THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 9, 1995 TAG: 9511080165
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 20 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
THE HUSBAND-WIFE duo of J.T. and Pat West have meshed musical, dramatic and technical talents to create ``Concerts for Christ,'' a praise and worship program featuring meditative music and stirring dialogue.
``Concerts for Christ'' features Pat as arranger, pianist and keyboardist. J.T. adds his talents through monologues and, with his wife, dialogues, while using his technical abilities as the sound and effects coordinator. The resulting concerts are soothing, meditative and worshipful.
``Their programs are more than a concert,'' noted Toni Cotturone, director of music ministries at Magnolia United Methodist Church in Suffolk. ``They are a time of gathering together and spiritual reflection. Their concerts are very moving, very biblically based.''
Pat and J.T. West are both natives of Hampton Roads. Pat studied music education at Old Dominion University and the University of Richmond. Then she taught music in the Norfolk and Virginia Beach public school systems for eight years and also has served as a church musician.
Recently, the Wests moved to Crittenden and formed ``Concerts for Christ'' to bring their music and drama ministry to local churches. Already, area congregations have responded favorably.
Pastor Bill Kincaid of Great Neck Baptist Church in Virginia Beach noted, ``Pat is an outstanding musical artist.''
The Rev. Clyde Nuchols of Magnolia United Methodist Church in Suffolk said, ``I personally felt very close to God in their concert. They brought a reverence and sensitivity through their music that made me feel as if I walked where Jesus walked.''
``Their music and testimonies are soothing to the soul and do much to uplift Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord,'' noted the Rev. Daniel G. Spaugh, pastor of Park View United Methodist Church in Portsmouth. ``Their love for Jesus shines through with a bright and shining light.''
As the Christmas season approaches, the Wests have fine-tuned their Christmas concert production, ``A Faithful People.'' According to Pat, this candlelight program begins with events leading to the manger and ends with the death of Christ.
``It's written from a mother's heart,'' Pat pointed out, ``and is spoken from Mary's perspective.'' Through the blend of music, song and dialogue, there's a stirring message for God's chosen people.
A new Christmas CD by the Wests is scheduled for release prior to Thanksgiving. Titled ``Calling A Faithful People: A True CHRISTmas Message,'' this holiday CD features vocals, keyboard arrangements and narration. This recording, along with the Wests' first audio cassette tape, ``Hide Me In Your Holiness,'' may be purchased at The Way Christian Bookstore in Suffolk and various other bookstores throughout Hampton Roads.
For additional information about the ministry of ``Concerts for Christ,'' call 255-4038. MEMO: LOCAL PERFORMANCES
Sunday, Nov. 26, 7 p.m.: Magnolia United Methodist Church, 1764
Wilroy Road, Suffolk
Friday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m.: First Baptist Church, Norfolk, Singles
Ministry
Sunday, Dec. 10, 2 p.m., Park View United Methodist Church,
Portsmouth
Sunday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m., Emmaus Foursquare Gospel Church, Chesapeake ILLUSTRATION: Photo
J.T. and Pat West will bring their ``Concerts for Christ'' program
to town.
by CNB