Sounds of Inspiration

This evening, the songbird of Chicago Lemmie Battle is celebrating her 14th Annual musical at Southside Worship Center, 7724 S. Racine Ave. When it comes to singing, Battles shines bright with her sophomore release, You're Looking at A Miracle! on New Haven Records. The Arkansas native also sings lead vocals for the Grammy nominated Chicago Mass Choir.

Battle, often referred to as the "Singing Evangelist" - reminds me of the scripture describing King David was a person after the heart of God.

"I just do it, decrease and let God do the rest. I tell everyone to call me early in the morning, because that's my best time. I am prepared for that (to sing early) - I am from Southside Tabernacle Church and we [have] 8 a.m. and 1 1 a.m. service," Battle said.

Often traveling the country and overseas to minister to thousands in song, the seasoned vocalist is grounded in the word.

"I go to early morning service and get my Sunday school and then I go visit other churches," she said.

Pastors and churches never know when they might get a surprise visit from the recording artist who has also appeared on Bobby Jones, BET and Willie Wilson's Singsation to name a few.

"I go to early morning service so that I can go and visit other churches that have sown into my ministry when I am in town - you never forget the people who helped bring you across the water," said Battle. Despite her hectic schedule, as well as her recent battle with throat cancer, she emphasized that "body rest and vocal rest is important in order to be effective with what you are to do. That means flying instead of driving so that you won't be tired out before a performance."

"Percy Gray, producer and mentor, always teaches me 'Lemmie do what you have to do for yourself.' Also, Lecresia Campbell taught me diaphragm singing - so you are not really working your throat as hard as you think you are."

Battle will be giving her all in praise and song during her musical celebration tonight which is free and open to the public. For more information call (773) 531-1256.

Rosalind Sanders-Jones will be inside "A Night In His Presence" tonight at 7 p.m. at New First Church of God in Christ, 1304 Wentworth Ave., in Chicago Heights, where Bishop R. Sanders is pastor. For more info call (708) 747-7863.

Gospel recording artist and Pastor DeAndre Patterson along with his church, Destiny Worship Center, presents Friday Night Live Back 2 School Musical with special guests Donald "Buster" Woods and G3; Dexter Walker and Zion Movement; and Joshua's Troop.

Patterson, who recently moved his Friday night service to 6028 S. Champlain, is asking all to bring school supplies for those less fortunate. The church will be giving away supplies to residents of the last standing projects on State Street as well as to those who can't afford to purchase supplies. For more information call (773) 261-8500.

Pastor Charles Jenkins and Rev. Clay Evans of Fellowship Baptist Church invites all to the Joshua Meeting "named after the book of Joshua, because all throughout the book of Joshua is a picture of the journey of the people of God as they move into new territory, conquering new territories, establishing new accomplishments and gaining new victories" shared Jenkins, the church's pastor. The conference will deal with "What it means to be open to God giving new perspectives new ideas and moving to get new results." The conference is for pastors, church leaders and churches looking to be relevant in the 2 1 st century.

Classes are held today from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on subjects as: Establishing Sound Business Models, Blending Generations in Your Church, and Creative Ministry Ideas to assist people in discontinuing to do traditions that is no longer effective. "Sometimes the message can stay the same but the method has to change. Also you must examine culturally where you are and as we change we must adjust to where we are in life. In ministry sometimes people experience difficulty changing and therewill be classes dealing with strategies for making changes" Jenkins emphasized.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev Jenkins, Dr. I.V. Hillard, Shari Jones-Moffet and Rev. Timothy Wright are among the many guests speakers, teachers and psalmists for the conference to be held at Fellowship Baptist Church, 45th Place and Princeton. Services will also continue on Sunday. For more information, call (773) 924-3232.

"Remember you are blessed by the Best!"

[Author Affiliation]

Effie Rolfe is the religion entertainment columnist of the Chicago Defender.

Contact her at effie@theinspirationalcafe.com