Shawn Thomas Online/ARP Ministry Update

"Faith Unashamed" Still Topping Charts!

2008-05-08T00:27:00.005-04:00

Its been over 18 months since the CD, "Faith Unashamed" entered the OutVoice Top40 charts - and it remains in the Top10 currently listing at its highest postion at number 4! Be sure to vote for Shawn and your other favorite artists (share the love!) at http://www.outvoice.net/.

THE SPECIAL EDITION of "Faith Unashamed" includes the orginal 14 tracks, plus 2 club-remixes, 8 skits, AND - its a double disc including a DVD of music videos for the title track and "Kickin' Back."

"Faith Unashamed" is available for purchase at: www.shawnthomasonline.com/store.html

OR -- you can buy downloads of individual songs or the whole project at:iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon and many other download sites.

NEW OutMusic Website Up and Running

2008-05-08T00:05:00.004-04:00

After a short period of time of being off of the radar, "OUTMUSIC", the Alliance of Openly LGBT Artists - is back up and running full force! This is an excellent organization and resource for independant musicians. You can check out Shawn's page at www.outmusic.com -- including free streaming audio and video of songs from "Everything I Am", "Changed", and "Faith Unashamed".

Exclusive New Interview on JuniorsCave.com

2008-03-29T20:58:00.004-04:00

Columnist and Editor in Chief, Isaac Joseph Davis Junior, has posted his recent interview with Shawn on the "Gospel Today" section of the web-publication, JuniorsCave.com. Click on the link below to read it all:
SHAWN THOMAS INTERVIEW

Have You Seen the Videos???

2008-03-29T20:55:00.003-04:00

Check out all the lastest music videos and live performances at these and other sites:

YouTube

GodTube

theQTube

OutoftheCloset

Help keep "Faith Unashamed" on the charts:
Vote for "Faith Unashamed" and your other favorite CD/albums at http://www.outvoice.net/.

Three New LIVE Music Videos

2008-02-26T23:08:00.003-05:00

Special thanks to Joy MCC in Orlando, and especially Jackie Sanchez, for providing live video footage from a recent concert. There are three new videos available for online viewing. Two are on godtube.com and one is on youtube.com.

View the videos directly using these links:
"Lord I See You"
"Lord I Lift Your Name/Hallelujah"
"The Human Part of Me"

PLUS -- don't forget to check out the new video for "What am I Gonna Do with You" -- more information below...

New Music Video -- Exclusive Release on QTube

2008-02-12T00:02:00.000-05:00

The newest single from the "Faith Unashamed" CD/album has just been released as a new music video. The video is for the song "What am I Gonna do with You", and it is ONLY available for viewing exclusively on QTube until March 1st. This video is not available any where else -- not even on my own home website. Check it out and leave a comment -- its free!
TheQTube.com

The QTube also has videos for the songs, "Kickin' Back" and "Faith Unashamed".

Special thanks to Mjay Sanders and Brian Ladd for filming and providing location!

"Faith Unashamed" listed at #5 for the whole year!

2008-02-11T23:49:00.000-05:00

OutVoice.net recently released its Top 40 albums list for the year 2007. "Faith Unashamed" came in at number 5! To date, the CD has been in the Top 10 for 11months in a row, and on the charts for over 16 months! For the month of January 2008, "Faith Unashamed" remains in the Top 10, coming in at number 7.

You can help keep "Faith Unashamed" on the charts:
Vote for "Faith Unashamed" and your other favorite CD/albums at http://www.outvoice.net/.

Thank You for your Contributions! 2008 Pledge Drive

2008-02-11T23:08:00.000-05:00

Many sincere thanks to those who have financially supported this music ministry in the past, to those who continue to contribute, and to the new supporters who have recently pledged. There are so many ways that even the smallest amount multiplies to fill specific needs and challenges.

If you would like to learn more about the Ministry of Aaron's Rainbow Project, and how you can become a montly contributor, or simply offer a one time gift, just read through the letter below, and click on the link to learn how you can make a difference.

The ARP Website - Contributions Page

A SPECIAL LETTER: 2008 ARP Pledge/Contribution Drive

"So, how does a music ministry work anyway -- and where do all those love offerings go? And don't the churches pay for guest musicians to visit? Why does anyone need to make contributions?"

Good questions! I don't know how other music ministries work, but mine is pretty basic: I'm grateful to have the opportunity to visit churches to share in music and ministry, and I do not require fees, ticket sales, or minimum guarantees on love offerings. Yes, some churches enjoy visiting ministries so much, that they actually have a budget for honorariums, and will provide a set amount to come to their church -- and other churches are also able to assist with travel expenses and even housing and food, which I consider a major contribution to this ministry in itself. However other churches and organizations rarely have the opportunity to have outside ministries visit because of lack of funds. I am thankful to be able to say that I have not ever turned down an invitation to visit because of money. Through ARP, (my host ministry organization), I offer scholarships to smaller churches or churches with limited resources. Traveling and recording continue to be my full time work, and the love offerings received at church concerts and services on my behalf are what make it possible to continue. Every dollar received is an affirming gift which I am honored to receive.

Providing for scholarship churches and production and travel costs is a way that some have chosen to support this ministry on an ongoing basis. Regular expenses include gas, airfare, hotel, food, production/recording equipment, sound/performance equipment, duplication of product, and cooperative outreach programs with other ministries and churches. In 2008, two new aspects of production will be added including video production/editing, and printing/duplication of a new songbook to accompany a Praise & Worship CD to be released mid-year. The hope is that the songbook and CD will provide a needed resource for churches without regular musicians or song-leaders to accompany or lead them.

This ministry needs the help and support of individuals and churches and organizations, and I am very grateful to the many who have and continue to provide that support. I encourage you to visit the webpage listed below to see the list of names of those who are contributors. In addition, I'm very excited to announce the addition of a new "level" of sponsorship specifically for churches and organizations. Recently a few churches have supported The Ministry of ARP in ways beyond my visits, concerts, and love offerings, coming directly from their own budgets either through gifts in kind or direct financial contributions and regular gifts. You can view those churches on the site below as well, but I would like to list them for you here as an acknowledgement of thanks and gratitude to them:

Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches (Florida), North Star Cathedral of Hope (Massachusetts), Open Door Community Churches (Arkansas & Colorado), Third Lutheran Church (Kentucky), Christ's Church United (Georgia)

If your church or organization, or your name should be listed here or on the page below, please let me know and I will include it immediately. I thank you for your consideration of including this ministry in your monthly and yearly contributions and giving. If you would like to begin supporting ARP for the first time, or continue a pledge from last year, please read and fill out the form listed below and mail it to the address provided. There are opportunities for one time donations or monthly pledges in amounts from small to large, because every gift really does make a difference. If you have questions or need more information, please feel free to contact me at info@shawnthomasonline.com. I'm happy to communicate with you.

Many blessings to you,

Shawn

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS AND ARP INFO:
http://www.aaronsrainbowproject.com/contribute.html

DONATION FORM:
http://www.shawnthomasonline.com/ARPDonationForm.doc

New Music Workshop offered by ARP

2008-01-07T01:12:00.001-05:00

The Ministry of Aaron's Rainbow Project is now offering a new workshop called "Read Music Easily" as another option in addition to the popular "Liturgical Dance Workshop". "Read Music Easily" is great for choirs and praise teams, for churches or conferences, for groups or ensembles. Learn to sight read music and understand all those black dots and lines without getting bogged down in heavy music theory and notation. Its obviously a perfect workshop for beginners, but is also a fun surprise a lot of times for experienced musicians, and a great refresher. Now you can literally get all of your musicians and singers on the same page! To learn more about scheduling/booking a workshop contact ministry@aaronsrainbowproject.com or visit http://www.aaronsrainbowproject.com/services.html.

New "live footage" Video!

2008-01-07T00:54:00.000-05:00

LOTS of video news -- First off, there's a new video for the song "That's What You Are" now available for viewing on YouTube and other sites. You can watch it here by just clicking on the video screen below. It features live video footage and photos from various performances.

After you watch that -- be sure to keep reading below for more information about some great new music video websites featuring both "That's What You Are" and "Faith Unashamed".

GodTube Anyone???

2008-01-07T00:44:00.000-05:00

Have you heard of "GodTube" yet? It's pretty cool -- I first found out about the site because it features an online "virtual" Bible -- how cool is that!?!?! http://www.godtube.com/virtualbible/ Then after visiting the site, I discovered its really like "YouTube" for Christians -- a fun community of video sharing geeks like me. :) So, of course, I set up a page on their site -- and so far everything's gone great. I read in the material that they do "monitor" the site for anything they consider "inappropriate", and so I'm hoping that an "out" gay Christian singer doesn't qualify as inappropriate -- we'll see...

In the meantime you can visit my page and the videos using these links:
http://www.godtube.com/shawnthomasonline
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ad9e65da4e69e38000b6
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=d6055abea21fafe54277

Out of the Closet Studios -- "Faith Unashamed"

2008-01-07T00:29:00.000-05:00

Well -- our friends who brought us "outofthecloset.tv" have created another great community website called "outoftheclosetstudios.com". Its another video sharing site that specifically focuses and reaches out the the GLBT community -- and its a lot of fun! PLUS -- I'm very excited to say that the "Faith Unashamed" video is now available on their site as well, and there will be more to follow. You can go directly to the video here, or visit their main page and join up at: http://www.outoftheclosetstudios.com/. Don't forget to say "hi" and leave a comment. :)

"Camp Pride Song Award" PITAs...

2007-12-04T15:05:00.002-05:00

Pride in the Arts Awards (http://www.prideinthearts.com/)
-- Presented by the StoneWall Society:

The 2007 Pride In The Arts Music Award recipient for "Camp Pride Song Award" has gone to the song "Not Gay Enough for You"! The song is off the lastest CD, "Faith Unashamed", which also received a nomination "Production/Producer of the Year". Thank you to the many who voted and supported this ministry and the many other artists and award recipients. You can listen to the awards at: http://www.rainbowworldradio.com/. Don't forget to check out the other winners and visit their websites. Send 'em an email and say "congrats!" :)

"Faith Unashamed" Comments/Debate

2007-12-04T15:00:00.000-05:00

Since its posting a few months ago, the music video for "Faith Unashamed" has stirred up some debate on YouTube. Post your opinion here: YouTube

2008 Pledge Drive for the Ministry of ARP

2007-12-04T14:45:00.000-05:00

Every December-January, the Ministry of ARP (Aaron's Rainbow Project), holds an annual pledge drive to help with expenses such as equipment and supplies, full-time travel expenses, duplication of product, scholarships for smaller churches, and cooperative outreach programs.

Thank you to those who have and continue to support and contribute to this ministry. If you are interested in supporting the ministry of "Aaron's Rainbow Project" and Shawn Thomas in 2008, your monthly pledge or one time contribution would be a blessing. To learn how to help, click on either of the links below. There are also ways to contribute gifts "in kind". Thank you for your consideration.

www.aaronsrainbowproject.com/contribute.html

www.shawnthomasonline.com/ARPDonationForm.doc

Operation DVD and CDDVD Now!

2007-12-04T14:39:00.001-05:00

CDDVD Now! is a duplication company that the Ministry of ARP has used several times for various projects and is also a part of the Indie Artists Alliance. They are sponsoring a charitable organization called, "Operation DVD" in an effort to support our troops. This idea to collect as many DVDs and CDs as possible for the troops, who are largely relegated to inside activities because of the war zone's outside dangers. If you would like to participate and contribute from your CD and DVD collection, please visit either of these sites for more information:
http://www.operationdvd.net/
http://www.cddvdnow.com/operation-dvd.htm

Prayer Requests

2007-11-12T17:01:00.000-05:00

To participate in helping to share the prayers and needs of others, The Ministry of Aaron's Rainbow Project (ARP), provides the opportunity for "Prayer Requests".
If you have a prayer request that you would like to add to the prayer request webpage, please feel free to include joys, sorrows, & concerns by completing the online prayer request form. This will allow people all over to join with you in prayers of support and/or celebration. Prayer requests may include first names if you choose or may simply remain anonymous. Postings of prayer requests are usually made within 24 hours. Please visit this page often and include those requests listed in your own personal time of prayer and reflection.
PRAYER REQUEST WEBPAGE

Your Vote Counts!

2007-11-12T16:54:00.000-05:00

Okay, you may be wondering -- "How in the world does all this voting make a diffence? It seems like there are all these different sites and awards and programs, and if everyone is sending out emails to everyone on their list to get the most votes, then what does it all really mean?" Well, that's a very good question. Here's my point of view: When you support independant artists like myself by visiting various websites and casting your vote or sending in a request, its kind of like a radio station receiving song requests (in fact some of the sites out there who support indie artist ARE radio stations). It sends up a beacon for that artist that says, "Hey, look over here -- I like this artist so much, that I'm taking the time to visit your website just to tell you about it." But the best part about it is that unlike calling in to your favorite radio station -- where you can only request one song -- you can share the love by letting these websites know about lots of different artists out there. In fact, YOU could be the one who helps get a new artist noticed. If you enjoy supporting independant musicians, and/or GLBT affirming artists, then websites like the ones below are what give you the power to help. I HIGHLY recommend learning about some of the other artists on these webpages, and visiting their home sites as well. Send them and note and let them know how you found out about them. I promise, they'll be thrilled to hear from you. :)

Here are three sites on which I am currently listed. I'm very grateful for your support, and again -- share the love and vote for some of my peers too!

Brand New! "Indie Artists Alliance" BACKBEAT CD:

The song "Kickin' Back" has been entered for consideration on the upcoming 4th release version of "Backbeat" -- a CD compilation of independant music with "backbeat" style grooves and rhythms. You can cast your vote by visiting: http://www.imuzic.com/artists/backbeat/

Last Chance to vote in the PITAs!

Three nominations for the 2007 Pride in the Arts (PITA) Awards -- presented by The StoneWall Society. VOTING ENDS NOVEMBER 14th! Help out by voting in the following catagories:

Male/Gay Favorite Musician of 2007 2007

Camp Pride Song for "Not Gay Enough for You"

Production/Producer of the Year for 2007

There are many artists represented in many catagories. Share the love! Cast your votes at: StoneWall Society

TOP 40 Albums listed on "OutVoice":

"Faith Unashamed" has been on the charts since January and has appeared in the Top 10 for the last 7 months, currently listing at Number 5. Visit OutVoice to vote for your favorite Top 40 GLBT artists. http://www.outvoice.net/

Christmas CD -- "BORN" back in stock

2007-11-12T16:47:00.000-05:00

The Christmas CD, "Born" has been re-ordered and is back in stock just in time for the holidays. The CD includes several original songs (including a remix version of the title track), plus some traditional and favorites of the season with new arrangements. To order this and other music, visit Shawn Thomas Online.

3 Nominations for 2007 Pride in the Arts Awards!

2007-10-19T00:48:00.000-04:00

Whoo-hoo! Three nominations for the 2007 Pride in the Arts (PITA) Awards -- presented by The StoneWall Society. Now its up to YOU!!! Help out by voting in the following catagories:

Male/Gay Favorite Musician of 2007
2007 Camp Pride Song for "Not Gay Enough for You"
Production/Producer of the Year for 2007

There are many artists represented in many catagories. Share the love! Cast your votes at: StoneWall Society

AND... don't forget to help keep "Faith Unashamed" in the charts at http://www.outvoice.net/.

New Remix Downloads on iMuzic.com

2007-10-19T00:25:00.000-04:00

This is a special, exclusive opportunity to download remix and dance versions of songs from several different CDs. These songs have never been available for download, and many of them are out of print or were only released on special edition CDs. This is a limited time offer, because although the site with iMuzic will continue, the content will change. All songs are available for only $0.99 each, and require no special software.

Check out the remix versions of songs such as: "The Beat of the Lord", "Changed", "Believe for One More Day", and the newly released, "Heaven Here and Now"... and more!

Plus you can tune in to their radio broadcast on iMuzic Radio.

All this is available to you at: http://www.imuzic.com/artists/shawnthomas/

"Faith Unashamed" Video on Q Nation FM

2007-10-19T00:02:00.000-04:00

This is cool -- they've set this site up as a community so you can communicate with others, post messages, listen to music, view videos, and so on...

The music video for "Faith Unashamed" is now available for viewing on their site.

Don't forget to check out their weekly broadcast schedule and support their efforts. http://www.qnation.fm/

"Quest of Life" broadcast on WRPI 91.5

2007-10-18T23:43:00.000-04:00

"The Quest of Life" radio broadcast is about inspiration, inspirational people, spirituality and music in the Gay, Lesbian,Bisexual and Transgender community. The weekly show is broadcast on WRPI 91.5 in Troy, NY. On Friday, October 19th, music from "Faith Unashamed" will be included on the programs playlist. Tune in and support this program.

To listen live, tune in Friday from noon to 2pm eastern time: http://www.wrpi.org/

For more information about the program, its hosts, and its guests, visit: http://www.thequestoflife.com/

Welcome, welcome! :)

2007-09-20T16:34:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!

Welcome to the new version of the ARP Ministry Update -- yeah!!! The idea behind presenting the update in "blog" form, is that because so many of us have various protection programs for our email, many people have not been able to receive the update when sent in html format through email. So from now on, each person signed up on the mailing list, will simply receive a short text email alerting them that a new posting has been made to the blog.

In addition, the Shawn Thomas Online website has been updated with new tour information, photo gallery, video, and prayer requests.

I hope you enjoy the new format, and as always, I continue to be grateful and blessed by your support and interest in this ministry. Read on.... :)

Peace and Joy,
Shawn
http://www.shawnthomasonline.com/
http://www.aaronsrainbowproject.com/

New Music Video and New CD/DVD Release...

2007-09-20T16:32:00.000-04:00

The CD/album, "Faith Unashamed", just got better! The new Special Edition version includes 2 discs including all of the orginal songs and skits, PLUS a new remix version of the song "Heaven Here and Now". The DVD includes music video versions of the singles, "Kickin' Back", and the brand new video for "Faith Unashamed". Release date is set for September 28th, 2007.

To order the Special Edition version of "Faith Unashamed", visit:
www.shawnthomasonline.com/store.html

If you have already pre-ordered your copy at a recent concert or service, shipments will be sent out on September 29th.

You can stream the new remix of "Heaven Here and Now" below:

This is a low-res version of the music video for "Faith Unashamed" as posted on YouTube: