Watt Gram
a measure of Salt & Light...

Recent Releases...

We are in the process of testing the market and logistics of offering some of our most popular pieces as downloadable videos!  For the upcoming holidays, Memorial Day, Graduation and Father's Day, we've selected Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb, This Day and Longer We've included both the performance and teaching clips for each one for only $5 each!  Order yours today!

Jeff's new children's Christmas music, The Lone Manger, is the story of Woody, the manger of the nativity, and the inanimate props that surround the telling of a traditional children's Christmas play.  The story of Christmas has grown old and the props are fighting the feeling that their best days of telling the Christmas story are behind them.  When the manger is inadvertently stored with the Easter props for the season, he meets the cross who tells him everything that happens after Christmas.  Feeling so terribly betrayed, Woody decides to leave the ensemble.  The rest of the cast is devastated and tries to convince Woody to stay by sharing their personal stories of Christmas.  But the plan backfires and Woody spills the horrible truth about the Crucifixion.  When all seems lost, the hills of Judea bursts forth with a revelation she didn't even know she had:  Jesus is alive!  The Lone Manger is a play about the importance of community and the need to share the story of how Christmas changed us all forever! 

The play includes 12 new songs by Jeff Smith to include "You've Got to Learn to be Content", "One", "Glitter Like Gold" and "The Last Thing He Wanted to Do".  This resource along with the Split-Trax CD to The Lone Manger is everything you'll need to stage the rousing production.  Remember...before they can experience the miracle of Easter, someone must tell them the mystery of Christmas.    The Digital Resource Kit includes the full-length performance DVD, the production DVD with teaching on costuming, props and choreography, CD-ROM with Production notes, Director's and Technical Scripts, Administrative support, costuming support, sheet music and lyric sheets as well as the Split-Trax CD for only $199!  Or order a listening CD for just $5!

VII Series Moving Pictures Training DVD Our newest training DVD is part of the VII Series and is called "Moving Pictures".  If you've ever seen our crowd favorite, "The Feeding of the 5,000", you're familiar with this storytelling convention.  We've taken the general idea here and expanded it to include sign language, exercise balls, various rhythm instruments and other crazy and innovative techniques.  Stories include: Daniel and the Lion's Den, Jonah, Creation, Feeding of the 5,000, the Miracle at Cana, the Names of God, and the dynamic new "Prayer for the Nations."  Watch the video clip!  The package includes a DVD and CD-ROM for just $30. 

VII Series Tableau Training DVD Tableaus, or ‘staged pictures’ are a simple but very effective art form that are very useful to creative ministry teams. Anyone can do them and our ideas will make you look like professionals! It’s a great tool for movement ministry teams, puppet teams, youth groups, or children’s ministry events. Our “stories” for this project are seven parables in the Bible: The Good Samaritan; The Unmerciful Servant; The Rich Man and Lazarus; The Seed and the Sower; The Parable of the Talents: Two Parables about Being Lost; and The Prodigal Son. This training resource includes a DVD with performance and training, and CD of the narrated stories set to appropriate musical underscore for only $30! You’ll love the conventions we use to change scenes!!!  Watch the video clip!

Order both the Moving Pictures and Tableau DVDs and save $10!!!  Use VIIDSC code to receive $10 off your order!

Movement Conference

We were so pleased with our winter movement ministry conference that we’ve decided to take the show on the road!  Make plans to join us on July 16-17 for "Happy Feet III" in Maugansville, MD at Maugansville Brethren Church.  This annual Movement Ministry Conference is for leaders of movement ministry teams and team training.  It is a hands-on, highly interactive conference format that focuses on the creative process of choreography.  We’re excited to announce Dicey Higgins as our faculty for lyrical/ballet, and Lana Morgan as our faculty for dramatic expression.  For more info on our faculty, check out our Conference StaffThis year’s conference theme, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On” is taken from Hebrews 12: 26-30.  These verses provide a perfect framework for our seminars and labs.

The cost for the conference is $45 for individuals and groups of 4 or less.  Registration for groups of 5 or more is $40.  Your registration includes all labs, seminars and lunch on Saturday. The conference begins at 7pm on Friday evening and concludes at 4:45pm on Saturday.  Click for a more detailed Conference Schedule.   Register for the conference!

Seasonal Selections

Training DVDs and Video Resources

Signs 4 Hymn - Four new pieces incorporating sign art into choreography using hymns.  The collection is a contemporary sound of three traditional hymns and movement to one modern-day hymn.  Song selections include “How Great Thou Art” by Matthew Ward from Second Chapter of Acts; “Amazing Grace” by Avalon; “Total Praise” by Avalon; and the modern day hymn “In Christ Alone” (staged for use as an excellent Easter piece) written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend and performed by Avalon.  This resource is a great way to introduce simple movement ideas into a traditional church setting using always-popular hymns.  The video uses college age students in performance but the choreography is suitable for middle school and above.  DVD $20.

Fish Stix "Fish Stix" is a follow up to our widely successful "TWIGS" DVD. The pieces are choreographed using middle school-age students, but the choreography is dynamic and dramatic and should not be limited to that age group. Songs include two Christmas pieces, "Breath of Heaven" (or perfect for Easter also!) and "Christmas Eve in Sarajevo 12/24." "Just Like He Said" is a Carman song for Easter with a fun, upbeat Latino beat. The last song, "Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns" is a dramatic call to walk on water. DVD $20

Twigs These four pieces are choreographed for kids through six (although older groups will appreciate the simple but stunning choreography too!) and covers selected days in the church calendar year for special programming. "One King" by Point of Grace (Christmas); "Do I Do" by Carman (VBS); "Longer" ("Mother's Day or Father's Day) performed by Jeff Smith (Father's Day/Mother's Day); "The Tale of the Three Trees" recorded by Jeff Smith (Easter). DVD $20

 Dowel 9-1-1 and Fingers & Fabrics Our most popular two "beginner" videos now available on DVD! Dowel 9-1-1 features the God Rod choreography to "Arise My Love" (our most popular Easter piece), "This Day" (Mother's Day, Father's Day or Graduation), "He Is" and "Lord of the Dance". Fingers & Fabrics features sign language/hand gesture choreography to "How Beautiful" and Awesome God and the fabric/streamer choreography to "Ashton" and "Give It Away" (Mother's Day or Father's Day). A great new menu and navigation system to let you move between performances, Information and training. Two great videos on one DVD for a reduced price of $30.00!  DVD

Rod's 'n' Ends This addition to the “Movement for Non-Movers” series includes six pieces choreographed specifically for Easter! This project includes two pieces from previous videos (“This Blood” by Carman and “Arise” by Luke Garrett) as well as four new pieces “Thief” by Third Day, “He Holds the Keys” by Steve Green, an updated version of “Still Her Little Child” by Ray Boltz and “Lazarus Come Forth" by Carman.  DVD $25

Missions in Motion – Our first bi-lingual video!  All four songs are presented English on the video but also available in Spanish by the same artist!  “Lion and the Lamb” by Crystal Lewis depicts the poignant scenes of Jesus’ life beginning with His birth and ending with a dramatic portrayal of His resurrection using capes as curtains.  A unique perspective of the crucifixion is presented in the song “Via Dolorosa” by Sandi Patti using tableau and mime.  How about an interpretation of Jaci Velasquez’ “Flower in the Rain” using body sacks?  Wow!  Lastly, our leap of faith into the 21st century is the use of “Hip-Hop” to interpret “It’s Real” by the Katinas. VHS only $20

The RODfather"We have rods and we are not afraid to use them."  This video is all God Rods with choreography to "Concert of the Age" by Phillips, Craig and Dean, "Arise" by Luke Garrett, and "Untitled Hymn" by Chris Rice (sung by Jeff Smith).  The fourth piece, entitled the Web, is a stunning work that speaks, in part, to the phenomenon of the God Rods and the song "Arise My Love", our very first work recorded by Newsong.  A great resource for any group that wants to add to their movement repertoire.  DVD $20

Sign Up - A compilation of the best we have to offer in sign language and hand gestures from previous training videos to include "4Mations 4Missions", "Hands Up", and "Stick Up". These four songs and the accompanying choreographies are timeless. "Speechless" by Steven Curtis Chapman, "Testify to Love" by Avalon, "Shout to the Lord" by Darlene Zschech, and "Shine on Us" (National Day of Prayer) by Phillips, Craig and Dean. VHS Only $20

Children's Resources!

"The Lord’s Prayer"  This is the first creative pageant developed for our VII series.  The DVD includes seven creative art forms brought together by a story arc that serves as a framing device for a creative pageant.  In the story, a teenage girl faces a moral dilemma and offers up a ‘flair prayer’ for help in the form of the Lord’s Prayer.  She is shocked when God answers.  The ensuing conversation that she has with the God voice teaches her more about God’s design for relationship and serves as a model for worship.  Creative arts elements include God rods, rhythm movement, signing, banners and fabrics, storytelling, and more.  This is a great resource for a creative arts camp, special event programming in the life of the church, or substitute for a Sunday morning worship service.  Companion products include a CD-ROM of the script and CD of some of the music used in the performance.

The Pirates of the "I Don't Care"-ibbean - Jeff Smith's new children's musical, Pirates of the "I Don't Care"-ibbean, is sure to be a big hit with kids! Creator Jeff Smith wants kids to learn that, "You are not created to be on a deserted island, guarding someone else's treasure. Your real treasure is in heaven, not on earth. Avarice is a tool of the enemy to keep you from becoming all God created you to be on earth. In the story, Andy exposes the lies of the evil captain and helps the pirates assume their rightful place on the sea."

Missing Body of ChristThis kid's creative arts camp, "The Missing Body of Christ", has a "Spy-Kids' themed program on the 'body of Christ'. The program teaches children the importance of using their gifts according to God's plan for the church and culminates in a a creative arts pageant for the community. Kids rotate through classes in creative arts, curriculum, and a choral element. Opening and closing assemblies are high energy explosions of original worship music, episodic dramas, and fun-filled games!  For packaging information, click Missing Body of Christ!

Knights of the Lord's Table This complete five-day, medieval-themed curriculum on CD-ROM focuses on the armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-17 and four virtues: forgiveness, loyalty, courage and honesty. The curriculum includes interactive storytelling ideas, object lessons, activity sheets, crafts, renaissance activities and an incredible dramatic play (presented in episodes throughout the week) that culminates in a wonderful opportunity to share the plan of God's salvation! The fifth day combines all the elements of the week into a fabulous and fun Renaissance Faire event for the entire family! $99  Call the office for a Demo CD-ROM at 804-748-9440 or email at info@saltandlightmin.org!

Downloadable Scripts!

In the Garden - Dramatic Sketch for Easter.  The text for this dramatic piece using single words to convey the context of the events from Jesus in Gethsemene to his confrontation with Caiaphas. Spoken words are synchronized to music and staged in tableau. Powerful! (Ensemble)

Resurrection - Dramatic Reader's Theatre for Easter.  An "un-staged" reading of a portion of Jesus' passion as recounted in the book of Matthew using the audience to bring dramatic text to life. No rehearsal. No costume. No lighting. VERY effective.

Jerusalem Confidential - Dramatic Monologue for Easter - also available in "Uno".  Something mysterious is afoot in Jerusalem as Passover approaches. Makes you wonder who-knows-what? Peter goes undercover to find the mystery in the mystery. A"who-done-it" about the events leading up to the Last Supper.

Judas - Dramatic Monologue for Easter - also available in "Uno".   What was Judas thinking? Here's one take on the complex character and tormented spirit that betrayed a friend.

Mary Magdalene - Dramatic Monologue - also in "Water from the Well".  She was the first to share the Gospel "He is risen." Hear her thrilling testimony again.

A Coal Miner's Daughter - Dramatic Monologue for Easter - also available in "Water from the Well". Can anything good come out of Hazard, Kentucky? It's as unlikely a place as any to find a man with a plan to change the world. (Through the eyes of the woman who stood behind him.)

Lazarus - Comedic Monologue for Easter.  Lazarus has to go undercover after Jesus crucifixion.  But the Groucho Marx get-up has got to go!

Ruth: Rags to Riches Dramatic Monologue.  A monologue that uses a simple prop, a shawl or piece of cloth, to tell the story of Ruth’s rise to prominence in the biblical line.  Excellent for Mother's Day.

Laws of the Father - Comedic Monologue - also available in "Uno".  Leviticus was never this fun! These laws are not written in stone, but the were made by our fathers to never be broken. A monologue about Godly living...rooms. Excellent for Father's day.

GOD-iva Chocolates - Dramatic Monologue - also available in "Water from the Well".   If life is like a box of chocolates, choose the best. This wonderful monologue (based on a true story) examines the life made richer by right choices using Godiva chocolates as a through line. So many props, so little time!  Excellent for Father's day.

Easter Collection - The framework for this collection includes monologues as well as suggested movement pieces from our 'Movement for Non-Movers' series to give you an opportunity to incorporate kids, youth and adults in your service. This "Easter Bundle" includes 7 dramatic pieces, our ever popular "Resurrection Narrative", and a framing device (mostly Scripture Narrative) to incorporate this material into a Passion presentation. Dramatic pieces in the bundle include Resurrection, Judas, Mary of Magdela, Lazarus, Jerusalem Confidential, In the Garden and Coal Miner's Daughter.

 

Opportunity Openings for 2010

Ministry Opportunities - Jeff is looking to fill up some weekend dates for the coming year with some ministry opportunities in the following locations OR surrounding areas:

May 29, 30:   Open
Jun 6 :   Raleigh, NC
Jun 20 : Ft Myers, FL
Aug 8 :    NC/SC
Aug 14, 15:   Open
Aug 28, 29:   Open

Sep 24, 25:  Open

It isn’t too soon to consider booking dates for next year.  Our calendar is filling up, so if you’re thinking of adding a little ‘salt and light’ to your calendar of events next year, call us soon!

Jeff and Melissa