Sounds like fun!

I also found this online:

Popular Lakewood Church pastor, best-selling author and fitness enthusiast Joel Osteen and his son Jonathon will appear on the cover of the June 2008 issue of Health & Fitness Sports Magazine as part of the magazine’s first feature article on prominent Houston fathers who maintain an active lifestyle.

Photographer Evin Thayer of Houston shot the cover image at the Lakewood Church gym.

“Joel and Jonathon exemplify the characteristics we were looking to showcase: a healthy attitude, camaraderie, and a sense of fun. Joel's position as pastor of the largest church in the country and as a best-selling author also makes him one of the most recognizable people in Houston,” said Editor-In-Chief Rod Evans. “We felt that the ‘Fit Fathers and Sons’ feature was the perfect tie-in for Father’s Day, and the message we are hoping to send is that fathers, even extremely busy ones like Joel, should take time out to promote healthy, fit living to their sons and to their family overall.”

Joel Osteen, 45, told Health & Fitness Sports Magazine that he likes to wind down and re-energize with a vigorous workout. In addition to running and weight training several times each week, Osteen stays active riding bikes or playing basketball at home with Jonathon, 13.

“I hope to teach my son that staying fit and physically active is a lifestyle, and it’s important to develop good habits, make healthy choices and take care of the body God has given us,” Joel Osteen commented. “On Sunday afternoons, we'll play football or catch in the yard, and we ride bikes often. We have always been physically active together as a family since Jonathon and his sister were very young.”

Asked why he considers it important as a father to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, Joel Osteen responded: “I want to stay strong and healthy for my children. I also want to set a good example for them. I believe if they develop healthy habits like exercising at a young age, they are more likely to continue those good habits throughout their life.”

I should get more info @ rehearsal on Tuesday but the choir has been asked to be a part of 4 tracks for the upcoming compassionart cd. They wrote 15 songs and all the proceeds will go to charities mainly in Africa. I remember reading this blog on Israel and New Breed's myspace. http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=202838167
Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Top Christian Artists Write Songs To Benefit Poor Countries
Category: Music

PRESS RELEASE

Top Christian Artists Write Songs To Benefit Poor Countries

Top Christian music artists who gathered for a retreat in Scotland this week to compose songs for charity are surprised yet exhilarated that they have written almost double the number of songs they initially set as a goal.

The plan for the Compassionart songwriter's retreat was to gather internationally recognized songwriters – including Martin Smith of Delirious?, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman and Darlene Zschech – and write 10-12 songs to raise money for those suffering in the poorest countries.

Songwriters participating in the historic gathering, which began Jan. 7 and ended Friday, are amazed at the achievement. Through small break-up teams, the talented group cumulatively produced over 21 strong songs, according to Delirious, frontman Smith, who founded Compassionart.

"We've done it. We just need to record these songs now. It's been awesome," Smith said on the band's website Friday. "I'm proud, in awe, exhilarated and tired. Good days, great days."

He compared the retreat as one of the times in "history when people join together to do something great and lay down their own agenda, their own territory."

"Unbelievable" was the word Michael W. Smith used to describe the experience. Although some of them had written songs together before, it was the first time they did it together with dozens of award-winning artists.

"It's been especially touching to see everyone be themselves and be vulnerable in front of each other. Yet when a group plays its song, the whole room erupts. It's just pure Christianity. It's a team thing of people lifting each other up," said the three-time Grammy Award winner and American Music Award recipient.

"It's incredible to be working with all of these artists for a worthy cause. Laying down your own agenda really frees you in so many ways, and this week has been a pure joy," he added.

In addition to putting aside record label affiliations, the Christian music artists also waived their claims to royalties from the songs and copyrights to the songs.

All proceeds derived from the songs written during the retreat will go directly to charity. Half will go to the charity of the songwriters' choice and the other half will go toward a charitable program later to be selected by the songwriters.

Royalties will go directly to copyright holder Compassionart – based in Littlehampton , England – which will then distribute the money to the charities of choice.

Other participating artists were Paul Baloche, Stu Garrard (Delirious), Israel Houghton, Tim Hughes, Graham Kendrick, Andy Park and Matt Redman.

Chris Tomlin, who canceled plans to attend due to a short-term illness, called on Wednesday to express his disappointment for not making the retreat but said he was "excited" to hear about the event's fruits.

Renowned Christian speaker Joyce Meyer had joined gathering, leading a morning devotional.

Baloche, author of the worship favorite "Open the Eyes of My Heart," said one of the most memorable aspects of the retreat was the deep friendships he formed.

"I can't even tell you how rewarding it was to hang out people who really get you and what you're about," he said.

"It's a great way to start a new year, that's for sure. That deep connection has made all the difference in collaborating together."

http://www.compassionart.co.uk/
http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/headlines/11568591/

Here's an update:

The choir will rehearse and record for the CompassionArt project June 14.

Night of Worship June 18 with Israel, Steve and Da'dra. Michael Dub might be joining us as well. :)

The choir will also be singing with Michael W Smith on the 20th.

WOW! I can't wait to see what else God has in store for Lakewood. To God be ALL the glory!

That sounds awesome ... as always, the update is appreciated!