Beyond Belief: Petra’s John Schlitt Talks Legacy and New Movie

For more than 50 years, Petra has used Christian rock music as a ministry of encouragement and evangelism. WNZR’s Daniel Russell and Josiah Styer recently spoke with Petra lead vocalist John Schlitt about the band’s legacy, their continued ministry, and the upcoming movie Beyond Belief.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the image below.

Schlitt says the song “Beyond Belief” best represents Petra’s ministry, with its message of refusing to settle for “good enough” and instead going beyond to live out and share your faith in Christ. He also reflected on joining Petra as a longtime fan and how God gave him the opportunity to use his musical talents for a greater purpose.

The new Beyond Belief movie came together after someone approached Petra with the idea of making a film centered around the band. Although there were doubts that the project would ever be completed, Schlitt says he watched God open doors along the way. Petra members helped behind the scenes as producers, promoters, and fundraisers, and the movie is now set to hit theaters August 28. Schlitt says the film is family-friendly and carries a message about being guided by Christ, while also introducing audiences to Petra’s music and legacy. Despite retiring and saying farewell years ago, Petra continues to tour, make music, and work on new projects, including a documentary.

Schlitt hopes longtime Petra fans will enjoy the movie while a new generation discovers the band and its music. During a lightning round, he named Beyond Belief, This Means War!, Petra Praise 1 & 2, No Doubt, and Hope among his favorite albums, and said “Beyond Belief” remains one of his favorite songs to perform live. He is asking fans to pray that the movie accomplishes what God intends. Beyond Belief opens in theaters August 28, with more information available at beyondbelief.movie.

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It is a GOOD NEWS Tuesday – we have some 4H State Fair Winners!

We can’t let Tuesday end without sharing the GOOD NEWS about our State Fair Award Winners! Thanks to Knox Count 4H for sharing the news with us.

We would like to give a huge congratulations to the following still project exhibitors who received Outstanding of the Day recognition at the 2026 Ohio State Fair:

  • Lainey Dunham, Mastering Photography
  • Gwennan Ellis, Self Determined Creative Arts
  • Lukas Myers, Canning & Freezing
  • Brinley Smith, Creative Costumes
  • Jolee Walls, Outdoor Adventurer: Beginning Fishing
  • Alice Ulrey, The Global Gourmet
  • Jeremiah Williams, Beekeeping

And an extra special shoutout to Lainey Dunham for earning a Clock Trophy award for her Seeing Through Graphic Design project!! Clock trophies are awarded each year to the best project in each category, and we are so excited for Lainey to receive this honor!

Congratulations!

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Choose One Goal To Start Your Week!

Today on The Morning Thing, our theme was Monday Motivation!

We shared some ideas we had to make sure you start your morning off strong! Here were some of our ideas:

  1. Spend time with God each morning with prayer and Scripture reading
  2. Encourage one person each day by sending a text, or letting someone know you appreciate them
  3. Be more intentional about the time you spend with your family by putting your phone down and be in the moment
  4. Choose gratitude every day and write down three things you’re thankful for each day
  5. Do something you’ve been afraid to do, and start that project you’ve been wanting to do
  6. Take better care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and taking the time to just sit and breathe
  7. Pray for one specific person each day
  8. Replace complaining with encouragement and positivity
  9. Take one step toward a God-given dream– just take 30 minutes out of your day
  10. Get caught up on one thing you’ve been putting off

We also talked about kindness! What is one kind thing you can say or do for someone this week? It doesn’t have to be complicated! Ask God to give you an opportunity to share some kindness this week! Here are some ideas:

  1. Text someone.
  2. Leave a positive review.
  3. Pay for someone’s coffee.
  4. Compliment a coworker.
  5. Pray with someone.

Thank you for listening to The Morning Thing from 6am – 9am!

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Praisestock Returns Sunday with Worship, Local Ministries and Community Fellowship!

Praisestock returns to Mount Vernon this Sunday with a full day of worship, fellowship and opportunities to connect with local ministries.

WNZR’s Eric Brown spoke with Dave Ewart and Ben Staats about Praisestock 2026, which will be held Sunday, August 23rd, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Schnormeier Event Center in Ariel-Foundation Park.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

The event began 21 years ago as a church project at Owl Creek Baptist Church. Ewart and Staats said the original goal was to bring churches together for worship while also supporting ministries serving the community. Praisestock later moved to Mount Vernon and has grown to attract hundreds of people throughout the day.

That focus on unity remains an important part of the event. Praisestock is designed to bring Christians from different denominations, cultures and generations together for worship and fellowship.

The event also continues its partnership with Food For The Hungry. A love offering collected during Praisestock helps kick off Food For The Hungry’s fall fundraising season.

Sunday begins with a community worship service featuring Ekklesia and a message from Greg Zelinski. The afternoon schedule includes Set Free Worship, Chestnut Ridge, Lakeholm, Footprints of Jesus, Faith Outpost, Covenant and Trinity.

The day will conclude with a unity song bringing the participating groups together.

Praisestock also gives local ministries and organizations an opportunity to share more about their work. Throughout the day, visitors can learn about services available in the community and ways they can become involved.

Activities are also planned for children, making the event an opportunity for families to spend the day together while enjoying worship and learning more about local ministries.

Dave and Ben said they hope people leave Praisestock encouraged by the worship, strengthened through fellowship and connected with new opportunities to serve.

Click HERE to learn more about Praisestock 2026!

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First-Day Jitters and Mystery Lunches!

On Wednesday’s edition of the Morning Thing, the Big Blue Crew took a trip down memory lane and shared some of those memorable first days of school — from that very first day of kindergarten, to starting at a new school, to the emotions that come with sending your own child off for their first day.

What was your craziest memory?

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Encouragement for Back to School Week

The Morning Thing is celebrating Back to School Week! This transition can be stressful for students and families.

Here is a list of Back-to-School messages of encouragement for you and your family. We have included a Bible verse with each message. Our prayer is that you will find strength and peace as you walk through this important time of the year. Thanks for allowing us to be a Lifeline to you and your family!

  1. Start this school year knowing that God is with you every step of the way.
    “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
  2. When school feels overwhelming, remember you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Trust God to guide you.
    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)
  3. A new school year means new opportunities to learn, grow, and discover the gifts God has given you.
    “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
  4. You may not know everything this school year will bring, but you can know who goes with you.
    “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you.” — Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
  5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, try something new, or make mistakes. Wisdom begins with being willing to learn.
    “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all.” — James 1:5 (NIV)
  6. Your grades and accomplishments don’t determine your worth. You are already wonderfully made and deeply loved by God.
    “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
  7. Be the student who brings kindness into the classroom, the hallway, the lunchroom, and everywhere you go.
    “Be kind and compassionate to one another.” — Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
  8. When you’re nervous about a test, presentation, new class, or new school, give that worry to God.
    “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
  9. You have the chance to make someone’s school year better simply by encouraging them.
    “Encourage one another and build each other up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
  10. Let your attitude stand out this school year. Choose joy, kindness, patience, and grace even when the day gets difficult.
    “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” — Philippians 2:14 (NIV)
  11. Some days will be challenging, but difficult days don’t mean you should give up. Keep going.
    “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest.” — Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
  12. God can use you right where you are — in your classroom, on your team, in your club, and among your friends.
    “Let your light shine before others.” — Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
  13. When you don’t know what comes next, take the next step in faith and trust God with the rest.
    “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
  14. Be confident in who God created you to be. You don’t have to become someone else just to fit in.
    “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” — Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
  15. Before the homework, practices, activities, and busy schedules take over, remember to make time for God.
    “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” — Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
  16. When something doesn’t go the way you planned, remember that one setback doesn’t define your future.
    “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” — Proverbs 24:16 (NIV)
  17. Look for the student who feels left out. A simple hello, invitation, or seat at your table could mean more than you realize.
    “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” — Luke 6:31 (NIV)
  18. There will be plenty of voices telling you who you should be. Make sure God’s voice is the one you listen to most.
    “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2 (NIV)
  19. Pray about your school year — your classes, teachers, friendships, decisions, challenges, and dreams. God cares about all of it.
    “In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
  20. As you head back to school, remember this: You are never walking into that building alone. God is already there.
    “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” — Psalm 121:8 (NIV)

The Morning Thing is here every weekday morning from 6am – 9am. It is a great start for your day!

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Change Your Monday Mindset!

Today on The Morning Thing, the Big Blue Crew shared how they are keeping their Monday Mindset positive and focused on Christ.

Listen to what they said HERE!

Starting Monday off with a Christ-centered mindset can be difficult a lot of the time, but it can make the biggest impact for your week. Today, the Big Blue Crew chose one word they want to represent their week. Here are some examples of words you can think of:

  • Peace
  • Joy
  • Patience
  • Courage
  • Trust
  • Hope

Remember Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT): “5Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.“

Hear what words the Big Blue Crew chose for their Monday Mindset here:

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From Pies to Pages: Kiwanis Helps Put Books in Children’s Hands

An exciting live auction was held on Saturday 8/15 at the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival.
There were 15 pies up for bid in the 3rd Annual Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon Pie Auction. All proceeds from the auction will be given to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through the United Way of Knox County.

Childhood Literacy is one of the main initiatives for the Kiwanis Club.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a free book gifting program. The program is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five. Knox County children received 27,039 books in 2024!

The Pie Auction Total was $4,910!

Thanks to auctioneer David McDowell for his support.

Thanks to the pie donors, bakers, bidders and buyers.

• Pie #1 was a Cherry Pie donated by CES Credit Union. This Cherry Pie was sold along with wood cake display stand and charcuterie board.
Buyer – ACS Title and Closing Services, Cindy McDowell – $250

• Pie #2 was a Blueberry Pie donated by Park National Bank. This Blueberry Pie was sold with a pie plate.
Buyer – Ruckman Group Auctions & Appraisals – $300

• Pie #3 was a Triple Berry Pie donated by Crystal Snell-Tomes, Realtor e-Merge Real Estate Champions. This Pie was sold along with a beautiful serving tray and the Book of Pie Cookbook.
Buyer – Greg Galiete – $460

• Pie #4 was a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie donated by Kenyon College.
Buyer – Jackie K’s Vintage & Venue – $550

• Pie #5 was a Strawberry Pie donated by the Mount Vernon School District.
Buyer – Alice Hutzel and Knox Community Hospital – $200

• Pie #6 was a Gluten-Free Pecan Pie donated by Happy Bean Coffee Shop.
Buyer – Jackie K’s Vintage & Venue – $200

• Pie #7 was an Apple Cranberry Crisp Pie donated by Nancy Jo Todd, Kiwanis Member.
Buyer – Diane Henwood – $200

• Pie #8 was a Dutch Apple Caramel Pie donated by ACS Title Company. This pie was sold with a fruit stand and some fresh apples.
Buyer – Mike Copley and CES Credit Union – $450

• Pie #9 was a Black Raspberry Pie donated by Ohio Easter Star Home. The raspberries were home-grown and it was sold with a wall decoration.
Buyer – Cliff Ruggles and Cliff’s High Performance – $200

• Pie #10 was a Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie made by 92-year-old Britta Bridges representing Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Buyer – Wendi Fowler – $500

• Pie #11 was a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie made by Sandy Cable representing Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Buyer – Ruckman Group Auctions & Appraisals – $200

• Pie #12 was an Americana Apple Pie donated by COTC.
Buyer – Kathy White – $200

• Pie #13 was Crystal Browning’s Famous Pecan Pie donated by the Knox County Career Center.  
Buyer – Wendi Fowler – $500

• Pie #14 was a Peachy Peach Pie donation by the United Way of Knox County.
Buyer – Miller Electrical Solutions – $250

• #15 in the auction was two pies donated by CenterWell Home Health – a Strawberry Cream Pie and a Reese’s Cream Pie.
Buyer – David McDowell Auctioneer – $300

Then David resold the Strawberry Cream Pie for $150 to Buyer Jackie K’s Vintage & Venue

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2026 Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival Flower Show Results

This year’s Theme was “Celebrating America’s 250 With Floral Designs”.

Congratulations to all winners! Click HERE to see a full photo album on the WNZR Website. We also shared some pictures below the results.

The Living Center Residents Results

Junior Horticulture and Artistic Results

Adult Artistic Results

Adult Horticulture Results

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The Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon invites pie lovers to come to the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival

There are so many fun and unique events at this year’s Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival. The 3rd annual Kiwanis Club Pie Auction is back for 2026!

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Alice Hutzel, Vice President of the Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon about all the details for this year’s event.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture below.

You are invited to join in this Americana traditions and bid on your favorite pie. There are 15 pies up for bid including cherry, blueberry, strawberry rhubarb, dutch apple caramel, peachy peach and many more flavors!
All proceeds from the auction will support Children’s Literacy in Knox County.
The Auction is Saturday, 8/15 at 3:30pm on the Public Square in downtown Mount Vernon.
Thanks to Auctioneer David McDowell for his service.

Click HERE for more information about this event and the overall festival.

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