McHenry County Blog

The band Elevate in a Crystal Lake’s Raue Center Back Stage performance in late June, 2012. Band members include

• Jayson Hemphill, Vocals, keyboard and band founder
• Jody Posers, Vocals
• Aaron Netsell, Guitar, Vocals
• Kevin Levels, Bass
• Tyler Ommen, Drums
• Nathan Staley, Percussion
• Christine Tuck, Brass
• Brian Warszona, Trumpet
• John Tuck, Brass

The former Director of Contemporary Music at the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake has started a Christian band called Elevate.

My wife and I were privileged to hear them at the Raue Center right before we went on vacation.

Here’s the invitation on his web site from Vern Strade to attend Sunday worship at his farm:

Christian Worship, Prayer, & Praise on the Farm

Join us Sunday mornings at 10:00am from May 27th through October 28th for a contemporary Christian worship, prayer, and praise service.

Many inspirational speakers and excellent musicians will be featured during the summer.

Our services are non-denominational.

Come worship with us in a beautiful outdoor setting for an inspirational experience you will cherish.

Hear exciting testimonials from everyday people about how God is working in their lives.

Directions to Strade Farm.

Free coffee and Stade’s fresh homemade donuts will be provided.

Please contact us if you or your church would like to participate in leading an outdoor service.

We look forward to worshiping with you!

Vern Stade
Host

Pastor Doug Listons will lead service on July 29th.  He pastors Joyful Harvest Church (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), whose regular services are held at 5050 N. Johnsburg Road (the corner of Johnsburg and Ringwood Roads) in Johnsburg.

Jason Hemphill used to be the contemporary music director at the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake.

Since leaving, he has formed a band called Elevate.

The eight-person ensemble consists of

• Jayson Hemphill, Vocals, keyboard and band founder
• Jody Posers, Vocals
• Aaron Netsell, Guitar, Vocals
• Kevin Levels, Bass
• Tyler Ommen, Drums
• Nathan Staley, Percussion
• Christine Tuck, Brass
• John Tuck, Brass

Why does Elevate exist?

“Elevate the music that we perform, to a level that cannot be ignored by those who hear it.

“Elevate the audience through our performance, to a place they were not expecting and a place that leaves them better than they were before.

“Elevate each other; musically (through individual preparation, group rehearsal, and a constant pursuit of excellence), personally (through open and honest encouragement and communication), and spiritually (through daily prayer and collective study of God’s word).

Elevate on stage.

“Elevate ourselves, as individuals and as a team, to a place where we are a source of inspiration and opportunity for other creative people to utilize their God given gifts in Christ’s name.

“Elevate the music that we perform, to a level that cannot be ignored by those who hear it.

“Elevate the audience through our performance, to a place they were not expecting and a place that leaves them better than they were before.

“Elevate each other; musically (through individual preparation, group rehearsal, and a constant pursuit of excellence), personally (through open and honest encouragement and communication), and spiritually (through daily prayer and collective study of God’s word).

“Elevate ourselves, as individuals and as a team, to a place where we are a source of inspiration and opportunity for other creative people to utilize their God given gifts in Christ’s name.”

Here’s a sample.

The band is performing at the Raue Center in Crystal Lake on Friday, June 22nd. Tickets ordered ahead are $20, $25 at the door. The show starts at 8:30.