Mark Hall talks with The Morning Thing about 20 years of ministry with Casting Crowns

WNZR’s Alyssa Sidle had the privilege of talking with Mark Hall from Casting Crowns. This has been an exciting year for the group as they celebrate 20 years in music ministry.
Mark shares an update from their fall tour and talks about the break they are taking for the holidays.
He also talks about their new album and the amazing collaborations with so many artists and friends.
Mark also shares how their story is making it to the big screen in a new feature-length film.
So many lives have been touched by the music of Casting Crowns.
We hope you join the WNZR staff to celebrate their legacy by seeing the film,
Casting Crowns: Home By Sunday.
Listen to the conversation below.

Click HERE to see the trailer.

Click HERE for more information.

WNZR joins Casting Crowns in celebrating their 20 years of music ministry.
We are giving away tickets to see their new feature-length film – Casting Crowns, Home by Sunday.
The Casting Crowns Cinema Celebration Giveaway is HERE.
Listen for a special cue to call. When you hear a Casting Crowns medley from their debut album, Lifesong, call our studio line, 740-397-WNZR (9697).
If you are caller #3, you will be entered into a drawing to win 2 tickets to see the film on Thursday, November 30th.
Winners will be announced on The Morning Thing on Tuesday, November 28th at 7:30 am.
4 winners will join members of the Big Blue crew on a trip to see the movie in Ontario.
Thanks to Provident Entertainment for the tickets!

Synopsis of the film:
Celebrate 20 years of music and ministry in this brand-new documentary detailing the extraordinary journey of Casting Crowns, exclusive to theaters.

Known worldwide for their poignant songs of truth, Casting Crowns is arguably one of the most successful CCM artists in the last two decades. The GRAMMY-winning, multi-Platinum-selling group has sold more than 13 million albums worldwide and earned 15 career No. 1 singles.

Yet despite the many accolades, to Mark Hall, Casting Crowns’ lead singer and songwriter, his most important title is “youth pastor.” Through 20 years of touring and recording, the band has been faithful to always be “home by Sunday” to keep their local church commitments.

HOME BY SUNDAY shares the remarkable stories behind the band’s journey, music, and ministry. From their unique beginnings to the inspiration behind one of their most beloved songs and a near-life-ending diagnosis, HOME BY SUNDAY gives a behind-the-scenes look into the mission and mindset that has driven Casting Crowns for the last two decades.

Psi Iota Xi partners with Knox County Elementary School to support Food For The Hungry

The Morning Thing talked with Debbie Ruggles, Chair of Psi Iota Xi about this year’s Elementary School Collection.
This is collection week! Local elementary school students are asked to bring donations to support the 2023 Food For The Hungry Drive.
Debbie shares a top 10 list of needs at our local pantries. She also talks about the rewards for the top collectors in each school and how the top classes can earn a pizza party!

Click HERE to find out more about this year’s collection.

Click HERE to find out more about Food For The Hungry.

It is National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child! Have you packed a shoebox?

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Jill Haught about Operation Christmas Child. Jill is the Church Relations Coordinator for Knox County and is part of the Central Ohio Team.
She shares her history with the ministry and how Samaritan’s Purse decided to start sending shoeboxes all over the world.
Jill shared some amazing stats about how many children are served through these shoebox gifts. She also shared how these children are learning about Jesus through this simple gift.
Jill tells us the do’s and don’ts of packing a shoebox and where to drop them off this week!
She also talks about how important the $10 financial gift is to getting the box into the hands of a child.
Jill also shared the 2023 goals:

  • 3,750 boxes for Knox County
  • 26,000 boxes for the greater Central Ohio Team
  • 966,000 boxes for the Great Lakes Region
  • 10.5 million boxes for the United States

Have you packed your shoebox?
Click HERE for all the details on how to pack your shoebox and read stories of lives changed by a simple shoebox gift!

Mike Cheek Previews MVNU Homecoming 2023

Mike Cheek, Class of 1982, is the Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Advancement at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Mike talked with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart and The Lakeholm Viewer’s Faith West to preview the events of Homecoming 2023.

Mike gives an overview for the schedule for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and shares his excitement and expectations for Homecoming Weekend 2023 as alumni and family plan to make their way back to MVNU.

WNZR and our team welcomes everyone back to campus, we hope you all have a great Homecoming Weekend!

See the full list of events HERE.

Listen to our conversation with Mike Cheek below:

WNZR Talks with Directors and Cast Members from MVNU Fall One Acts

WNZR’s Alyssa Sidle had the opportunity to chat with Zach Sherman, writer and director of Miracles & Con Men. The show is a musical one act that will be presented during MVNU Homecoming at the Thorne Performance Hall with performances on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

We also talked to Alex Pittman who is a student and the director for the one act, The Great Mythology Olympiaganza. He shared what his experience has been like working as a student director.

Finally, we spoke with three cast members from the Fall One Acts. We talked to Logan Davis, Destiny Fullerton, and Chloe Hall. They all shared about their roles and how they have enjoyed working on the Fall One Acts.

For more information and tickets click HERE.

Listen to our full conversations below:

Simon Taylor Talks Early Bird Turkey Trot Ahead of MVNU Homecoming

MVNU’s Simon Taylor, Head Coach for Cross Country, shares about an upcoming fundraiser happening Homecoming Weekend. The Early Bird Turkey Trot is a 5K that will benefit Cross Country and Track & Field.

Simon shares all the details for the 5K which is happening Saturday, November 11th beginning at 9am in front of the chapel on MVNU’s camps.

Simon also talks about the season for Cross Country which just wrapped up and gives a preview for the indoor Track & Field season.

Listen to our full conversation with Simon below:

Are you saving money? Need some help?

This is Talk Money Week!
The hope behind this week is that more people will start talking about money. If people can share their financial problems, then they should find it a lot easier to deal with and manage their money.
Click HERE to find out more about this special week.

Today, The Morning Thing shared 13 money saving tips from Crown Financial Ministries.
They are a great program partner of WNZR. You can hear their program “My MoneyLife” each weekday at 3:50pm on WNZR.
Click HERE to connect with Crown for biblical financial resources.

Click HERE to read the FULL article with these money saving tips.

1. Act Like You Receive 24 Paychecks a Year Instead of 26

If you are paid biweekly, you actually receive 26 paychecks a year instead of 24. Instead of budgeting based on those 26 paychecks, budget based off getting paid twice a month – 24 times – instead.  

2. Compete With Yourself

Sometimes you can be your best source of motivation! Challenge yourself (or your spouse or a friend) to spend $3 less per meal every time you go out to eat.

3. Set Up Automatic Transfer

Automating a certain amount to go straight from your paycheck to your savings account will help you reach your goals quickly. If you can’t see the money to spend in the first place, then you won’t be tempted to spend it!

4. Adjust Your Tax Withholdings

Adjust your withholdings so you have that extra money in your account every month. However, you will need to plan in case you owe the government money come Tax Day!

5. Always Check For Coupons and Rebates

Apps and browser extensions make it easy to shop with coupons and earn money back from rebates. Download apps like RetailMeNot, and Ibotta. Install extensions like Honey so you never miss a deal when online shopping.

6. Plan Ahead and Never Go Shopping Without a List

A lack of planning is a major spending trap. Before you go shopping anywhere – the grocery store, Walmart, the mall – make a list. Then stick to it!

7. Ask For Discounts

It may be uncomfortable if you’re not a natural bargainer, but it’s always worth it to ask for a discount. Try this especially with your cable and internet provider once a year. Ask about loyalty discounts, sales, or other offers they have going on.

8. Find a Buddy

Ask your friends to share when they find good sales. Ask around for the best prices.

9. Do Your Research

Before you purchase a big item, spend time researching to see if you can find a better deal. If you find a better price non-locally, ask for a price match. A few minutes online can save you lots!

10. Start Christmas Shopping Early

One of the Crown staff members has most of her Christmas shopping done by September. She finds and purchases gifts for members of her family throughout the year when she finds a good sale. By doing so, she avoids the stress and markups of the Christmas season and can actually relax and enjoy the holidays!

11. Set Goals

Goals will motivate you to keep saving. Proverbs 29:18 says, Where there is no vision, the people perish. If you don’t have a vision for your savings, you won’t make any progress. Decide on a realistic amount of money to have saved by a certain date and then align your budget to reach that goal.

Every time you reach a goal, celebrate, make another, and keep going. You should always have short-term and long-term goals!

12. Save Every $5

If you use cash for all of or some of your budgeting categories, commit to saving every $5 bill you touch. Proverbs 21:5 says, Steady plodding brings prosperity. Start plodding!

13. Drink Only Water

Switching to only water can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars a year. A latte out costs around $5. A soft drink or tea at a restaurant costs around $2. If you have one coffee and one tea or soda out every day, by switching to water, you’ll save around $2,550 a year. And it’s significantly better for your health!

Crown also recommends that you start by saving $1,000 in an emergency fund. 
Once you have $1,000 in an emergency savings account, work your way up to 12 months’ of living expenses. The Money Map can help you set and track financial goals like these. Download it for free here!



WNZR shares the November MVNU Presidential Update

MVNU’s new President, Dr. Carson Castleman stopped by WNZR to share the November Presidential Update.
He discussed his first month on the job, the challenges that he is facing and changes that he has already made for MVNU.
He talked about the change for the positional statement and recent administrative staff changes.
Dr. Castleman also shared his passion for MVNU’s enrollment and how he plans to personally be involved in the recruitment process.
Dr. Castleman shared his top priorities for the university as we wrap up 2023 and head into 2024. He also shared the steps he is taking now to help MVNU meet these challenges.
We also received a family update and celebrate the upcoming wedding of Dr. Castleman’s daughter.
We talked about Thanksgiving, time with family, and favorite dishes.
Dr. Castleman shared a special message for students, faculty and staff. He wrapped up our time by sharing how we can pray for him and his family.
Enjoy the conversation.

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