Jan Oettinger		Melissa

I've combined both of Mitch's concerts that night into one review. Cup O' Joy is a Christian Coffeehouse staffed by volunteers. A local Green Bay Christian musician opened both concerts. Jan Oettinger introduced Melissa to the audience. Melissa signs for the deaf and has signed several of Mitch's concerts.

Mitch began with "Upside Down", immediately following with "Take the Wheel". After which, during both concerts, he used a couple of kid toys to illustrate things about Christ. He said that just as you turn the Etch-A-Sketch over and shake it to rid it of the marks, Jesus does that for us. He then mimed it. He demonstrated a gentle shake. Then increased it to a vigorous shake, complete with a facial expression that got people laughing. Weebles wobble, however they are not down for the count. Because of Jesus, neither are we.

"Christ the Solid Rock" was next. Joe's customized drumset includes a cooking pot which he used during the song. Mitch introduced Brad Layher and Joe Curet, doing a cross between a rap and a scat. He gets going very fast when he does that. Melissa did a great job on signing it.

He told the audience about a concert of his being recorded and was in the process of becoming a live CD. He is including a handful of new songs on it as well. The next song was one of those. Mitch sang a song he wrote based on scripture from the books of 1Corinthians and Luke. During the first concert, Mitch said that all of creation is in a constant state of praise. Then he spoke about Jesus helping us in doing the opposite of our natural inclination. There is a sacrificial serving way of giving away love. In both concerts, Mitch stated that Jesus calls us to love. We are called to do the things Jesus wants us to do. He alluded to God being in everything. The green in the grass. The green in the bean. He kept naming the different green things and ended with the Hulk. People reacted with laughter. He sang "Don't Let Your Heart Be Troubled".

Then Brad did a couple of songs in both concerts.

Mitch followed with "I Need You Jesus," and then sang a song about a party going on in heaven. During the first concert, Mitch said God is renewing us. We must not forget Jesus is active in renewing our lives. In the second concert he spoke about the old, dead grasses being burned away in the spring. The new grasses then appearing, showing renewal in progress. He sang "Burning the Fields." Mitch spoke about the movie, "The Passion of The Christ." Jesus was wounded for our transgressions. By His stripes we are healed. The concerts were ended with a song about Jesus being Savior, Wounded One, Risen One. Our Hope of Glory.

People left with a new realization of all that Christ is; all that He's done; all that He's still doing.