Press Release
for the WAKE UP WESTCHESTER revival


An old time Methodist tent revival experience with contemporary relevancy is what the sponsors of "Wake Up Westchester" have in mind for a series of August meetings on the grounds of the Pleasantville United Methodist Church.  The August 11-14 revival meetings are intended to capture the vitality and energy of early Methodism which thrived in the Westchester region during the 19th century, but hope to present the positive message of personal faith and social responsibility which also typified circuit preachers of that era.

The featured camp meeting preacher is no stranger to either of those strands within historical Methodism.  Coming from Monroeville, Alabama, the Rev. Dr. Thomas Lane Butts is acknowledged to be one of the premier preachers in United Methodism today.  As a young preacher, he marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to secure voting rights for minority Americans at Selma, and his powerful voice has been heard numerous times on the "Protestant Radio Hour".  Dr. Butts is a pastor, university educator and noted author. 

Rev. Butt's evening messages will be opened each evening at 7:30 p.m. with the progressive bluegrass fusion music of The Get Up Johns, a Minnesota-based duet whose guitar, mandolin, fiddle and banjo music recalls the "high lonesome" sound of the father of bluegrass music, Bill Monroe.  One reviewer unequivocally stated that no one could beat The Get Up Johns "for calling up the old tunes in a beautiful, harmonious way".  The revival gatherings will also feature a black gospel choir and local acoustical musicians during the nights of this Methodist event.

As in the early days of American revivalism, the August gatherings will also feature a social component  Local churches will share old fashion desserts such as homemade ice cream and strawberry short cake prior to the service between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.--offered free of charge.  Children are especially welcomed to the services, which will feature the amazing talents of "Mr Chris", a New York City based children's performer and musician.    

Wake Up Westchester is a call to faith and social action for believers (and non-believers) to hear again the camp meeting themes of American folk religion through fresh and compelling contemporary voices.  Four local Westchester pastors of United Methodist churches conceived the idea, which they hope will bring people off the street to hear a vital gospel message of God's love and hope, with particular relevancy for life in Westchester County.

For more information, call Steve Phillips at 769-0357 and Matthew Curry at 666-5014, or visit the revival's website at wakeupwestchester.org. 

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The Rev. Matthew T. Curry

United Methodist Church of Mt. Kisco
www.mountkiscochurch.org

914.666.5014