Julie

Happy 17th Birthday, Julie!

How I like to eat spaghetti: With a fork! :)

Something it seems everyone has done, except for me: Gotten roller coaster rides

Scariest moment of my life: A few years ago, we kids were on our way home from church. Dad and Mom were gone, so Marty was driving our van. It was in February, so the roads were kind of icy and there was snow along the highway. I was sitting in the second seat, and suddenly I felt the van start to slide! We were fishtailing and starting to slide toward a guardrail. I remember that the van went totally silent. Marty got the van under control and we slowed down. Our friend who was riding with us looked over and said, "Marty, do you need a break? You're totally white!" Thank God nothing worse happened! :)  

Dream job: Foreign correspondent

A favorite memory with the Team: The cd celebration pizza party

Something that makes me smile: Passionate and hospitable Christians

“And be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another 

even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

1940s Christmas Caroling

Have you ever seen the movie the Polar Express? Did you know Owosso, Michigan is the home of the steam locomotive used in the film? Every Christmas a nearby town is transformed into a 1940s style village, and this year the village of Ashley, Michigan has been selected. As part of the festival, the Shepardsville Team is scheduled to do some caroling on the street corner! This sounds like an event you won't want to miss. Step back in time, stroll around town, and enjoy a village country Christmas!

And that's not all. If you'd like, you can catch the train and take a ride on the Pere Marquette 1225 (the real "North Pole Express") train from Owosso to Ashley for the festival! Ticket information can be found here.

The festival runs every weekend through the Christmas season, and we get to sing two of those weekends!

Saturday, November 30th 5:00-7:00pm

Saturday, December 14th 5:00-7:00pm

New Beginnings

The Team is going through some changes! Our last concert we bid farewell to Rose, Julie and Lewis Bontrager for the winter. We're making adjustments in our repertoire, learning new parts, and trying to fill in wherever we can. But it's still not the same when Rose can't sing her song, we're missing Julie's harmony, and we don't have Lewis' amazing drum playing (not to mention the mandolin!).

But we have exciting news, too! Elena McCoy is now an official member. She already has been a great help filling in where needed. She is a fast learner, and is such a fun addition! 

We look forward to the great memories ahead! 

Bethany

Happy 22nd Birthday, Bethany!

(a day late... I posted it yesterday but somehow today it was missing. whoops!)

How I like to eat spaghetti: Topped with a ton of meat and cheese

Something it seems everyone has done, except for me: Got a passport

Scariest moment of my life: Hunkered down in the basement during a tornado

Dream job: Costume designer for historical and/or fantasy films.

A favorite memory with the Team: Recording at Nelson's; taking turns sitting in his chair.

Something that makes me smile: My boyfriend Joe!

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Lewis

Happy 15th Birthday, Lewis!

How I like to eat spaghetti:  With a fork

 

Something it seems everyone has done, except for me:  Got a drivers licence

 

Scariest moment of my life:  Riding the switch-back mountain “roads” in a bus in Guatemala

 

Dream job:  Professional musician/singer

 

A favorite memory with the Team:  The studio!

 

Something that makes me smile:  Pizza

 

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

A Sweet Treat

Yesterday we had our first concert at the Blue Moon Ice Cream Shop!

The weather was perfect, the audience made us smile, and the ice cream was delicious!

A huge thank you to the Blue Moon staff for having us!

Double Trouble

Music practice has had some new challenges this week! Both of our flute players came in on Tuesday all bandaged up. Rose broke her finger over the weekend, and Heather had a sprained ankle. 

Both are hanging in there just fine, and continue to smile and laugh through it all (their joy is contagious). 

So the show continues on, and only a few adjustments had to be made.

Rose figured out how to play her keyboard part without using her pinky!

Get well soon you two!

P.S. Best of both worlds! Come see the us in concert and enjoy some ice cream at the same time! 

This Saturday (August 31st). Music starts at 7:00.

Blue Moon Ice Cream Shop 

9448 E. M-21 Ovid, Michigan

They're here!

{trumpet call}

{crowd cheering}

The moment we've all been waiting for! The CDs have arrived and we are ready to ship orders!

Our new album, Too Much to Gain to Lose, includes in its thirteen tracks favorites that we've sung in the past, as well as some new songs that we know you will enjoy. You'll also get to hear a song written by one of our current team members! With all the vocal solos, instrumental breaks, photos.... Well, you'll just have to buy one to know just what all it contains!

To order, call Rebekah Derby (810)635-4056 or email shepardsvilleteam@gmail.com

Cost is $14 + $2.50 shipping.

Esther

Happy 22nd Birthday, Esther!

How I like to eat spaghetti: Chopsticks and slurp :-P

Something it seems everyone has done, except for me: Never been to Cedar Point (or any amusement park)

Scariest moment of my life: 

I was skiing the Rockies in Montana. After getting off the lift at the top of the mountain, I opted not to ski the first run I came across, because it was so steep I could hardly see where the trail started. So I went on to find one that looked more inviting. There it was! Not as steep, it looked like a smooth ride down. And was it ever! It was like what you see in the movies: Several feet deep of powder snow, with a dramatic spray behind you as you make your way down the hill. I felt as if I were living in a dream. And I had at least 2.5 miles until I got to the bottom. The next thing I knew, I had lost my footing somehow and landed in the deep snow. I was facing down, my legs were sprawled out on either side of my body, skis (still on) implanted in the snow, and my arms couldn't move. I was buried. As I worked to turn my head toward the top of the mountain I realized that I hadn't seen anyone in a while. And there were no tracks on account of there being so much snow. No clue how I was going to get out, I started praying. I had no idea what condition my body was going to be in when I could move again. Frozen, I thought it was the end of me. All of a sudden, someone appeared from nowhere, and asked if I needed help. I don't remember responding, but he took my skis off for me and helped me up. I thanked him, and he disappeared again. I never saw where he came from, where he went, or what he looked like. I'm sure it was an angel. I made it to the bottom of the hill, met up with my buddies, and finished out the skiing day with no broken bones! 

Dream job: I'd like to own a Bed & Breakfast as a ministry. Also I enjoy being a stage musician. I love being able to make music and tell people about Jesus!

A favorite memory (or thing to do) with the Team: When we all get to ride in the same vehicle!

Something that makes me smile: Random adventures and parties :) 

Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. 

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.

Psalm 73:25-28

Jason

Happy 18th Birthday, Jason!

How I like to eat spaghetti: With a fork

Something it seems everyone has done, except for me: Watched Monsters University

Scariest moment of my life: Scary dreams

Dream job: Working in the aviation industry

A favorite memory with the Team: Prayer time

Something that makes me smile: When someone smiles at me

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Psalm 91:1-2

Bright Colors!

For the theme night this year at Ola Camp, everyone came wearing bright colors. It was so much fun looking out at the audience all decked out in their colorful attire! We provided music that night, and included a number of songs featured on our new album (due to be released in August)!

If you have never experienced the Ola Camp meetings, we invite you to join us sometime!

I Go to the Rock!

Where do I go, when there's no one else to turn to?

Who do I talk to, when no one wants to listen; who do I lean on?

When there's no foundation stable, I go to the Rock, I know He's able! 

I go to the Rock!

Where do I go when the storms of life are threatening? 

Who do I turn to when the winds of sorrow blow, is there a refuge? 

In the time of tribulation, when my soul needs consolation 

I go to the Rock!

I go to the Rock of my salvation, I go to the stone that the builders rejected.

I run to the mountain, and the mountain stands by me!

The earth all around me is sinking sand; on Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand

When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock!

You can participate!

It's time for you, our blog readers, to help us out! 

Many of you have either seen our videos online, or else you've been to one of our concerts. 

Either way, we know you must have an opinion on music!

Here's what we want to know:

                           -What is your favorite song we've done in the past or are singing currently? 

                           -What did you like about it/them?

                           -Is there a song that you would like to hear from us in the future?

Leave us your comment below!

If you're not sure, come see us in concert at Henry and Ida's Gospel Barn tomorrow! (Sunday, June 2)

The music begins at 6:00 pm, and will feature several local bands throughout the evening, 

including a great selection by the Shepardsville Team. Bring a lawn chair and get ready for 

some foot-stompin' good times!

Rose

Happy 19th Birthday, Rose!

How I like to eat spaghetti: With my mouth

Something it seems everyone else has done, except for me: Think...think...oh, I got it! I still haven't seen "Cooking with Gas" 

Scariest moment of my life: It's hard to tell, but there is this one time that I fell off the back of the snowmobile my brother was driving. It happened in Wisconsin on a dark night. We were going very fast. We hit a big bump and I flew off! The snow was very crusty and extremely cold (snow usually is but when your face is in it, it's extra cold!) I remember hearing the snowmobile speed off into the darkness and feeling extremely numb. My brother turned around and helped me back onto the sled but I hardly remember the ride back to the house until I had to get off again. I still have a few scars on my face from the terrible scrapes I got; and I don't think my nose ever went down to it's normal size again! And did I mention that I wasn't wearing a helmet when I fell off? 

Dream job: Working with troubled girls 

A favorite thing to do with the Team: All night prayer meetings, jam sessions, and pizza nights! 

Something that makes me smile: Galloping horses; rainbows against a dark gray sky; vibrant sunsets; the sun breaking out through the trees in the morning....

The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; it's effect will be 

quietness and confidence forever. Isaiah 32:17

Photo shoot

Over the weekend we were able to get together for a photo shoot. It was a beautiful, warm, summery afternoon... perfect for spending it outdoors! Our graphic designers are excited to get started on the album artwork. By the way, as cool as this image looks, I picked a photo to post that would not show you what the cover might look like... you get to be surprised! Don't you just love the suspense? 

Vocals

Tomorrow we head back for another weekend at the studio- this time to record the vocals. 

This year we hardly had a practice where there wasn't someone with a cold or sore throat. We recognized this and prayed regularly for our vocal health leading up to the recording. We believe in a God who answers prayer! In the last few weeks we have been blessed to all be healthy! 

Would you join us in prayer that as we sing this weekend our voices would be pure and clear 

and that the message in each song would grip the hearts of those who hear it? Thank you!

At the studio - day 3

It's 11:30am and the musicians are getting ready to start recording our 11th song for the weekend! Everything is going really well, and we are so grateful for your prayers. Here are a few shots of what it looks like in the studio right now.

Tomorrow...

...is the day we head to the studio! 

We are all pumped and ready for the trip to Indiana for the weekend! We'll be laying down the instrumental tracks this time, and next weekend we plan on going back and recording the vocals.

Many thanks to Kezia for hanging out with us during practices along the way... 

she provided us with these great pictures to share!

Seth

Happy 19th Birthday, Seth!

How I like to eat spaghetti: Lots of meat and a fork

Something it seems everyone has done, except for me: Get married

Scariest moment of my life: 

I can think of two right now. The first was when my sister-in-law to be told me I had to wear a pink tie to her wedding. The second took place while horseback riding in Montana; My horse started running down a steep slope and jumped over a small drop-off. I lost my balance and flew over its neck. Everything went black and the next thing I knew the horse was jumping right over me. Then everything went black again. The part that I don't get is my foot was caught in the stirrup. I can't figure out how I could fly over the neck and get jumped with it caught. Anyway, it could have been worse... ten feet after I came to a stop there was a 20 foot cliff. Fun times! Now you know why I love to ride horses!

Dream job: Cop or Career Firefighter

A favorite memory with the Team: Love sitting around talking and eating pizza with the Team!

Something that makes me smile: My awesome friends and a good pun

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let 
us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, 
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes 
on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him 
endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand 
of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-3

Fun times

Greetings from us! As you can see we like to have fun, even when we're practicing! Some of us decided to wear bright colors to practice one day... but... we forgot to take pictures! That evening Jason suggested having a Sunglass Saturday the following week. What fun! Everyone came wearing shades. 

Practice

A peek into our life would reveal this! We get together twice a week to practice, pray, and discuss our album-in-the-making. Throughout each evening we stand in awe of God's amazing work. Everything is coming together really well and we're excited for the weeks to come!

We would appreciate your prayers as we head to the studio next month. Our desire is that God be honored through every part of this project, and that each copy that goes out would be a blessing to all who hear it. May it draw them close to Christ!

Wedding Bells

Levi and Joann Hebert. It's official! Last Sunday was the big day, when they began their lifelong honeymoon! I don't think this photo shows you enough how happy they were!

Though working behind-the-scenes kept us on our toes, it was a very relaxed wedding, and 

we all enjoyed each other's company... not to mention the great food. :)

Congratulations to the new couple! 

You can find a preview of the photos on the photographer's facebook site:

Facebook: GraceSauvePhotography

Now booking!!

See this fun bunch?

They are practicing and preparing for an exciting new season! 

Maybe you would consider having them sing at your church or event? Pray about it! 

 I hear this year's list includes a sneak preview of a couple songs that will be on their next album.
What an opportunity to hold you over until the CD is released! 

For bookings, call Jason (989) 834-1540

Rebekah

Happy 20th Birthday, Rebekah!

How I like to eat spaghetti: I'd like to eat it neatly, but, unfortunately, that never happens

Something it seems everyone has done, except for me: Gone hunting and shot something

Scariest moment of my life: When I was parasailing; I was getting reeled in, only it looked like I was going to miss the platform and end up in the middle of Lake Huron. Sure enough, I went in, only to come right back out as the boat sped up. I found out afterward it was a joke. (A heart stopping one!)

Dream job: Home Birth Midwife

A favorite memory with the Team: Ola Camp! Revival meetings, all-night prayer meetings, volleyball games, music; that place is full of memories with the Team!

Something that makes me smile: Seeing God working in people's lives

You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; 

In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11

Heather

Happy 23rd Birthday, Heather!

How I like to eat spaghetti: Carefully

Something it seems everyone has done, except for me: Gone skiing

Scariest moment of my life (I was sure I was going to die): When I was swimming against the current in Lake Michigan

Dream job:  Fluent Spanish-speaker

A favorite memory with the Team: When the church we were rehearsing at ran out of TP and we had to steal it from a neighbor's tree

Something that makes me smile: My friends

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

- - -

Meet the newest member of the team! She has been singing with us since November. This winter is a demanding time for all of us, but it didn't take long to discover Heather is a willing and dedicated learner.