HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED “WHAT IF?”
BIG IDEA ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE A “MEANINGFUL” NEW VEGGIETALES® DVD AVAILABLE JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON
VeggieTales®: It’s a Meaningful Life DVD Teaches A Valuable Lesson in Being Content
Original Song Written and Performed by Sparrow Records Multi-GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning Artist Steven Curtis Chapman; Daughter Stevey Joy featured as voice of “Emma the Rhubarb”
Big Idea Entertainment, the leading faith-based studio and producer of children’s and family programming, characters and brands, announced today they will release an all new VeggieTales® adventure, VeggieTales®: It’s a Meaningful Life, October 2 and October 5, 2010 in Christian and general market stores respectively. This fun and inspiring story of wonder shares valuable lessons in understanding one’s worth and importance, and in being content with what one already has rather than seeking out what others possess.
VeggieTales: It’s a Meaningful Life includes an original new song from multi-GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning artist Steven Curtis Chapman entitled “Meant To Be,” a brand new Silly Song called “Goodnight Junior,” and other family friendly bonus features. The It’s a Meaningful Life launch is supported by a comprehensive marketing and advertising campaign with licensing and promotional partners such as, Burger King®, McDonald’s®, Chuck E. Cheese’s®, Denny's®, KFC®, Gymboree®, Gund®, American Greetings®, Show Hope, Family Life and more.
“We’re very excited to share It’s a Meaningful Life with VeggieTales fans and families everywhere,” said Greg Fritz, SVP of Sales & Marketing at Big Idea Entertainment. “This episode is based on Jeremiah 29:11 which says, ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ So many of us often wonder what our lives would be like if we had all we ever dreamed of. This title takes parents and children on a journey that explores how we can be content in the plans that God has for our lives – and helps us discover the beauty of how our lives affect those around us.”
Inspired by the It’s A Meaningful Life story, Steven Curtis Chapman notes, “The song is really shaped around, what I want to say, especially to children that wonder, ‘does my life have any meaning?’ To be able to say as I have said to so many orphans in China or even to my own children, ‘you are special, and you are meant to be because God has put us here.”
DVD Synopsis
It was the biggest football game of his life and Stewart (Larry the Cucumber) had a chance to win it all. Injured in one bad play, his hopes of playing in the Salad Bowl – and living a life of fame and fortune – are dashed forever. Years later, silly-but-sweet Stewart loves his family, friends and job at the toy train factory, but still wonders “what if” things had been different. When he meets a mysterious train conductor who can turn back time, Stewart gets a chance to have the life he always wanted. Will he finally find all he’s been looking for? And what does this mean for those he loves most? Find out in this story of wonder that’s a lesson in being content.
Bonus Features:
Directors’ Audio Commentary
Art Gallery
Parents Guide presented by Family Life
“Goodnight Junior” Silly Songs Sing-Along
Visit a Train Museum with Larry
Behind The Music of It’s a Meaningful Life—An Interview with Steven Curtis Chapman
“Meant To Be” Music Video
Show Hope®, an orphan care and adoption aid organization founded by Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth, will promote It’s a Meaningful Life. Big Idea is partnering with Show Hope in order to raise awareness about opportunities to care for orphans and to help provide more orphan children with forever families through Show Hope’s Adoption Aid program that awards financial grants to families seeking to adopt. More information can be found at www.showhope.org. Both Steven and his second adopted daughter, Stevey Joy, have participated in the DVD production through online videos, advertising banners, print campaigns, church outreach and other marketing efforts. Stevey Joy plays the voice of the character “Emma the Rhubarb” in It’s a Meaningful Life.
Show Hope Presents Steven Curtis Chapman and Family's Extraordinary Tour
"A Night with the Chapmans" To Hit U.S. Cities This Fall
Show Hope presents Steven Curtis Chapman and his family embarking on a new journey together this fall as they venture out on a “A Night with the Chapmans.” The special family affair kicks off September 10 in Lancaster, PA and will hit 34 cities before ending on November 21 in Baltimore, MD.
The night of music and hope with the multi-platinum selling and award-winning artist will feature some of his most memorable hits from his two decades plus career. Songs to expect include “Live Out Loud,” “Cinderella” and many more of his extensive catalog loved by all. Chapman will also bring back by popular demand his request time where attendees can ask that their song be added to the set via www.StevenCurtisChapman.com.
"We've prayed for months that each evening of this tour be an opportunity to ponder important things, and to celebrate the hope we have in Jesus, the great hope I'm so thankful continues to carry us all," comments Chapman.
As part of this very special season, Mary Beth Chapman will join her husband for the first time ever on the tour. “There are three things I told God I would never ever do: homeschool, adopt, and speak in public,” she says. “Well, we've already homeschooled, you know we've adopted, and now this fall I'll be on stage speaking at Steven's concerts." With a smile Mary Beth adds, "now I'm telling God I will not go to Hawaii for three months."
Mary Beth will share her journey as reflected in her inaugural book, Choosing To See, available this September and co-written with Ellen Vaughn. Discussing her courtship and marriage to Chapman, struggles for emotional balance, and living with grief, she will open up about how she has wrestled with God even as she has allowed him to write her story--both during times of happiness and those of tragedy. Mary Beth's transparent style will surprise audiences with the depth of her faith struggle and her hilarious sense of humor. Mary Beth and Steven will also proudly introduce audiences to the band Caleb, a new band featuring their sons Caleb and Will Franklin.
Show Hope, the title sponsor of the tour, is a ministry founded by the Chapmans that enables individuals and communities to change the world for orphans by not only addressing a child's need for food, shelter, care, and spiritual nourishment, but by also addressing the root issue for an orphan: the lack of a family.
In other Chapman news, the title track from his current album Beauty Will Rise is now impacting radio. Beauty Will Rise, released last winter, is a collection of 12 compelling and profound songs created during the walk through the darkness of the loss of Chapman's daughter Maria and while God continued to meet him there on the journey. Part lament, part praise, part grief, part hope, part wrestling, part pondering; these tracks resonate as Chapman's personal Psalms. It is a desperately hopeful, raw, personal, and honest recording that is likely the most important of his already incredible 20 plus year ministry.
For more information on Chapman, the tour and a full list of dates, please visit www.StevenCurtisChapman.com, twitter.com/StevenCurtis, or www.facebook.com/stevencurtischapman.
MARY BETH CHAPMAN SHARES HER STORY WITH Choosing To SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope
AVAILABLE THIS SEPTEMBER FROM REVELL;
Mary Beth Chapman To Speak On The Book As She Joins Husband Steven On Women of Faith Conferences And 'A Night With The Chapmans' Fall Tour
Sharing her personal story for the first time, Mary Beth Chapman, wife of award-winning recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman, has written the book Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope (ISBN: 978-0-8007-1991-3, $21.99, Revell). The book, which will hit shelves this September, was co-authored by Ellen Vaughn, a New York Times bestselling author and inspirational speaker.
In Choosing to SEE, Chapman bares her heart and soul as she shares honestly about her personal journey - from her childhood, to challenges of married life, to the sudden and tragic loss of a daughter. Choosing to SEE follows her lifelong wrestling match with God, questioning why the life she had planned so carefully doesn't seem to match to the plan that God has mapped out for her. The book also explores Mary Beth Chapman's relationship with God i n the face of the unexpected, and in the pain of such a brutal loss. Throughout the pages, Chapman tackles these questions with grace, grit, insight, and most of all, hope.
"I have cried so many tears mixed with the sadness of missing Maria and the joy of remembering her!" Chapman writes. "I think when those tears get all mixed up together and fall, it has to water the dry places of our hearts and begin to slowly heal us..."
Mary Beth Chapman will be speaking at 12 upcoming Women of Faith conferences this year, as well as on the "A Night With the Chapman's" concert tour scheduled for this fall. She is represented by Creative Trust Literary Group located in Nashville, Tennessee.
For the most updated conference and tour dates, for more information on her blogging and how to connect with her over Facebook and Twitter, please visit:
ABOUT MARY BETH CHAPMAN
Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman have been married for 25 years and have six children: Emily (24), Caleb (20), Will Franklin (19), and Shaohannah Hope (10), Stevey Joy (7), and Maria Sue, who is now with Jesus. In 2001, the couple began an adoption ministry, Show Hope, which began as an assistance to families in the process of adoption, particularly by helping tear down the financial barrier that prevents many from bringing an adopted child into their home. To date, Show Hope is now an internationally recognized voice for orphan advocacy and has given over 2,300 financial grants, affecting the lives of children from 45 different countries, including the U.S. In addition to giving financial grants, Show Hope empowers families, churches and communities with adoption and orphan care resources and advocacy efforts. Mary Beth currently serves as the president of Show Hope (ShowHope.org). Along with her husband, she has also co-authored three books for their Shaoey and Dot children's series, and she continues to write a compelling blog found on her website. The family resides in middle Tennessee.
ABOUT ELLEN VAUGHN
Ellen Vaughn is a New York Times bestselling author and inspirational speaker. Her recent books include It's All About Him, which debuted at #1 on the New York Times nonfiction list. In addition to her nonfiction work, Vaughn is an award-winning novelist. Vaughn and her husband Lee live in the Washington, DC area.
# # #
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. Revell publishes resources from a variety of well-known authors and has established publishing partnerships with M.O.P.S. (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.
Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers. Founded in 1939, today Baker Publishing Group is composed of six divisions, each reflecting a unique segment of Christian publishing. These divisions are Bethany House Publishers, Revell, Baker Books, Baker Academic, Chosen Books, and Brazos Press. Baker Publishing Group is also the exclusive publisher of God's Word® Translation (GW). Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Baker Publishing Group is one of the world's largest publishers of Christian books. For more information, please visit www.bakerpublishinggroup.com.
MaryBethChapman.com launches, Next Week Begins Press Interviews for MBC's Book
Steven is headed to Little Rock next week with Mary Beth Chapman for interviews surrounding her new book’s fall release. CHOOSING TO SEE will arrive in stores in September and next Wednesday the couple will record with Dennis Rainey for a future airing on the Family Life broadcast. Steven and Mary Beth will also tape with the 700 Club next week.
Meanwhile, MaryBethChapman.com has launched, and Steven makes a special (and goofy) appearance. Head on over.
A Review Of The Cinderella Concert
By: Jeffrey Ellis
What with all the star power of the assembled cast - featuring such theatre luminaries as Heather Headley, Alli Mauzey, Jodi Benson and Anthony Fedorov - it should come as something of a surprise that showHOPE's concert version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella was very nearly stolen out from under them by some homegrown Nashville talent. No matter how you look at it, Cinderella was a completely magical and enchanting success, but had it not been for Nashville's very own Nan Gurley, Bonnie Keen and Carolyn German as Cinderella's nefarious stepfamily, the show wouldn't have been anywhere near as good as it actually was.
Produced by Steven Curtis Chapman to benefit the worldwide charity founded by him and his wife, Mary Beth, to help adoptive families overcome the many obstacles with which they are confronted, Cinderella: Enchanted Edition featured the talented musicians of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Stephen Kummer. Designed and directed by Matt Logan, one of the co-founders of Studio Tenn (a relatively new professional company on the Music City theatre scene), the opulent and sumptuous staging for Cinderella underscored the magical, mesmerizing and time-honored tale of the orphaned girl who searches for happiness, love and the realization of her lifelong dreams.
Logan's artistic vision was evident throughout the concert (which featured the cast off-book, performing the songs beautifully, with choreography, costumes and minimal scenery - augmented by some wonderfully evocative videos to set the scene) and his sheer chutzpah in bringing such a star-studded cast together to bring the musical to life is laudable and, clearly, it raises the bar higher for Nashville theatre. With such a fertile imagination and the ability to deliver the goods, as it were, Logan's future productions for Studio Tenn - which debuted with its sold-out production of Our Town last fall - will be eagerly anticipated.
By bringing together their stellar cast, Logan and Chapman deserve all the accolades that can possibly be heaped upon them, but those local cast members truly exemplify the wealth of talent to be found in Nashville. Our city is home to much creativity and tremendous talent and Cinderella showcased that to great effect.
Mauzey, perhaps best known to theatre audiences for her critically acclaimed turn in Cry-Baby on Broadway in 2008, brought her trademark verve and spark to Cinderella, giving the character a definitely more spirited reading than we've seen before. Her glorious voice was on display most vividly on "In My Own Little Corner" and in her lush duets with Anthony Fedorov's Prince Christopher on "The Sweetest Sounds," "Ten Minutes Ago" and "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful?", which was quite possibly the evening's musical highlight. Mauzey also showed her theatrical mettle during one slip-up by the otherwise completely appealing Fedorov, when she helped recover his dropped lines and set the stage for the always-hilarious "Stepsisters' Lament," performed with vigorous aplomb and complete assurance by Keen and German.
Although she seemed somewhat disengaged in her performance as The Fairy Godmother, Heather Headley nonetheless sang with exceptional range and fiery emotion. Headley's performance of "There's Music In You," the show's finale, was extraordinarily beautiful. Cast as Queen Constantina and King Maximillian, Jodi Benson and Bebe Winans were delightfully droll and in perfect sync with each other on "Boys and Girls Like You and Me" and their scripted moments were amusing and on-target.
Another Broadway veteran - and one of Nashville's own - Jake Speck was particularly charming as Lionel, the Prince's steward, and displayed his ample range and superb comic timing throughout the evening, particularly in his verbal sparring with Cinderella's stepmother, expertly and connivingly brought to life by the inimitable Nan Gurley.
With a sizable onstage ensemble and an offstage chorus that featured some of Nashville's most capable theatrical names (including Jeff Boyet, Mike Baum, Ashley McCarthy, Ciaran McCarthy, Will Sevier, Aleta Myles, Laurie Gregoire, Shelean Newman, Samuel Whited, Garris Wimmer and Sloan Yarbrough), Cinderella: Enchanted Edition boasted an overabundance of talents that ensured its success with audience members.
Stephen Kummer's impeccable and confident direction of the Nashville Symphony presented the lush Rodgers and Hammerstein score in a truly spectacular way that only a full symphony orchestra can achieve.
At the conclusion of the musical, after Cinderella and her prince were wed, after the rousing curtain calls and the long-lasting applause, Stephen Curtis Chapman and his band, which includes two of his sons, came onstage to sing two songs, one of which is aptly entitled "Cinderella" and was inspired by his three young daughters' devotion to the Rodgers and Hammerstein version. Suffice it to say, Chapman's heartfelt performance ended the evening in a lovely and fitting way, as it paid tribute to the Chapmans' daughter, Maria Joy, who died tragically two years ago. If anything could have ended the evening more movingly, it could hardly be imagined - and seeing how moved the assembled cast was at the end of the evening, it only undescored how truly enchanting and absolutely magical the evening was.
- Cinderella. Music by Richard Rodgers. Book and Lyrics by Ocar Hammerstein II. Adapted for the stage by Tom Briggs, from the teleplay by Robert L. Freedman. Directed and designed by Matt Logan. Produced by Steven Curtis Chapman and Charley Redmond. Music direction by Stephen Kummer. Choreographed by Ashley McCarthy. Friday, May 14. At Allen Arena, David Lipscomb University, Nashville.
Steven Shows You Behind The Scenes Of Cinderella
This Friday, May 14th is show HOPE's presentation of Cinderella. Everyone is hard at work preparing for this ONE TIME ONLY performaance. If you haven't heard we have a great deal going on tickets, only $30! We hope to see all of you that night. It is going to be a spectacular evening you won't want to miss!
To see Steven's behind the scenes video, check out his blog here.
VENUE CHANGE For Cinderella Perfomance
Due To This Past Weekend's Severe Flooding, Show Hope's "Cinderella" In Concert To Be Held Friday, May 14th
Has Been Moved From The Schermerhorn Symphony Center To Allen Arena At Lipscomb University. Special $30 tickets Are Now Available!
SHOW HOPE'S SPRING CELEBRATION PRESENTS
Rodgers And Hammerstein's
"Cinderella"
In Concert
Friday, May 14th, 7pm
Now At Lipscomb University's Allen Arena
This SHOW HOPE Spring Celebration Honors The Life
Of Maria Sue Chapman
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nashville, TN - May 5, 2010 - show HOPE founders Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman have dreamed for several years now to put together a major entertainment event for the Nashville community. They want to give back to this supporting community as well as to serve as a platform to celebrate and illuminate the mission of show HOPE, their adoption and orphan care organization. Their dream will soon become a realit y on Friday, May 14th as show HOPE will present a unique concert production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s "Cinderella." With colorful costumes, a bit of dancing and a good measure of magic, the set will be Lipscomb University's Allen Arena and the music will be performed by the Nashville Symphony. The performance was originally scheduled to take place at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, but due to the severe flooding in middle Tennessee, which affected the Schermerhorn and other buildings in downtown Nashville, the concert was moved to Allen Arena.
Friday, May 14th at 7:00 pm
Lipscomb University's Allen Arena
3901 Granny White Pike
Nashville, TN 37204
Special $30 tickets are now available at the Allen Arena box office
or by calling 615-966-7075.
Please note that all previously sold or comped tickets
will be honored at Allen Arena.
For more information go to showHope.org.
Notice: Additional box office handling fees and charges may apply to ticket purchases. Castings are subject to change.
This not-to-be missed show HOPE Spring Celebration of "Cinderella" is being produced by Steven Curtis Chapman with direction and design by Matt Logan. Choreography is by Ashley McCarthy and musical direction from Stephen Kummer. This production of "Cinderella" features an all-star cast, such as Jodi Benson (the voice of Ariel from Disney's "The Little Mermaid") as The Queen, BeBe Winans as the King, Heather Headley as the Fairy Godmother, and Alli Mauzey as Cinderella. More cast information and detailed biographies are listed below.
This one night only concert performance of "Cinderella" is the ideal selection for a spring celebration. The title, the same as one of Steven Curtis Chapman's most well-known songs, “Cinderella” (from his 2008 project This Moment), was inspired by the Chapman's two youngest daughters, Stevey Joy and Maria Sue, both adopted from China. With Maria's tragic passing in May of 2008, the story of both the song and musical of "Cinderella" makes this even t, as well as the compassionate work of show HOPE, more poignant than ever. The Chapman's see this special spring event to be held on May 14th as a perfect way to honor the life of Maria, whose birthday was May 13th, while also celebrating the mission of their organization that exists to help orphaned children around the world.
ABOUT THE CAST:
Jodi Benson (The Queen) is best known for providing the speaking and singing voice of Disney's Princess Ariel in "The Little Mermaid."An Illinois native, Benson has lent her voice to numerous other films, TV shows and video games. She was nominated for a Tony award for her performance as Polly in "Crazy For You" on Broadway.
Heather Headley (The Fairy Godmother) has performed on Broadway in such musicals as The Lion King and Aida. From Trinidad & Tobago, Headley is not only a singer and actress but a songwriter, and record producer. She has won both a Tony and Grammy Award.
Alli Mauzey (Cinderella) most recently starred as Glinda in Wicked on Broadway. She has also starred as Lenora in Cry-Baby on Broadway, winning the Theatre World Award ('08) and was nominated for a Drama League Award. Mauzey also played Brenda in Hairspray on Broadway and the first national tour.
Anthony Federov (Prince Christopher) appeared in the 4th season of American Idol, placing 4th overall. Along with a few reality TV appearances, he has acted on off-Broadway productions and this Russian-born actor/singer performs at various events domestically and abroad.
Jake Speck (Lionel), is a graduate of Nashville's Christ Presbyterian Academy and is currently in the Broadway cast of Jersey Boys.
BeBe Winans (The King) is a Grammy Award-winning Gospel and R&B singer and member of the noted Winans family. Winans is also host of The BeBe Winans Radio Show.
ABOUT show HOPE
Originally named after the Chapman’s first adopted daughter, Shaohannah's Hope (now known as show HOPE) began with a simple desire to help “assist” families in the process of adoption, particularly by helping tear down the financial barrier that prevents many of them from bringing an adopted child into their home. In 2009, the organization celebrated the giving of its 2,000th financial grant (affecting the lives of children from 41 different countries, including many from the U.S.) and changed it’s name to show HOPE to reflect the fact that it has grown far beyond it’s initial vision of helping a few orphans find forever homes. In addition to giving financial grants, show HOPE empowers families, churches and communities with adoption and orphan care resources and advocacy efforts.
In the summer of 2009, the doors to Maria’s Big House of Hope opened, a six-story facility located in Luoyang, China, which provides surgeries and medical care for special needs orphans. The mission of this healing home is to provide the highest level of care for these orphans who are in desperate need of surgeries and medical attention, thus enabling the children to thrive and increase the orphans' chances of being adopted. Because of the healing home, the financial assistance, and its extensive resources, Show HOPE has become an internationally recognized “voice” for orphan advocacy and adoption awareness.
For further information about covering this special spring celebration of "Cinderella" please contact:
Stacie Vining of Vining Media Relations
Stacie@ViningMediaRelations.com
615.781.0016/615.260.4679
STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN ACCEPTS
4TH BMI AWARD FOR SONG WRITER OF THE YEAR. "YOURS" AND "CINDERELLA" HONORED FOR SONGS OF THE YEAR
"BEAUTY WILL RISE" GOES TO RADIO ON MAY 21
Nashville, April 23, 2010 - Steven Curtis Chapman was honored at this week's Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) Awards as he took home his 4th award for Songwriter of the Year along with two more awards for Song of the Year for his powerful hits "Cinderella" and "Yours," off of his 16th studio record This Moment. The annual BMI Christian Music Awards were held at their Music Row office in Nashville.
BMI saluted the writers and publishers of the past year's most-performed songs on Christian radio and television. By contributing two songs each to the most-performed list, Chapman, TobyMac, producer/songwriter Chris Stevens and singer/songwriter Jason Walker shared the Songwriter of the Year title.
While Chapman was unable to attend the ceremony, standing in for their father were Chapman's sons, Caleb and Will Franklin. The boys and their emerging band, Caleb, gave a touching performance of their father's ballad "Cinderella," inspired by their sisters Emily, Stevey Joy and Maria Sue.
In addition to his recent honors, the award-winning artist will be releasing the title track as his second single from his latest album Beauty Will Rise. The song goes for adds to radio stations on May 21.
Show Hope and Steven Curtis Chapman Present Cinderella
To help advance Show Hope's mission of caring for orphans in distress, a star-studded cast is teaming up with the Nashville Symphony to present the classic musical, Cinderella. It will be a "one night only" concert performance without scenery but with colorful costumes, a flourish of makeup, a bit of dancing, and a good measure of magic.
Friday, May 14th 7:00 pm
Schermerhorn Symphony Center
One Symphony Place
Nashville, TN 37201
Ticket Prices:
$30, $55, $80, $105, $130
Notice: Additional box office handling fees and charges may apply to ticket purchases. Artists subject to change. Purchase presale tickets and save $5 off of each ticket today using the promo code HOPE!
Visit www.showhope.org/Cinderella to purchase tickets. This exclusive presale promotion ends Friday, April 9. Tickets are available to the public on April 10.
Pass along this special $5 off offer to friends and family who may be interested in this amazing opportunity to show hope to orphans through this exciting event!
Show Hope's Presentation of Cinderella will feature:
Steven Curtis Chapman
Grammy and Dove award winning artist
The Nashville Symphony Heather Headley -
Fairy Godmother
Tony Award Winner from The Lion King
Jodi Benson - Queen
The Voice of The Little Mermaid
BeBe Winans - King
Grammy and Dove Award winning vocalist
Alli Mauzey - Cinderella
Glenda from Wicked on Broadway
Anthony Federov - Prince Christopher
Former American Idol finalist
Jake Speck - Lionel
REVELL SIGNS MARY BETH CHAPMAN
September 2010 co-written by NYT bestselling author Ellen Vaughn release will be promoted at Women of Faith and Fall Tour
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, has signed Mary Beth Chapman, wife of award-winning recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman, to write a book that tells her own story for the first time, titled Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope. The signing was completed in cooperation with the Creative Trust Literary Group in Nashville, Tennessee.
In Choosing to SEE, which will release in September 2010 and be co-written with New York Times bestselling author Ellen Vaughn, Mary Beth tells the story of a lifelong wrestling match with God through bouts with depression and other unexpected twists and turns, which reached a zenith recently when the Chapmans' daughter, Maria, was snatched away in a terrible accident in May 2008. What does a relationship with God look like in the face of the unexpected and in the pain of brutal loss? In this book, Mary Beth Chapman answers that question with grace, grit, and insight and shares from a mother's heart how her family is navigating the reality of living without Maria.
"I've told my kids for years that God doesn't make mistakes," Chapman writes. "Would I believe it now, when my whole world as I knew it came to an end?"
Mary Beth will be speaking at 13 Women of Faith conferences in 2010, as well as on her husband Steven's fall concert tour. The family's experiences finding their way through the loss of their daughter have already attracted media attention from around the country, including Larry King Live, CNN, US Weekly, People, ABC's Good Morning America, Guideposts, Christianity Today and many others.
Mary Beth and Steven have been married for 25 years and have six children. The two began the non-profit organization, Show HOPE, in 2001 after they adopted the first of three daughters from China. Mary Beth serves as president of Show HOPE, which helps promote adoption awareness and orphan care. Show HOPE also makes financial assistance available to Christian families wishing to adopt, with over 2,000 grants awarded to date. She has also co-authored three children's books and writes a compelling blog at StevenCurtisChapman.com. For more information on the fall tour as dates are announced, visit MaryBethChapman.com.
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. Revell publishes resources from a variety of well-known authors and has established publishing partnerships with M.O.P.S. (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.
Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers. Founded in 1939, today Baker Publishing Group is composed of six divisions, each reflecting a unique segment of Christian publishing. These divisions are Bethany House Publishers, Revell, Baker Books, Baker Academic, Chosen Books, and Brazos Press. Baker Publishing Group is also the exclusive publisher of GOD'S WORD® Translation (GW). Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Baker Publishing Group is one of the world's largest publishers of Christian books. For more information, please visit www.bakerpublishinggroup.com.
NASHVILLE COMMUNITY OF ARTISTS TO RECORD "COME TOGETHER NOW" TO BENEFIT HAITI RELIEF EFFORTS
A Children's Choir of More than 250 Elementary School Students - Including 14 from Haiti - Joined Artists Michael W Smith, Wynonna, Steven Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns, Amy Grant, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mandisa, Matt Maher, Lee Greenwood, Phil Stacey, TobyMac, Travis Cottrell, Darwin Hobbs, Restless Heart, Point of Grace, Brandon Heath, Margaret Becker, Michael Tait, Kevin Max, The Newsboys, Ashley Cleveland, The Katinas, Kirk Sullivan, Meredith Andrews, Matthew West, Francesca Battistelli, Everlife and More
January 28, 2010 - Belmont University's Ocean Way Studios was this site of a gathered a who's-who list from the music community in Nashville to record "Come Together Now." Steven was there to sing along with the song, penned by Michael W Smith, David Mullen and Cindy Morgan - and produced by Bryan Lenox - was written to remind people of the need to help those in Haiti.
"The crisis in Haiti has left us all trying to figure out how we can help," shares Smith. "We wanted to create something that the community could support, for the greater good of those in Haiti."
Everyone gave of their time: the studio was donated, the musicians and songwriters donated their time and all the proceeds from this song will go to designated charity/relief work through The American Red Cross and Samaritan's Purse.
In addition to lending their voices in song, several artists also recorded PSA's for The American Red Cross and Samaritan's Purse for use in upcoming months.
Other contributing artists include: Aaron Shust, Alathea, Amber Hezlep, Anthony Moreino, Anthony Skinner, Ashley Cleveland, Austins Bridge, B. Reith, Brady Toops, Brandon Heath, Byron Chambers, Calvin Nowell, Charmaine, Chris McClarney, Chris Sligh, Chuck Girard, Dana Jorgensen, Darwin Hobbs, David Mullen, Don Poythress, Donovan Tea, Dorothy Savage, Duane Allen, Echoing Angels, Everlife, Francesca Battistelli, Greg Jennings, Hillary McBride, Jaime Jamgochian, Jared Anderson, Jasmine Sagginario, Jason Baird, Jason Dunn, Jimmie Allen, Jody Davis, John Ford Coley, John Schlitt, Joseph Martino, Julia Ross, Justin Rivers, Kate Lazar, Kate Schettler, The Katinas, Kevin Max, Kirk Sullivan, Lara Landon, Lanae Hale, Lannie Anderson, Lee Greenwood, Mandisa, Manic Drive, Margaret Becker, Mark Hall and Megan Garrett of Casting Crowns, Matt Dowley, Matthew West, Matt Maher, Melinda Doolittle, Meredith Andrews, Michael Cavallo, Michael Olson, Michael Tait, Michael Tash, Mike Weaver, Natalie Grant, Nicole C. Mullen, The Oak Ridge Boys, Paige Armstrong, Phil Stacey, Point of Grace, PureNRG, Rachael Lampa, Rachel B. James, Reco Hight, Restless Heart, Ruben Mundo, Russ Mohr, Sarah Ross, Sarah Sadler, Selah, Shannon Cochran, Shawn Cavallo, Stephanie Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Terrence James, TobyMac, Tommy Coomes, Travis Cottrell, Trey Heffinger, Wynonna, and Yellow Cavalier.
The song will be made available for sale soon, with all proceeds going to benefit relief efforts to Haiti. More details on the song’s release date are forthcoming.
STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN SITS DOWN WITH GOOD MORNING AMERICA'S ROBIN ROBERTS
AND GIVES A SPECIAL ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE ON DEC 14
PEOPLE MAGAZINE CATCHES UP WITH CHAPMAN IN LATEST ISSUE AVAILABLE NOW
December 07, 2009...Nashville TN...Five-time Grammy Award winner, Steven Curtis Chapman recently sat down with Good Morning America's Robin Roberts for a follow-up conversation from the family's in-depth interview last year, in addition to an impromptu acoustic performance of hit single "Heaven Is The Face." The interview is scheduled to air December 14 on ABC in the 8am (EST) hour.
Also, on stands now, PEOPLE Magazine catches up with Chapman about walking through grief, his family now and Maria's legacy.
CNN.com Front Page Feature on SCC
A compelling interview with Steven at CNN.com
SUPPORT THE ORPHAN CAUSE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON:Show HOPETM And Worldwide Photography Announce 4th Year Partnership With The Santa Mall Program; Participants Donate $1 And Receive Free Steven Curtis Chapman Song, A Santa Letter, And Hope For Orphans!
NASHVILLE, TN-- November 12, 2009-- Continuing to fight for the staggering number of orphans worldwide, Show Hope has partnered for the fourth year in a row with Worldwide Photography, an organization that provides Santa photos during the holiday season in shopping malls across America. Starting last week on November 5th and going through the Christmas season, 215 malls nationwide will kick off the program "A Family For Christmas," which will offer families who purchase photos with Santa the option to donate $1 or more to support the adoption and orphan cause. All proceeds will go to Show Hope's Adoption Aid Grant program.
Each family who donates to the program will also receive a free download of Steven Curtis Chapma''s heartfelt Christmas song, "All I Really Want For Christmas," as well as a personalized letter from Santa. In addition, further information will be provided about adoption and how families can make a difference in their community and in the world.
In its first three years, the mall Santa photo promotion has raised more than $186,000, with all proceeds going to Show Hope. Show Hope is the sole charity of choice by Worldwide Photography and its alliance members IPI, Inc., and SEPIA Photo Promotions.
"The greatest gift that Santa can give a child is the gift of a 'forever' family," states Jeffry Angelo, Senior Partner, Worldwide Photography. "As the adoptive parent of a Russian orphan I have seen firsthand the difference that is made in the life of a orphaned child when you wrap them in your arms. Our Worldwide Photography family of more than 2,000 employees embrace Show Hope and the great work they do enabling families to adopt... really, it is the best feeling in the world to save the heart of a child! We are blessed to play a small roll in this effort."
Since it began in 2006, this Santa photo promotion has been a unique opportunity to educate people regarding the plight of orphans globally and locally, in addition to raising support for families who are not financially able to adopt children. With the funds raised, financial grants are then distributed to adoptive families. There is hope that many children will be received into forever families!
"Each year as we prepare to roll out our program with Show Hope, I eagerly anticipate the 'little miracles' that occur daily at Santa sets across the country," states Alex Allen, VP-COO for Worldwide Photography. "And yet nothing prepares me for the joy or emotional impact experienced through a forever family connection. Incredible!... is the only way I can describe the feeling that comes when you participate as a vehicle for God's love that makes a difference for others, especially orphans. I am always awestruck by the impact made by the silent heroes at the Santa sets who help promote the program or quietly donate that dollar, that ultimately unites an orphan with a loving family."
For more information on the impact your donation can have on adoption, please visit www.AFamilyForChristmas.org, as well as www.ShowHope.org.
The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard Critics And More Show Overwhelming Support To Steven Curtis Chapman And His Most Personal Recording Yet, Beauty Will Rise
Critics nationwide are showing overwhelming support for Beauty Will Rise, the latest from multi-platinum selling artist Steven Curtis Chapman.
Overwhelmingly, people agree Beauty Will Rise is unlike any other Chapman release. Calling it his most candid work yet, the project is filled with "raw lyrics and honest emotion" that while bringing "many to tears," also "gives tremendous hope" to all who listen.
"...the aching candor that suffuses the album, paired with Mr. Chapman's unmistakable gift for melodic uplift, exerts a deep emotional pull. The production, leaner than usual, backs up the raw feeling behind the songs."- New York Times
"He quietly, thoughtfully works through his grief but never surrenders to despair. If you can't imagine how to find hope out of such devastation, Chapman can show you."- USA Today
"Both intensely personal, yet universal as well, this is a brilliant, deeply moving album sure to resonate with listeners on many levels."-Billboard Magazine
"After his daughter's death, the veteran artist battles despair but finds hope in his most candid record to date."-ChristianityToday.com
"What might seem as a depressing premise for a recording has turned into an extremely hopeful, intensely raw and gut-wrenchingly honest recording that brings the listener through the wrestling and into the hope that awaits."- Advance Magazine
"Beauty Will Rise is a CD that is sure to move you emotionally. Every song on the album will make you feel as if Chapman is singing to your own pain, and offering hope for your own situation. And in a very real way, he is."-Gospelmusicupdate.com
"The bare-bones structure incorporates musical gestures of hope, using a colorful glockenspiel, bellowing chimes and triumphal timpanis to convince listeners Chapman's spiritual testing is not countering his steadfast faith. Even dissonant strings haunt the famous father's melancholic intimations, but without deterring the album's blunt beauty."-CCM Magazine
The radio single "Heaven Is The Face," is already at No. 22 on the AC monitored chart, and continues to climb with 10 new adds in the last two weeks, including The Fish Atlanta and K-Love.
Chapman is extremely thankful for all the support and encouragement that he and his family have received through blogs, letters and emails. Although this was a recording that Chapman wishes he never had to make, he says he has gleaned a measure of peace knowing that these songs may help heal others.
Chapman states, "If there is comfort to be given to others then that is going to make some sense out of this; that is important and vital to us. Part of what makes this survivable is that we can see God using it for good in the lives of other people."
LiveStream Event With Steven on Release Date, Nov 3rd @ 10p ET
Just announced! StevenCurtisChapman.com is partnering with LiveStream for a release date event with Steven. A live presentation by Steven about the album from his home studio on Tuesday, Nov 3rd at 10pET, 9pCT, 8pMT, 7pPT. Mark you calendar! Set a reminder!
Here is the link.
Album Pre-Sale In Progress, Nov 3rd Release Date
Music from the much anticipated, BEAUTY WILL RISE album, is already available at Family Christian Stores now. When you purchase the album via their pre-sale, take home the “Heaven Is The Face” single now, including audio insights from Steven on this personal, intimate and hopeful album. Click here to find the nearest FCS Store. LINK= Click here.)
Steven Appearances Planned
An intimate live web streaming event on Ustream, as well as national television appearances on Larry King Live, James Robison’s Life Today, plus chances to hear the new music and Steven’s insights on it online at HearItFirst, AOL.com and more.
Upcoming & Current Schedule
Streaming at StevenCurtisChapman.com shortly, check back!
Live Video Event at Ustream Nov 3 10p ET
Streaming album at Tangle.com Nov 3-Nov 16
Streaming album at HearItFirst.com Nov 3-16
Streaming album at NewReleaseTuesday.com Nov 3-16
Appearance & performance on CNN, Larry King Live’s HERO’S Special, Nov 26. Check local listings.
Appearances & performance on national syndicated TV, James Robinson’s Life Today. Early 2010, check back.
“Heaven Is The Face” Single Available
The new Steven single is available digitally at Amazon and iTunes. It’s also available physically at Family Christian Stores and Lifeway Christian Stores.
Technical Glitch At iTunes Corrected
At it’s launch, a glitch at the iTunes store made Steven’s “Heaven Is The Face” single very tough to find. The error has been repaired now. Click here for the digital single at iTunes. Or here for the digital single at Amazon.
ShowHOPE Awards 2,000th Grant
Last month a spectacular milestone was reached at the non-profit ShowHOPE, started by Steven and his wife Mary Beth to mobilize individuals and communities to care for orphans. One of the key aspects of fulfilling that mission is giving grants to families who desire to adopt, but lack the financial resources to do so. As of October 2009, ShowHOPE awarded it’s 2,000 grant! Wow! 2000 Forever families to orphans from 40 different countries and the US. But with your help, the work has just begun.
Since its inception, Show Hope has financially helped provide forever homes for over 2,000 orphans from 40 countries, resulting in a truly worldwide impact. Yet, still so much more pecuniary assistance is needed. Their Adoption Aid Grant program receives at least 150 new adoption assistance financial grant requests each month. Currently, at an average financial grant of $3,000-$4,000, Show Hope is able to help roughly 25-35 families a month, far less than the requested amount, by 60%.
Below is a testimonial excerpt from The Jones family (pictured below), one of the numerous families that have received a Show Hope Adoption Aid Grant. Through their their story, they share their adoption experience and the gift of Show Hope's Adoption Aid Grant program:
The Jones family, adopted Nya from Ethiopia:
We had almost no money to apply toward our adoption, no idea who this child would be, and no clue how to convince our loved ones that this was indeed the Lord's will for our lives. There were nothing but unknowns...
When we finally received the referral for our sweet girl, it all made sense. Of course this child was ours! We loved her more than life but still lacked the resources to complete our adoption! How would we get her home where she belonged? That is where Show Hope comes in. Unexpectedly, and at the exact moment most needed, we received a substantial grant from Show Hope! She went from an orphan to a daughter because of your generosity and love. There is no display of gratitude that would suffice for what you have done for us.
But the question remains: Who will go? Many families may be willing but are afraid to take the leap of faith because of the terribly high cost of adoption. That is why we thank God for people like you, who could use their resources for themselves but, instead, sacrifice so that these little ones experience the truth that they are not forgotten by God! Our daughter is too young to appreciate what you have done, but she will one day. She will be grateful beyond words as we are now.
Yes, Show Hope has financially helped provide for numerous orphans and families, just like the Jones'. Yet, it is imperative for Show Hope to obtain more financial assistance, through individuals and communities, to be able to help out the thousands more children and families that are in need of a forever home.
For more information on how you can help through the Show Hope sponsorship program, through a one-time donation and more, please visit: www.ShowHope.org and www.ShowHope.org/Donate
CCM Cover
The longtime industry magazine CCM moved to digital last year. Their Fall 2009 cover features Steven Curtis Chapman. CCM Link
Cry Of The Orphan Focus in November
ShowHOPE, Focus on the Family and Family Life are partnering again this November to shine the spotlight on the needs or orphans around the world. And this year, the first ever National Orphan Sunday on November 8th, includes an inaugural event to mark this important day here in Franklin, TN. For more information, visit ShowHOPE.org
Responding To The Orphan Crisis: Steven Curtis Chapman And Friends Offer Free Live Event Sunday, November 8th In Nashville; Part Of Nationwide Efforts To Help The World's 140 Million Orphans
Nashville, TN - (October 7th, 2009) - In celebration of November as National Adoption Awareness Month, Show Hope and Steven Curtis Chapman, along with Focus on the Family and FamilyLife, are helping to lead the charge on Sunday, November 8th -"Orphan Sunday" - for a live event in Nashville with one goal: raising awareness of the more than 140 million orphans worldwide. The free event, beginning at 4pm CST, will be simulcast through satellite, Moody Radio Network and Gospel Music Channel, and will also be available through a webcast at www.OrphanSunday.org. The event will feature a special acoustic performance from Chapman, with other musical guests Geoff Moore and the Children of the World Choir. Guest speakers include Focus on the Family President Jim Daly, a former orphan himself, Dr. Sharen Ford, Manager for Permanency Services for the Colorado Department of Human Services in the Division of Child Welfare Services, Jedd Medefind of the Christian Alliance for Orphans, and adoptive father Dennis Rainey, president of FamilyLife.
"Our experience with the miracle of adoption and the chance to touch the lives of orphans has been infinitely rich and full," said Chapman, who adopted three daughters from China. "It's a privilege that God invites us to, and there are so many other children around the world who need homes and help. We're doing this event on November 8th to compel people to take action right now to be involved in caring for the world's orphans. We can each do something, whether it is donating, adopting, fostering, mentoring, visiting orphans or supporting families who have taken in orphans."
Cry of the Orphan will hold this live event at no charge at Christ Community Church, 1215 Hillsboro Road, Franklin, just south of Nashville. The event will be via simulcast and webcast beginning at 4pm CST, for anyone who is interested in broadcasting the event.
The live event in Nashville is part of an ongoing effort by Cry of the Orphan, a campaign designated to raise awareness and prompt action to help the millions of orphans worldwide - a number equivalent to the populations of Australia and Japan combined. Recognizing the severity of today's orphan crisis is bigger than any one organization, Hope for Orphans (a ministry of FamilyLife), Focus on the Family, and Show Hope (founded by Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman), unite annually to sponsor Cry of the Orphan.
Part of that effort includes www.CryoftheOrphan.org, a website designed to generate interest and excitement about caring for orphans. The site offers resources to help people navigate through the process of orphan care, adoption, and foster care.
Also, during the months of October and November, the FamilyLife Today and Focus on the Family radio shows will devote some of their daily broadcasts to help share information about orphan care issues. In addition, the Cry of the Orphan campaign will utilize the combined efforts of the Christian Alliance for Orphans and other leading Christian media ministries and advocates.
Steven Curtis Chapman
"Our experience with the miracle of adoption and the chance to touch the lives of orphans has been infinitely rich and full. It's a privilege that God invites us to, and there are so many other children around the world who need homes and help."
"We're doing this event on November 8th to compel people to take action right now to be involved in caring for the world's orphans. We can each do something, whether it is donating, adopting, fostering, mentoring, visiting orphans, or supporting families who have taken in orphans."
Jim Daly, President and CEO, Focus on the Family
"As someone who was orphaned as a child, I'm thrilled to see the church working together on this cause that is so close to the heart of God."
Scott Hasenbalg, Executive Director, Show Hope
"If we want to be God's hands and feet extended outside of the four walls of the church, it is critical to reach those on the inside of the four walls and make the unaware, aware."
"Orphan Sunday will be historic, not from the standpoint of cultural prestige, but more importantly it will be a day where orphans' lives will be set free as people become aware of their calling in this area of Kingdom work."
Dr. Dennis Rainey, President and CEO, FamilyLife
"In nearly four decades of Christian service, attempting to address the needs of millions of orphans has been the most challenging and rewarding endeavor of my life. Join us on Nov. 8th and find out how you can be a part of what God is doing."
Paul Pennington, Executive Director, Hope for Orphans (a ministry of FamilyLife)
"The Bible repeatedly makes it clear that caring for orphans is not an option for Christians. Orphan Sunday and the live event in Nashville are both great ways to introduce your church, friends and family to God's heart for the orphan."
Kelly Rosati, Senior Director, Sanctity of Human Life Division (Focus on the Family)
"With 127,000 waiting kids in U.S. foster care and 300,000 churches, we believe every waiting child should be able to have the loving home and family they deserve."
ABOUT CRY OF THE ORPHAN
Cry of the Orphan is an annual campaign led by Hope for Orphans, Focus on the Family, and Show Hope, designed to raise awareness and prompt action to help the more than 140 million orphans worldwide.
www.CryoftheOrphan.org is designed to raise interest and excitement about caring for orphans, and offers resources to help people navigate through the orphan care, adoption and foster care process. Utilizing the resources of Hope for Orphans/FamilyLife, Focus on the Family and Show Hope, Cry of the Orphan shares ways EVERY person can have an impact on the life of an orphan.
Billboard Reviews “Heaven Is The Face”
The industry’s lead publication Billboard Magazine has reviewed Steven’s “Heaven Is The Face” single.
Click here.