Short Stuff

Mennonite Central Committee Ontario has released a recording featuring a live performance of story teller Jack Dueck's "Mysteries of Grace and Judgment", described as a journey of story, poetry and song reflecting on the Mennonite experience in Russia, including the founding of MCC. The program featured the Sojourn Singers with George and Esther Wiebe, conductor and composer/pianist, Jack Dueck--story teller, and narrators. All proceeds of the sale of the recording go to MCC refugee work. Contact MCC Ontario, 50 Kent St., Kitchener, ON, N2G 3R1; Phone 1-800-313-6226.--
MCC Ontario

Christian rock band Jars of Clay dropped the mainstream alternative rock band The Samples from its fall tour schedule because of problems with the opening act's behaviour on stage. "Contractually, The Samples were informed that there would be no profanity from the stage and no alcohol or drugs allowed backstage or during a performance," said Rendy Lovelady of Jars of Clay. Despite the contract, members of The Samples began using what Lovelady described as "vile" language from stage, and were unwilling to honour their agreement. The Samples have been replaced on the tour by Matchbox 20.--
Evangelical Press News Service

Gaylord Entertainment Company and Thomas Nelson Inc. announced Nov. 21 that Gaylord has signed an agreement to purchase the Nashville-based Word Records and Music from Thomas Nelson. The $110 million sale is expected to be finalized in early 1997. Word Records and Music includes nine record labels with such artists as Amy Grant, Sandi Patty, Point of Grace and Petra. Gaylord owns the 24-hour-a-day Christian music video cable network Z Music Television and the Grand Ole Opry.--
EPNS

After a local video rental store defaulted on its lease for space in the Trailwood Shopping Center in Grand Prairie, Tex., Woodcrest Management Company, which owns the mall, received the inventory of the store as part of the court settlement. Managers said they were surprised to learn that the space they leased out as a neighbourhood video store had 2,500 pornographic videos in stock. Instead of selling the tapes to recover some of its losses, Jim Ryffel, president of Woodcrest, drove a one-ton steamroller over the videos. Ryffel urged cities to enforce zoning codes to keep pornography out of neighbourhoods. After the videos were destroyed, a local disposal company and landfill took the material, waiving their normal fee.--
EPNS

Return to the M.B.Herald Vol. 35, No. 24 Home Page