Sonfest is this Saturday (9/16) at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. All this week, The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive are featuring conversations with the artists coming to Sonfest this year.
Today, we talked with Joseph O’Brien. He shares what he is looking forward to this year and shares some fun memories from past Sonfest appearances. Joseph gives his background in music and how he first got interested in music, and how his music today is close to Scripture and seeks to inspire the younger generation and the outcasts. Joseph talks about his time on “America’s Got Talent” and how he was signed to TobyMac’s record label, Goatee Records. He also shares about how Christian radio has impacted him and people in his life. He tells us about some songs that he loves to perform. Joseph tells us about a funny memory on the road with Steven Curtis Chapman! He also has some advice for you!
Joseph O’Brien’s bio:
Singer/Songwriter Joseph O’Brien is creating and performing music to help inspire every generation to follow Jesus. Growing up with two musical parents, the TN native had music running through his blood from day one. At age 12, he taught himself how to play the piano and realized that is where his passion was. His talent took him to the quarterfinals of “America’s Got Talent,” where O’Brien wowed the judges and audiences with his quirky personality, dynamic range and emotional depth, delivering unforgettable renditions of classic songs and original compositions alike.
Click HEREfor more details about Sonfest 2023 and to see the complete schedule. Click HERE to see how you can win tickets with WNZR! Click HERE to connect with Joseph O’Brien.
MTVarts Presents Matilda Jr. the weekend of September 15th-17th in Mount Vernon at the Knox Memorial Theatre.
WNZR had the opportunity to chat with cast members from the show and also the choreographer for Matilda Jr.
Alyssa Sidle spoke with Kiersten Clinedinst (Matilda), Drew Caton (Mr. Wormwood), Reese Ferenbaugh (Mrs. Wormwood), Zach Cramer (Nigel), Jillian Snow (Alice), Kiarah Smith (Miss Honey), and Tony Ingham the show choreographer.
They all shared their individual backgrounds in theatre and how much they have enjoyed working on this production.
Listen to the full conversations below:
Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.
Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence… and special powers! She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!
Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda JR.is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.
The new Executive Director of the United Way of Knox County, Lori Jones-Perkins, gives us some details about the 2023 United Way Campaign. Their goal this year is to raise 1 million dollars to support the education, finances, and health of our community. She tells us about the events the United Way has planned, and she gives us details on how to give. Lori also encourages new donors!
School is back in session, and the kids are getting back into their after-school activities. Does it seem overwhelming to keep track of? We talked to 3 moms to get some real-life advice on organizing your family’s schedule. Lindsay Robinson, Amanda Smith, and Soni Douglas share their experiences.
We also shared 7 tips from Very Well Family for creating those family calendars. Some advice they gave included:
Make sure the calendar is updated and accurate.
Try a digital calendar. Make sure the app works for your family and your needs!
Use a physical calandar, and keep it where it’s accessible to everyone in the family. Use color coding if that’s helpful for your family. You can also blend these two and write your schedule in both your calendar app and your physical calendar so your phone can send you reminders.
Get everyone in the family involved, even the little ones! Teach them the importance of keeping a schedule so they can use it effectively when they get old enough to use the calendar.
Check-in with your family regularly about their schedule. Talk about what they need to do the next day, and what they need to plan in the future.
Don’t forget to plan for time to rest and relax. Having a jam-packed schedule once in a while happens, but it shouldn’t be every day. Studies show that people who don’t take time to rest are at risk for depression, anxiety, lack of sleep, eating less/poorly, and poor decision making skills. Make time for your family to spend time together, or for you and your significant other to have a date night.
Click HERE to read the full article from VeryWell Family.
Jane Frickey from Lifewise Academy tells us about this exciting new program coming to Mount Vernon City Schools! She tells us about what Lifewise Academy is, how she got involved, and how you can sign your student up to join the program!
Go to lifewise.org/interest/, type in your school district, and click “visit school district page” to sign up and learn more.
We know many students in our area are getting ready to go back to school, and many students are going back this week. We want to help you and your child have a smooth transition as they head into the school year!
This morning on The Morning Thing, we shared some relaxing things you can do before the semester starts. Click HERE to see the full list. We especially loved the idea of taking a hike (and the weather forecast looks promising for a hike this week!), cleaning out your closet, and going berry picking. Take some time for both you and your student to unwind before the school year starts.
Is your child feeling anxious for the school year? Sometimes starting new things can make children nervous. If they are, here’s 5 tips from Johns Hopkins Children’s Center:
A week or two before school, start preparing children for the upcoming transition by resuming school-year routines, such as setting a realistic bedtime and selecting tomorrow’s clothes.
Arrange play dates with one or more familiar peers before school starts. Research shows that the presence of a familiar peer during school transitions can improve children’s academic and emotional adjustment.
Visit the school before the school year begins, rehearse the drop-off and spend time on the playground or inside the classroom if the building is open. Have your child practice walking into class while you wait outside or down the hall.
Come up with a prize or a rewarding activity that the child could earn for separating from mom or dad to attend school.
Validate the child’s worry by acknowledging that, like any new activity, starting school can be hard but soon becomes easy and fun.
Click HERE to learn more about easing your child’s anxiety.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University held a short reception on Friday afternoon at Ariel Arena to officially announce the 8th President of MVNU.
Prayer held at the reception around the Castleman Family.
Dr. Carson Castleman was joined at the reception with his family, Dr. Angela Castleman and their two children Claire and Carter. Dr. Carson Castleman will serve as the 8th President in the University’s history, replacing Dr. Henry Spaulding II who retired earlier this year. You can hear Dr. Castleman’s full comments below.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University Board of Trustees is proud to announce the election of Dr. Carson Castleman as the University’s 8th president. He will begin his tenure on Oct. 1, 2023.
His remarkable career in Christian higher education spans over 26 years and includes expertise with both traditional and non-traditional student enrollment and engagement. Currently serving as the Vice President of Student Experience and External Relations at Indiana Wesleyan University, Dr. Carson Castleman oversees the student experience of over 8,500 students across the United States and around the world. He has been instrumental in developing innovative partnerships that have resulted in growing the 2022-23 enrollment by more than 1,700 students.
“The Board is pleased to welcome Dr. Carson Castleman as the next president of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Through a very robust national search process, we have found a collaborative leader in Dr. Carson Castleman. He has the right education, experience, interest, drive, and passion to lead MVNU into a bright future,” said Rev. Edward Phillips, J.D., MVNU Board of Trustees, Chair. “Dr. Carson Castleman’s enthusiasm and welcoming style is infectious, and he has built a distinguished career with many accomplishments that have made him the unanimous choice of the Board of Trustees. We believe Dr. Carson Castleman is the right leader to move MVNU to new heights as the premier Christian university in the region.”
Dr. Carson Castleman has been a part of the MVNU Community his entire life. He grew up within the nurturing community of Covington Central Church of the Nazarene on the Eastern Kentucky District. This unique connection makes him the first president to emerge from our very own region. He is a fourth generation Nazarene and has been a steadfast and dedicated member of the Church of the Nazarene his entire life. He is currently a member of Generations Church of the Nazarene, which he helped plant over 15 years ago. His contribution to the church includes service as a local church board
member, six years on the General Board for the Church of the Nazarene, and six years on the Eastern Kentucky District Advisory Board.
He began his higher education career in the MVNU Admissions Office as an admissions counselor and later as Associate Director of Admissions. He then was hired as the Director of University Advancement. After serving as the Chief Enrollment Officer at Nazarene Theological Seminary, he moved to Indiana Wesleyan University where he has spent the last 20 years in progressive roles as a faculty member, dean, associate vice president and vice president.
Dr. Carson Castleman’s impressive track record in Christian higher education, coupled with his deep commitment to Christian values, makes him an ideal choice to lead MVNU as it continues its mission to educate the whole person and cultivate Christ-likeness for lifelong learning and service.
“We are unapologetically a Christian higher education institution and an extension of the Church of the Nazarene, offering hope in a dying world where there are many hindrances to the harmonious exchange of ideas and the clashing of values,” said Phillips. “It was imperative we find the right leader to build on the success of the past and move MVNU into an even brighter future.”
“I am humbled and honored for this opportunity to serve my church and MVNU, a place Angela and I love so deeply,” said Dr. Carson Castleman. “Our lives started here in the 1990s, and our first child was born here, so we truly feel like we are coming home. Words cannot describe our gratitude and excitement to serve the MVNU community in this capacity.”
Dr. Carson Castleman graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication/English. He earned a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Master of Arts in Religion and Counseling from Liberty University. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Administration from Capella University.
Dr. Carson Castleman will be joined by his accomplished wife, Dr. Angela Castleman, who has served 24 years in the field of education, in various roles including classroom teacher, building administrator, and university professor. She is a 2000 alumna of MVNU. She is currently serving her fifth year over three terms on the MVNU Board of Trustees, where she has participated on the strategic planning, academic affairs, and institutional advancement committees. Dr. Angela Castleman recused herself from the presidential search process. Following the election she submitted her resignation from the board, effective immediately. She is eager to join her husband in the work and ministry of MVNU.
They have two children, Claire, 20, and Carter, 15. They currently reside in Florence, Kentucky.
SEARCH FOR NEXT PRESIDENT
The Presidential Search Committee, comprised of select members of the Board of Trustees and faculty and staff representatives, voted early in the process to hire a search firm, FaithSearch Partners, with experience in generating and vetting a strong pool of qualified candidates.
The search firm met with campus and community stakeholders, and surveyed faculty and staff to develop a thorough profile detailing what the ideal candidate should embody in their faith, education, experience, skill set, and other characteristics.
The nationwide search resulted in incredible interest in the position with final candidates interviewed by the Presidential Search Committee, who then made their recommendation to the Board of Trustees.
“I am delighted with the election of Dr. Carson Castleman to be the next president of MVVNU. He is a proven leader and innovator in higher education and a committed churchman. He also brings a deep love for the university, the place he began his career. He is coming home, and we welcome him,” said Dr. David Wilson Sr., MVNU Transitional Leader. “We give thanks to God for His leadership in the search process. Many people have spent countless hours, fasting and praying that God would lead us – and He has!
Dr. Carson Castleman succeeds Dr. Henry W. Spaulding II, who served at the University over the past 14 years, most recently as the President from 2012 until his retirement earlier this year.
Drs. Carson and Angela Castleman will be introduced to faculty, staff, and invited guests this afternoon. Official plans for the inauguration will be announced when they become available.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,000 students from 25 states and 11 foreign countries.
We all occasionally struggle with our confidence, but sometimes we hear those annoying whispers of doubt that hinder our self-esteem and personal growth. This morning, we shared some tips from GoodTherapy.org to grow your confidence. Here are some of our favorite tips:
Face your fear head-on: Fear is almost always the root of your lack of confidence. When you face your fear, you can come out of it on the other side feeling liberated, proud, and of course, more confident.
Befriend failure: No one is perfect. The more you fail, the more you learn and grow. If you’re trying something new and you fail, it just gives you a chance to learn from your mistakes so you can try again. Remember, failure isn’t the end of the road, it may just be the beginning of something great.
Doubt your doubt: Sometimes we have doubtful thoughts. If you find yourself thinking thoughts like “I can’t do this” or “I’m not good at this,” ask yourself “why not?” When you start doubting the doubt, you begin to see that there isn’t much truth to those thoughts, and you can begin to see what your doubts are holding you back from.
Listen to empowering music: Music is powerful! You can create a playlist of songs that make you feel good, or you can listen to WNZR. We’re here for you 24/7, 365 days a year with music that will encourage and inspire you. Click HERE to listen to us live.
We are all called to share the love of Jesus with the world, but this can seem challenging or intimidating. Crosswalk.com shares 5 ways to share the Gospel message.
The first is to let God’s love flow through your life. 1 John 4:8 says that “God is love.” When you love other people, you are pointing them toward God. Love inspires people, which makes it easier to share the Gospel with them.
The second way is to listen to people’s stories. Stories are so powerful because God designed us to love stories. Jesus told a lot of stories, also called parables, to teach us spiritual truths. We all have stories, and our stories are valuable. When you listen to people, make sure you’re really listening to what they have to say and listen more than you speak. Then, you can ask them to consider how God is in their story.
The third way is to not judge people and accept them for who they are. This can be tricky, as a lot of people worry about being judged by others when they talk about God. Remember that only God can judge people, and we will be judged if we judge other people (see Romans 2 and Matthew 7). Make sure that the people you talk to are comfortable and relaxed by not judging them or their story. After all, God meets us where we are, so meet others where they are. Be a safe person.
The fourth way is to highlight what nature reveals about God. Nature is wonderful, especially because it reveals God’s character. You can have fun with this one! Take a walk with a friend, go stargazing, or find a fun outdoor activity you both like (hiking, fishing, playing a sport, and so on), and use your time outside to let nature inspire your conversations about God.
The fifth way is to encourage questions rather than just give answers. Encourage people to ask spiritual questions. Remember, the only bad question is the unasked question! Asking questions inspires people to seek God even more. Encourage them to try praying, even if they’re still not sure about God yet, and point them towards studying the Bible to find answers to their questions (and if not to answer questions, to learn more and become even more curious!). Try to answer their questions as you can, but never try to answer a question you don’t know the answer to. Help them find and answer and you can learn more too!
Click HERE to read the full article from Crosswalk.com.
Rise and Shine 