Spirit Midwest Ministries Blog

Whew! Talent, Comedy & More!

Post by Julie Barnes on Sun Oct 18th, 2009

Open Mic Night was absolutely fantastic Saturday night at Cafe Diem in Ankeny! Candy 4 Nickels brought an acoustic version of the band and wowed us with their energy and talents! Perhaps a bit too much, as the crowd didn't seem too eager to get up and sing . . .

After our first duo, Matt & Jennifer (who are playing again at Cafe Diem this weekend), we were entertained by the vocal prowess of little Gideon - as well as some of his dance moves! Then, it seemed the crowd dried up - MY BIGGEST FEAR every time we hold an Open Mic Night. So, what could I do, but go up and do something myself?! Though I knew I wouldn't wow the crowd with my abilities, I figured I had a great chance of luring someone onto the stage just to get me off it - AND IT WORKED LIKE A CHARM!

Just as I, joined by my dear friend, Donna (who was given no choice), launched an unrehearsed rendition of a song I found some guitar chords for, Kelsey walked in the door and graciously accepted my encouragement (begging?) and the crowds' cheering that she come up and give us a sample of her talent! Little did I know she was a guitarist who wrote her own songs! She was amazing with her Drive Thru Boyfriend song, wherein she expounded upon her life as a drive thru barista and the hunk who visited her every day. As she sang a few other originals, Scott suddenly recognized this was his chance to be a stand up comedian, so he took the stage and shared a few jokes - which I thoroughly appreciated! Candy 4 Nickels closed the night with an encore of one of their originals and an audience request.

All in all, it was a fun and entertaining evening and I can't wait for the next one - Saturday, December 5th! Come on out and join us! Whatever your talent (choreographed yo-yo, perhaps?), we've got a place for you!

P.S. Check out our photos here!

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Open Mic Night this Weekend!

Post by Julie Barnes on Wed Oct 14th, 2009

Mark your calendars and join us this Saturday night (October 17) from 7:30-9:30 at Cafe Diem at 2005 S Ankeny Blvd in Ankeny! We're launching Open Mic Night for the 2009-2010 season and we're kicking it off with Candy 4 Nickels, a favorite new contemporary rock band who found its start at Open Mic Night last year! You'll love the fun, upbeat music of this group - and hopefully, they'll inspire you to get up and sing or play your own tune! We'll have a full sound system, a keyboard, CD player and all the encouragement we can muster to help you as you take the stage! Come on out! You'll have an awesome time!

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New Era Christian Music . . . Who Knew?

Post by Julie Barnes on Sat Oct 3rd, 2009

When you read the description about The Bruce Gregory Band, you might not know what to expect - New Era Christian Music? Sounds kind of "New Agey" - maybe even a little suspicious. I don't know. Maybe I don't want to listen to that kind of music. . . WRONG!!! Haunting - yet soothing - electric and acoustic guitars, driving beats, powerful vocals and amazing keyboard combine to create an experience in music you'll not soon forget! Rock with a serious Christian attitude - in a good way. If you missed them tonight, don't worry, they'll be featured at our Benefit Concert next month:

WHEN:        7:00-10:00 PM
                  Saturday, November 21, 2009

WHERE:     ConnXions Event Center
                 3901 121st Street, Urbandale

WHO:        Andy Klindt
                 Remnant Blues Band
                 The Bruce Gregory Band

COST:        Free Will Offering
                 (To support Spirit Midwest Hand & Feet Local Outreach & Tijuana, Mexico Short-Term Missions)

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Hands & Feet Outreach a Great Success!

Post by Julie Barnes on Sat Oct 3rd, 2009

Things could not have gone any better for our Hands & Feet Outreach on October 3rd near 17th & Forest in Des Moines. Though the weather threatened rain throughout the day and the temperature barely reached 65 degrees, God's hand was evident as His people came together to work on the home of a single, unemployed woman in the inner city.

Sixteen people gathered from 9:00 AM-3:30 PM to replace broken windows, rotted soffit and fascia boards and a broken toilet as well as rehang gutters and repair the front door. It was amazing to see this hodgepodge of people, many of whom said they weren't sure they knew what they were doing, work as a team to produce a final product that was a sight to behold. I doubt that a crew of professional gutter installers could have done a better job on the fascias and gutters! The windows were also fantastic - as good a job as you would ever see. God's hand truly blessed as He gave each one the ability to do the work his or her hand was set to.

I'm sure we'll have another opportunity for you to join us in the future, so keep checking our website for details! You'll be as blessed as the recipient of our ministry AND you might even learn a new skill in the process!

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An Awesome Evening of Music & Fun!

Post by Julie Barnes on Fri Oct 2nd, 2009

What a way to start off our Jammin' Java season for 2009-2010! Andy & Kelly bring such beautiful harmoneis, acoustic guitars - and friends!!! Ricky Mathai was awesome with his vocal beat box and Jay sat in for some dual acoustic guitar work! With the rainy evening drizzling outside, the hot coffee hit the spot inside! Be sure to keep an eye on our event calendar so you don't miss a single night! Tomorrow we'll have Soul Harvest (formerly "The Bruce Gregory Band") who is sure to rock the house with their "New Era Christian Music" - a classic rock sound that appeals to all ages!

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