Gigabytes for the Gospel

From Disciples News Service

Does your congregation need a web site? Do you want to learn how to improve your existing site? Would you like to learn what makes an effective church web site and how to build it? Then make sure you attend the "Gigabytes for the Gospel" retreat on May 2-4 at Christmount Christian Assembly in Black Mountain, N.C.

Everyone is welcome: from those who are wondering how to start a church web site to "old pro's" looking to pick up some new tricks. Workshop sessions will look at technology, design and the construction of web sites and tricks and tips for improving your website. Saturday afternoon will allow for free time to explore in and around Christmount. Sunday will include both workshops and worship.

The event will be led by Buddy Ray, web master for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia; Dean Phelps, Director of Church Multiplication for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana; and Heath Coffey, Guest Services Coordinator and web master for Christmount.

For more information, visit: www.christmount.org/gigabytes_for_the_gospel.htm

"Give Us a Song" Release Celebration Set for June 14

Fans, friends and family will gather on Saturday, June 14, to celebration the release of Dean Phelps's latest recording, Give Us a Song. The celebration will be held at Center Stage Cafe, 970 Fort Wayne Ave. in Indianapolis.

Give Us a Song is the third CD released by Phelps. He has teamed again with Indianapolis producer Steve Creech and Penny Lane Recordings. Creech was the producer and engineer on Dean's 2006 release, This Old House.

A full-length, 12-song effort, Give Us a Song features Dean's vocals and acoustic finger-style guitar. Like Dean's earlier recordings, the CD includes original arrangements of hymns and music of the Christian faith alongside music by notable singer-songwriters. Give Us a Song also marks the first time that Dean has released recordings of original music.

Give Us a Song will be available in local retail and online outlets by May 31.

The Bread Ladies

Just east of the Hancock County Courthouse in Greenfield is a wonderful little cafe, The Bread Ladies. Their five-star rating at Gusto.com is just one indication that this is a place worth trying. Service and food are both outstanding, and the atmosphere is comfortable.

You can come for the food and stay for the music. The Bread Ladies features live music most Friday nights, mostly bluegrass, but they welcome other styles of music as well. Well-known Anderson jazz artist Gordon Brooks is a regular favorite.

This Friday, April 18, Indianapolis singer-songwriter Dean Phelps will take the stage at The Bread Ladies starting at 6:30.

The Bread Ladies is located at 5 American Legion Place on the east side of the courthouse.

Dean Phelps Returns to Lighthouse Cafe

Dean Phelps will return to Lighthouse Cafe in Alexandria, Ind., on Saturday, April 12. His program of acoustic folk and gospel music will begin around 7:30. The performance will include several songs from his upcoming CD, Give Us a Song.

Lighthouse Cafe is located at 102 N. Harrison St. in downtown Alexandria.

Patchwork, Dean Phelps at Center Stage

The Indianapolis folk duo Patchwork will welcome guest artist Dean Phelps to join them when they perform at Center Stage Cafe and Deli on Friday, April 11 at 8:00. Center Stage Cafe is located at 970 Fort Wayne Ave. in Indianapolis.

The performers are no strangers, having played together in such Indianapolis venues as Boulevard Place Cafe and the Indy Hostel House Concert Series. It promises to be a fun evening as Patchwork and Phelps once again team up to swap songs and stories in the round.

The evening will feature songs from both Patchwork and Phelps that will appear on their respective upcoming CDs. They have all spent time in studio this winter and are anticipating spring releases of new recordings.

Friday Night Jamz is a weekly music event at Center Stage. In addition to live music, this downtown Indianapolis venue has received stellar reviews on their food and beverages.