I am afraid that without God, she won't make it through this. She has already changed her mind about school.
Please pray for God to touch my sister. I love her dearly. If all of us Christians band together and start a prayer chain and rebuke Satan in the name of Jesus Christ Of Nazareth, he will have to release his grip on her. She has always been a very emotional person, so please help us help her! Thank You!
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From: dananimal_da_animal@juno.com
To my fellow Jars of Clay brothers and sisters in Christ. I am a senior in a suburb of Illinois, and my church is looking for a new youth pastor. Our current pastor is a senior at Wheaton College and would like to concentrate solely on his studies for his last semester in order to attend graduate school. He had made plans to leave by January, but because our church was unable to find a replacement, he has decided to stay for an undetermined amount of time, so our church won't be left without a youth pastor. I ask that you pray for my church and pray that we might be able to find another youth pastor. Also, when our current youth pastor (Dave) leaves, I pray that our church won't deteriorate, but will grow together and hold fast in His love. Thank you.
Dan from Naperville
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From: josh160@juno.com
Please pray for my Aunt Carolyn who is having cancer surgery on Wendesday, February 5th, and chemotherapy right after her surgery. Please pray for strength and healing.
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From: Ink.Well31@aol.com
I have updates and 2 prayer requests:
Jessica (17yo softball player in Texas) is now going back to school. She is doing very well, and very upset she can't play softball this year. Benton (basketball player from my alma matter) is doing very well (from what I hear).
My first request:
Let me preface this by saying I have chronic knee problems. They weren't serious at first, but lately they've gotten worse. I went to my doctor about it, and he immediately put me on medication. (Anti-inflammatory) He also told me to get an X-ray, and physical therapy. Depending on what happens, I may need an MRI.
My second request:
In high school I had one really good friend named Trisha. We got along really well, unfortunately she kept moving around senior year. I've totally lost contact with her, and I have a lot of good news I want to give her, and I want to make sure she's okay. I never got to say good-bye properly. I just pray that she's okay, and I see her again.
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From: VerySubtle@aol.com
Hi, I just have a few prayer requests:
-A senior at my high school recently got into a car accident, and is now out of the hospital. I would appreciate it if you prayed for him to recover quickly.
-Also, two other seniors were killed earlier this year. Jason's little brother, BJ, is having a difficult time going thru it. He has started coming to our Fellowship of Christian Athletes meetings and it has helped him. If you would pray that Jason and Steve (the other senior) would rest in peace, and pray that BJ can cope with this accident. Thanx a lot, and may God be with you.......
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From: koneal@css.tayloru.edu
This is really more of a praise than a paryer request. A couple weeks ago, my sisters were in a serious car accident. But God protected them - Kelli walked away without a scratch and Katie's damage was limited to several stitches in her head. Praise God!
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From: scanales@juno.com
Dear fellow JoC fans,
This message is urgent. I need your prayers earnestly. Lately I have been going through many trials. The first is about my uncle. This past June he suffered a massive heart attack. He is not a christian. He reads the bible daily, but still does not know Jesus Christ.
My second prayer request is for my best friend Paul Brooks. He is not a Christian either. I pray that before it is too late he will find our Lord. Please pray for these two very important people in my life. Every time I try to witness to them Satan is always there trying to stop me.
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From: sploosh@juno.com
A best friend of mine's friend tried to commit suicide just recently. She is not a christian and is only holding on by a thread. She tried to shoot herself in the heart. Other details are not clear to me yet, but God does know. Please pray. Love in him...
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From: sueann@ibm.net
I would like to ask you to pray for my friend, Erick. He's temporarily dropped out of school to deal with his depression. He is seeking help through social workers, medication, etc..but I don't think this is going to go away, unless he finds a reason to hope. He's not a believer, but has been interested in hearing about Christ before. He's got a lot of questionable views, but mainly he doubts hope in general. I don't know how to reach him, what to say..please pray that God will show me what to do, and also reveal Himself to Erick. I know that only God can really pull Erick out of this. Thanks.
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From: jlt@juno.com
I am a licensed minister and I wanted to let you know that if anyone wanted to write me about anything about the Bible such as : questions , problems , prayer requests , or just need to talk to someone just write me at my email address jlt@juno.com . I will be glad to help in any way possible as the Lord leads. I believe that jesus is the answer for our every need and with him anything is possible. I know that Jesus is the answer for everything because he has done so much for me : 1 healed me of burns to my legs when the doctors wanted to cut them off. 2. When i was born the doctors told my mother that I wouldn't live to get to the baby nursery down the hall : but God had other plans. I was an a-b student in school , and now I'm in Bible college. I never thought I would ever become a licensed minister , but I've been licensed with the Independent Assemblies for almost 6 years. To hear more about what God has done in my life , or for any other thing please email me at jlt@juno.com
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From: heaven@Capital.Net
Mandie fell down some stairs yesterday and was knocked unconscious - she also blacked out three more times in the next half hour. her boyfriend took her to the emergency room - she has a concussion, but when they did the CAT scan, they found an abnormality in her brain - she has bone fragments floating around and her pineal gland is swollen or enlarged. she has to see a neurologist. please pray for wisdom for the doctors, for healing and also for peace as she is all alone down there (nashville_) and we can't afford to go down there to be with her. thaks alot - God bless
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From: 09631763@mail3.dlsu.edu.ph
I have a major prayer request concerning my aunt emma. Last valentine's day, she got involved in a three car collision and now she's paralyzed. So far, God has been performing major miracles in her life and present situation. Please continue to pray for her recovery that God- willing she may walk again. Also that the rest of my relatives may come to know Jesus personally in their lives. It would also be really wonderful if all the people praying for her could write me so that I can read it to her in the hospital. Thanks so much brothers and sisters in Christ!
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From: senften@lizard.houst.sgi.com
A dear friend and love of mine is scheduled for major surgery. She is likely to be in the hospital for 6 weeks. She is strong in her faith, but is struggling both mentally and physically. Please pray for recovery.
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*Campus Life Article: FAITH UNDER FIRE by Chris Lutes
(Special thanks to the Lowells for transcription!)
Subtitle: Criticized for taking their music into the mainstream, JARS OF CLAY want to keep their message clear.
Steve Mason is concerned about being misunderstood. The Jars of Clay guitarist is talking to me about using music to reach the non-Christian world. And about Jars being criticized for what they are doing.
Some Christians have questioned the wisdom of Jars playing mainstream festivals and clubs with bands like No Doubt and Goo Goo Dolls and with artists like Joan Osborne. And more questions were raised when Jars of Clay opened two shows for Sting last summer. And then there are those who are concerned that Jar's music is played on modern rock radio and that the band's "Flood" video has appeared on MTV and VH1.
When I caught up with the guys in Chicago, they'd been touring with two secular rock acts--another "crossover" opportunity that's sparked criticism. Steve and I are talking about all this on the band's bus, parked outside Chicago's Riviera music club, where Jars will perform in a couple of hours.
Steve says it's hard for many people to understand what Jars of Clay are all about.
"We are bombarded with so many questions," says Steve. "I find myself spending a lot of time explaining why we are playing a certain place or why we're playing with a certain band. It kind of wears on you" Ironically, a few years ago, Steve himself would have been very critical of the route the band has taken.
"Earlier this evening I ran into a friend of mine from my high school years," says Steve. "One of the first things he asked me was, 'A long time ago I asked you if you would ever go mainstream. And you said no because it would be selling out. But now look what you're doing!"
But, admits the guitarist, he's changed his attitude about how and where God can use him. He also says he and the rest of the guys in the band have not changed in their desire to use their music to let others know about Christ and their faith. And, says Steve, that's why they need to take their music , and the message behind their music, beyond the Christian concert circuit.
"In the eyes of some," says Steve, "we aren't making good decisions and choices. But we are on our knees and asking the Lord to show the best way to go. If he wants us playing in churches and encouraging our brothers ans sisters in Christ, that's really fine. But we've just seen doors open and we can't help but believe it's been God opening those doors..."
When my conversation with Steve ends, Dan Haseltine takes his place on the green couch across from me. Dan's voice is surprisingly soft, especially for a lead singer. Fearing that I might miss some of the conversation, I scoot my tape recorder a little closer to Dan, also the band's chief songwriter. Then I ask, "Do you get tired of people asking why you are playing in clubs with non-Christian bands?"
Dan smiles gently, then says, "When I'm asked that question, I'm forced to think about what this band is all about. That keeps it clear in my own mind why we're doing what we're doing. It's like that each night when I talk to the audience and explain the meaning behind our name---that it's taken from II Corinthians 4:7.
No matter where we're playing, I'm determined to always explain the meaning of our name. After all, that verse in Corinthians sums up what we are about; ' We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us' .
I always want to talk about our name because I want the audience to know where our gift of music comes from. Our music is not something we do; it's something God does through us. And again , as I said before, I need to say it for me. If I don't, I can easily lose focus. I can forget why we do what we do."
My conversation with Dan is suddenly cut short by the band's tour manager, Joey Ciccoline. "I am really sorry to interrupt," says Joey. "But we have an emergency. The band needs to convene." Though he's smiling, there is tension in his voice. Something is obviously wrong.
As I leave the bus's seating area, the guys in the band squeeze past me. The face of each band member is subdued, even serious. The door to the seating area closes quickly.
Later I learn what the "emergency" is. Throughout the tour, there had been a continual struggle with The Samples, one of the other band's with Jars.
The Samples had been saying things from the stage that were offensive to both Jars and to Jars' fans. Before the tour began, The Samples had agreed, in writing, that there would be no profanity from the stage. But as the tour went on, The Samples violated that agreement, and they occassionally made fun of Jars' Christian faith.
"After one show," Jars keyboardist Charlie Lowell says later, "I was really burning up about the stuff The Samples were saying to our fans. I just really wanted to let them know we weren't going to take this kind of stuff any more.
But before we talked to anybody, we prayed. Matt (Odmark's) prayer helped my attitude. He simply said 'God, humble us and give us hearts of love for The Samples and help us to see them through your eyes'."
Even so, Jars of Clay had continued to struggle with a band that was antagonistic toward them and toward those who came to hear Jars play.
"We've had to ask ourselves some hard questions," says Charlie. "Because we're playing with this band, does our audience feel we've let them down? Are we going to alienate our fans?"
Yet on the other hand, Jars didn't want to miss an opportunity to perform before crowds that normally wouldn't listen to Christian music.
And so Joey called the "emergency meeting" on what to do.
A few weeks later, Jars would decide to stop touring with The Samples. But tonight, with several hundred fans waiting to hear Jars of Clay play, the show definitely has to go on.
When Jars take the stage, I'm seated on the floor in front of a wire mesh barricade that separates the crowd from the band. Cigarette smoke creates a low hanging haze throughout the Riviera music club and the smell of beer is prominent. Pressing against the barricade stands a row of people who sing along with their favorite Jar's tunes like "Liquid" and "Boy on a String" and "Love Song for a Savior". These are obviously fans.
And there are obviously non-fans in the audience.
Throughout the Jar's performance someone with alcohol-slurred speech shouts over and over, "Samples! Samples! Samples!" Then, every once in a while, someone lets out a string of expletives. Yet the guys in Jars continue to play their set, seemingly un- ruffled by the attempted disruptions.
"It's really challenging playing to a crowd that's not totally "with us,' "says guitarist Matt Odmark. "You have to work harder to win over that kind of an audience."
After the concert, Matt joins me on the bus to talk about that night's performance. Soon, though, the conversation drifts from the performance to the struggles and complications of using Christian music to reach out to non-Christian audiences.
"Over the past two years," says Matt, "we've heard so many opinions and viewpoints of what we should and shouldn't be doing. On one extreme, there are those who claim what we are doing is 'saving the world.' On the other hand, others say what we are doing is condemning ourselves to hell."
Matt says he hasn't bought into either extreme.
Instead, he stresses that he just wants to keep his relationship with God in line, and let the rest take care of itself: "I feel the Lord has been saying, 'There are two voices in you. One is your own heart talking to you, the other is my heart talking to you.' I've discovered that the closer I get in my relationship to the Lord, the more the two voices, the two hearts, are saying the same thing."
And maybe, says Matt, amid it all, God can use him and his fellow band members in some small way.
"You go into a situation where you're playing in a club or festival," says Matt, "and maybe you're the only Christian band playing there. You have a chance to be a Christian influence in a place where you usually don't find Christians."
And there are times, says Matt, when those who criticize Jars of Clay's motives come to understand something of what the band is trying to do.
There was, for instance, a woman who'd brought her daughters to a Jars concert. The woman had been offended by the band that played before Jars. (It wasn't The Samples.) Before taking the stage, Jars met with her and encouraged her to stay for their performance. She did.
"After the concert," says Matt, "she came backstage and told us, 'I really learned a new concept tonight. I realized that there are times when the Word and the world really do need to touch."
In the woman's mind, says Matt, that's what happened during the concert.
The next evening I'm with Jars of Clay at the Morris Civic Center in South Bend, Indiana. Before performing, the band members gather in the basement dressing room to pray. Above them, the ceiling shakes from the cranked-up sound system of The Samples. Sitting in a small, tight circle, they all lean forward to hear one another's prayers.
When it's his turn, Steve prays about his "fears of being misunderstood by our fans" Then he ends with, "Lord, I pray that our actions tonight will show that we love each other and that we love our audience..."
In a few minutes the prayers end and Jars walk on stage to a roaring crowd.
On this night, no one stands near the front of the stage shouting obcenities. No smoke lingers near the ceiling of this smoke-free concert hall. And the audience, from the front row to the back, is clearly a "Jars crowd."
Even so, just like the night before, Dan stands before the audience and says, "We're Jars of Clay and our name means...."
the end
KEEPING THE FAITH:
The Jars guys will tell you it's not easy to keep their faith growing when they're on tour, away from family, friends and church. So how do they strengthen their faith on the road? They take along some of their favorite Christian books:
No Wonder They Call Him Savior by Max Lucado
Steve Mason: "Lucado puts a unique twist on things that we've all heard before about our faith. I'm excited and challenged by his fresh perspective."
Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges
Charlie Lowell: "This book has given me a better understanding of grace. And Bridges really challenges me to extend God's grace to others."
Now and Then by Frederick Buechner
Matt Odmark: "Buechner says,'We'll find out eventually that all moments are key moments.' I can't agree more. The 'little insignificant moments' are sometimes the most important times in my Christian life."
Future Grace by John Piper
Dan Haseltine: "So often I think I have to do something to earn my Christianity. In this book, I'm learning a lot about God's grace and mercy."
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