Arts Blog : Arts Conference 08 - ARISE, Pam Howell

A FEW MORE MINUTES WITH RICHARD ALLEN FARMER

Pam Howell — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:12:00 GMT

One of the blessings of my ministry is the people I get to meet. Richard Allen Farmer was a pleasure to get to know during the pre-conference preparation, as well as the actual conference. As you know if you were able to see him at the conference he is...(read more)

A FEW MORE MINUTES WITH ROBBIE SEAY

Pam Howell — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:09:00 GMT

God’s call on your life and accountability in managing your ministry schedule are just a few of the topics Robbie touched on after the third session. I hope you will take a few minutes to listen and give us your insights into these topics. He brings up...(read more)

A FEW MORE MINUTES WITH KENDALL PAYNE

Pam Howell — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:28:00 GMT

Our time with Kendall at ARISE was fabulous, both on stage & off. She is genuine, kind and just fun to be around. We asked her what was on her mind after Session 4 … listen & let us know what you think. Do you find yourself nodding your head in...(read more)

A Few More Minutes With Lauralee Fareer

Pam Howell — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:41:00 GMT

Intercessory art knows there is a God. It knows this God to be our Intimate, by his design and sacrifice. It knows that this God is love.

Lauralee Fareer

It was my pleasure to get to serve with the many great speakers we had at ARISE. One of the new friends I made was Lauralee. She is a beautiful soul. She has a wonderful sense a humor. And she is a talented and gifted artist.

She was the Featured Breakout presenter on Thursday afternoon of the conference. She spoke about the Artist as the Intercessor. Her thoughts and words were inspirational. God used her to stir people’s hearts and to shine a light into their life. When she concluded her presentation the group gave her a standing ovation. It was so exciting to see how God had worked through her.

After the session she gave us a few more minutes and a little bit more wisdom. Let us know what you think.

A Few More Minutes with Mark Batterson

Pam Howell — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 03:38:00 GMT

Bowling. It seems a crazy way to end a long day ... a long week. But tonight was Bowl with Your Mom. This is a very important annual event to my middle schooler. Last year was our first time at this mega event and we had a blast. To be honest though, I was not looking forward to it tonight. Not just because I am an awful bowler but I am so tired. It hurt to blink this morning. But I only have two more years of Bowl with Your Mom and I couldn't miss being with Max. He is a sweet boy. He knew I was tired and let me know how grateful he was that I would go. I'm not a perfect parent but tonight I did good and God blessed Max & me. I love my family and I love the ministry I get to be a part of. I have learned that they don't always peacefully co-exist. I have to exercise great discernment on what opportunities to say yes to and which to take a pass. I have to regularly right size my to do list. And sometimes I have to push past the tiredness and go bowling. I love that Mark Batterson chose to talk to us about the challenge of ministry and family. Is this something that you struggle or have struggled with? What are some ways you make sure your family comes first?

Session 3 Highlights and More

Pam Howell — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:08:00 GMT

Rise,

People of love rise

Give yourself away

This was definitely the message of the afternoon.

Robbie, Nancy and Brian certainly encouraged us to live beyond ourselves. To pay attention to the world around us and to use our resources and our art to champion the causes of the invisible and to bring to light injustice as well as beauty.

For me personally, this has been a message God has brought into a new light over the past few years. In April, author and speaker, Lynne Hybels wrote the lead article for EQUIP about how artists can change the world, “We who are entrusted with the gifts of words or melody or film or dance or paint, are also entrusted with a responsibility. To look unflinchingly at reality. To discern truth. To let both the beauty and tragedy of the world break open our hearts. And ultimately, to let God use this process to change us, so that we can in turn become God’s humble, yet bold, agents of change in the world he loves so much.”

How have you been living out Micah 6: 8, “To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. “

What examples of art have you seen that are shining a light on truth and calling us to bring His kingdom here on earth?

LOOKING AHEAD TO THURSDAY

Pam Howell — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:52:00 GMT

As I am winding down for the night I am thinking through some details for your day on Thursday. I hope most of you find yourself in the breakouts of your choice. And for those of you who find yourself in your second or third choice, I pray that you will be open to what God has in store for you. I pray that God might reveal to you his reason for where you end up.

If you are interested in changing your breakout or getting in on an open Conversation, stop by Ticket Exchange in the Atrium. There are still opportunities to choose from. If you are interested in participating in any of the Point Leader session, there are still open spots in some of the sessions. Note there is an additional cost to the Point Leaders track.

I wanted to inform you or remind you that we are providing shuttle service all day long between all three of the campuses. All of the breakouts are 45 minutes long, giving you ample time to get back and forth.

There are great staff and volunteers on each of the campuses to answer your questions should something come up. I have great confidence in them. They have been able to answer all the questions I come up with J

Our team has worked to facilitate an environment where you would be ennobled, encouraged and equipped. Our presenters have spent time listening to God and the wisdom of others in how to best serve you. We have prayed that God has been preparing your hearts and mind to receive the gifts he brings during Thursday.

God bless your day. Let us know what you are learning and what good things God brings your way.

If you are attending ARISE

Pam Howell — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:03:00 GMT

I wanted to remind all of you attending ARISE that in an effort to be green we will not be printing out materials for breakouts. You must go to the ARISE site & click either the download button at the bottom of the page or go to the Breakout page and click the Breakout Handout button to retrieve your handouts. You will then see at the top of the download resources page, Breakout Handouts. Click that & find your breakout. You can download them to your computer & work from there during the conference. Or you can print them out & bring them with you. Not all of the breakouts have handouts. If you don't see your breakout there now, check before you come. Hard to believe but some of our breakout speakers were delayed in turning in their handouts:) Looking forward to seeing you.

JUST ADDED

Pam Howell — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:58:00 GMT

Well, we are 21 days out from <a href="http://www.willowcreek.com/events/arts/2008/index.html" mce_href="http://www.willowcreek.com/events/arts/2008/index.html">ARISE</a>. Our teams are working fast & furiously to prepare a place where God can speak, where we can grow and meet new people.

I am glad for the 21 days but I can’t wait for 9:00 am Wednesday, June 11 when we kick off the conference. God has been working through the hundreds of people contributing to the conference to create some awesome opportunities and some incredible moments.

As usual some of our plans change and that is a good thing because of the other good things that come up. <span class="fullpost"> Like Copyright Basics! We just added this class. Cheryl Besenjak is currently the Copyright Director for Willow Creek Community Church. She has over 20 years of experience in the area of copyright. She is the founder and former Director of The Permissions Group. Cheryl has developed and published CopyRights©, a national newsletter and is the author of Copyright Plain and Simple, published by Career Press.

You can go <a href="http://www.willowcreek.com/events/arts/2008/index.html" mce_href="http://www.willowcreek.com/events/arts/2008/index.html">on-line</a> to register for this class. If you are already registered you can go on-line today to change your schedule or call our wonderful Customer Service team, 800-570-9812. After today, when you arrive at the conference breakout sessions can be changed at the Ticket Exchange Booth as long as there is available seating.

One other note, not on–line yet but coming soon, Secrets of Successful Sound-for-Picture by Jon Tatooles. Jon is co-founder and Managing Director of <a href="http://www.sounddevices.com/" mce_href="http://www.sounddevices.com/">Sound Devices</a>, LLC. This session will look at a variety of techniques for gaining control of audio while out on a shoot. You'll walk through the steps necessary for achieving quality audio, everything from mic placement to gain setup. In this hands-on class, you'll also be given the chance to experiment with audio equipment, and learn how to get the best audio quality to improve your production. We are really excited that Jon is coming! If you are interested send me an email and I will let you know as soon as it is posted on-line, howellp@willowcreek.org. </span>

ARISE – Calling all Dancers

Pam Howell — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:06:00 GMT

When it comes to ARISE there are many people and experiences I am looking forward to. To name one or actually to name two … Alan Luu and Lisa Jaskilka. These gifted dancers and choreographers from Mosaic Church in Los Angeles have agreed to come and lead four of our dance breakouts. Alan and Lisa were two of the talented dance team members that were part of SCRIBBLE , one of the highlights of last year’s conference. In addition to talking about developing a dance ministry, Alan & Lisa will be leading 3 other breakouts helping dancers and choreographers stretch and grow their skills. I am also looking forward to the dancers who attend ARISE meeting and learning from Bril Barrett. Bril is a gifted choreographer and dancer. Bril’s credits include The Chicago Human Rhythm Project, and The National Tour of Riverdance. Bril was also one of Willow Creek Community Church’s choreographer for Imagine Christmas.

ARISE - THE BIG IDEA

Pam Howell — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:27:00 GMT

Have you read the book THE BIG IDEA? If you haven’t … you ought to! Either way, did you know that Dave Ferguson, Jon Ferguson & Eric Bramlett, authors of THE BIG IDEA are going to be at ARISE? That’s right. On Thursday, June 12, they will be leading an all day practicum designed for churches interested in developing a strategy to implement THE BIG IDEA in their own context. This is a great experience for Creative Arts/Worship Directors and Senior Pastors to attend together. Check it out.

ARISE - Update

Pam Howell — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:01:00 GMT

We are thrilled that Gilles Ste-Croix, from Cirque Du Soleil, has accepted our invitation to ARISE. In one of the main sessions on the first day of the arts conference, Nancy Beach will interview Ste-Croix about the creative processes that has formed their innovative experiences. Two decades ago, Gilles was one of a small group of artists and street performers who gave birth to a new creative form. This combination of circus acts and street entertainment, featuring wild costumes, magical lighting, and original music is now known worldwide as Cirque du Soleil. Vice-President of Creation and New Project Development, Gilles served as the driving force behind LOVE, the new Cirque show based on the music of The Beatles. Our team had the privilege of experiencing this amazing show this past February. Watch the ARISE site for more details in the coming weeks. The Early Bird registration has been extended until April 8, check it out!

ARISE - Update [1]

Pam Howell — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 01:53:00 GMT

Mark Batterson, lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. will be one of the many presenters speaking at ARISE, this year's Arts Conference. He is the author of the best-selling book, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. NCC was recognized as one of the 25 Most Innovative Churches in America by Outreach Magazine in 2007. The vision of NCC is to meet in movie theaters at metro stops throughout the metro D.C. area. NCC also owns and operates the largest coffeehouse on Capitol Hill. In our featured breakout track, Mark is presenting Snakes and Doves. Harmless as doves. Shrewd as snakes. The combination of dovelike authenticity and snakelike creativity is the key to leadership effectiveness. This breakout will challenge your motives. Are you doing the right things for the right reasons? And it will stretch your imagination. There are ways of doing church that no one has thought of yet! Come discover new ways of redeeming technology and culture to incarnate the gospel message. In our track for teaching pastors, Mark is talking about Right Brain Teaching. The greatest truths ought to be communicated in the most unforgettable ways. This breakout will help unleash your right-brain creativity and capture the imagination of listeners. You will learn how to exegete culture, brand sermon series, produce video illustrations, and brainstorm big ideas. Watch the ARISE site for more details in the coming weeks. There is still space available, register by March 25 to receive the Early Bird rate.

ARISE

Pam Howell — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:31:00 GMT

Well, while sugar plums are dancing in your heads, mine is swimming with details for ARISE – Our Arts Conference, June 11, 12 & 13. Soon we will be launching the official website but in the mean time let me give you a few of the particulars. We are excited to welcome back teachers like Brian McLaren, Ross Parsley, Mindy Caliguire, Tim Carson and Rory Noland. We are also thrilled that Francis Chan has accepted our invitation to be one of our main speakers. All of these presenters, and the 100 others that have committed to come promise to stretch us as artists, leaders, teachers and Christ followers. While we are still planning it would be a good time to shoot me any ideas you might have. Hope to see you in June!

I NEED your help!

Pam Howell — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 19:50:00 GMT

"Sometimes creativity just means the daily work of helping others to see a problem in a different way.” -Joseph Badaracco A team of us sat down to talk about the music track for the 2008 Arts Conference. This track is designed to inspire and equip music directors and instrumental music volunteers in the local church. We came up with a preliminary group of topics and were hoping you would give us your input. Could you take a few moments to give me your top 3 choices for the next conference? I’ve started the list of topics you can choose from, or write in your own. Here are some ideas: 1. Leading Effective Rehearsals 2. Soloing – guitar, bass or keyboards 3. Improving your music reading skills 4. Basic techniques for members of a rhythm section 5. Voicings and styles for guitar, bass or keyboards 6. Becoming a tighter rhythm section player 7. Music theory 8. Understanding harmony 9. Songwriting 10. Building and leading a music ministry 11. Making music technology work 12. Producing a CD 13. Adapting songs for my band Thanks so much for your feedback!