Are you a member of a church that creates and produces Christmas musicals with their Choir? Here’s something special that Michael and an amazing writing team have created… A brand new, musical called “ALMOST THERE – A Christmas Musical”.

Give this link to your Worship and Choir Directors:  https://brentwoodbenson.com/Choral/Christmas/Almost-There/001SC05190AF

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About The Musical: 

There are times when God leads us to places that seem impossible to reach and calls us to do what seems impossible to do. Over 2,000 years ago, God called Mary on a journey that would lead her to deliver the long-awaited Christ Child in Bethlehem. Filled with anticipation, she remained obedient to the divine call He placed in her life.

Almost There invites your community to experience the awe and wonder of Christmas as Mary did many years ago. May this unique take on a familiar story draw your heart closer to the expectation of Christ’s coming and finally the angel’s joyful song of His miraculous arrival.

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Listen and learn about the musical below…  listen to the full playlist in the first video to hear Michael narrate and perform the musical…

Michael W. Smith recently spent some time in the land of Israel and filmed a brand new video while there, featuring many ancient locations from biblical times…  It’s hard to not feel the POWER of these places when you’re standing in them.

We are so happy to present Michael’s newest song, HE WILL NEVER END.  Available now at iTunes

Watch the Video Now:

Kicking Off Nov. 11 in Los Angeles, Annual Holiday Tour Expands With Additional Dates, West Coast Markets

Tour Will Help Promote and Raise Awareness for Operation Christmas Child

Nashville, Tenn. (June 16, 2016) – Once again rekindling their synonymous holiday music magic, multi-platinum GRAMMY® winners Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith will co-bill their popular symphony-filled Christmas tour this year, joined by Republic recording artist Jordan Smith, Season 9 winner of NBC’s “The Voice.” Incorporating a full symphony orchestra at each performance, this seasonal crowd-pleaser is expanding this year with additional dates added on the West Coast. Set to kick off Nov. 11 in Los Angeles, the tour will travel to nearly 20 major markets across the U.S. including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle, Portland, Little Rock, Indianapolis, Detroit, Dallas, Tulsa, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Baltimore and more.

Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith draw hundreds of thousands to their concerts each year and their joint Christmas tours have become some of the most anticipated holiday events of the season. With a vast collection of critically-acclaimed holiday albums between them, the 2016 Christmas tour will showcase selections from their extensive Christmas repertoires. Additionally, the Christmas tour will help benefit Operation Christmas Child, known for distributing over 135 million shoeboxes of Christmas gifts to children in need in 150 countries.

“Being on stage with Amy and a full symphony orchestra, performing some of my all-time favorite songs, is a dream come true,” says Michael W. Smith. “And I have to say, I have never heard a voice quite as pure and beautiful as Jordan Smith’s. It’s going to be a great night!”

“Christmas is my favorite time of year, and performing these holiday shows each November and December is a major highlight for me,” Grant adds. “I’m thrilled to share the stage with Michael and Jordan, and I’m so glad some new audiences will be able to join in the Christmas spirit with us this year. I can’t wait!”

“One of my favorite things about Christmas is the music that accompanies the season,” shares Jordan Smith. “I’m so excited to join Michael and Amy, two legendary performers and personal favorites, to celebrate the holidays and support such a deserving cause!”

With critical praise from USA Today, The New York Times, Huffington Post, Country Weekly and more, his latest holiday album, Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit ofChristmas, found Michael W. Smith collaborating with Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles, Bono, Michael McDonald and Grant.

Following the recent release of the 25th anniversary rendition of Amy Grant’s iconic “Baby Baby (feat. Tori Kelly)” single, Grant is currently in the studio recording new music for her brand new Christmas album slated for an October release.

Jordan Smith will also release his first-ever Christmas album coinciding with the tour. The holiday release follows his debut album Something Beautiful, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200, the highest ranking on the chart by any winner of a television singing competition in almost five years, making Smith the best-selling artist in the history of “The Voice.”

For more information on the upcoming tour and to purchase tickets, visit amygrant.com/tour, michaelwsmith.com/tour or jordansmithofficial.com/tour.

To learn more about Operation Christmas Child visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. 2016 Christmas Tour

All dates and venues are subject to change without notice
• Nov. 11 – Los Angeles, CA – Dolby Theatre
• Nov. 12– Las Vegas, NV – MGM
• Nov. 13 – Phoenix, AZ – Grand Canyon University
• Nov. 17 – Kennewick, WA – Toyota Center
• Nov. 18 – Abbotsford, BC – Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre
• Nov. 19 – Seattle, WA – Showare Center
• Nov. 20 – Portland, OR – MODA Center
• Nov. 25 – Little Rock, AR – Verizon Arena
• Nov. 26 – Indianapolis, IN – Bankers Life Fieldhouse
• Nov. 27 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
• Dec. 2 – Grand Prairie, TX – Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie
• Dec. 3 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
• Dec. 4 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena
• Dec. 9 – Champaign, IL – State Farm Center
• Dec. 10 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
• Dec. 11 – Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford Premier Center
• Dec. 16 – Duluth, GA – The Arena at Gwinnett Center
• Dec. 17 – Richmond, VA – Richmond Coliseum
• Dec. 18 – Baltimore, MD – Royal Farms Arena

PLEASE NOTE:  PLEASE DO NOT START CALLING CONCERT VENUES!  TICKETS ARE NOT YET ON-SALE FOR THE LISTED TOUR DATES.  ON-SALE DATES WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN COMING WEEKS!

Greater love has no one more than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
– John 15:13

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We honor the service and sacrifice of so many today.  Say a prayer of remembrance for all who serve, have served, and are serving.

We are very excited to officially announce the Michael W. Smith & Friends Caribbean Cruise “Exclusives” schedule.  All of the listed devotions, bible studies, concerts, and special activities are EXCLUSIVE to MWS Cruise guests next July 2nd through 9th.

Also,all of you who are joining us need to know about one of our FAVORITE cruise traditions.  We have a tradition on Michael W. Smith Cruises, we always create a DAY ONE T-Shirt that we sell in advance of the cruise so that our guests can wear it as they travel to the port city, Ft. Lauderdale, and meet people as they travel together.  CLICK HERE for more information on ordering your “DAY ONE” shirt now.  We have a detailed explanation of the shirt in the online store.

The Oasis of the Seas has many other activities that you’ll also be able to enjoy, including Broadway, diving, ice-skating, and many, many, many more that will be open to our cruisers throughout the cruise.f

What?  You haven’t booked your cabin yet?  You have more questions?  Go to:  www.MichaelWSmithCruise.com to have most of your questions answered.

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The below schedule can be considered nearly locked.  Some changes may occur, but most of our activities will happen during these time windows so you’ll be able to plan your excursions, special dinner reservations, or other on-ship activities.  We will do everything we can to make sure that we don’t interfere with your “in-port” times, so you can plan what/where/when you’re doing excursions.  Please pay special attention in Labadee as our concert that evening does begin at the end of our time in port, so if you’re worried about missing any MWS activities, you may need to plan to be back on the ship before that event starts (more details below).

Saturday, July 2nd – Ft. Lauderdale, FL

• 11:00 am to 3:00 pm:  Boarding the Ship at OASIS OF THE SEAS Terminal
• 3:15 pm:  Muster Station / Life Boat Safety Drill
• 4:30 pm:  Ship Sail-Away Party (All Decks)
• 6:00 pm:  Welcome Aboard Concert & Worship
  • With MWS, Dr. Jack Graham, Laura Story, Mark Lowry, and Oliver North
• 8:15 pm:  Dinner in the Opus Dining Room (Deck is tbd)*
• 10:30 pm:  Late Night Youth Activity / Games**

Sunday, July 3rd – Caribbean Sea Day

• 8:00 am:  Women’s Bible Study with Laura Story
• 9:00 am:  Youth Meet-up at the Flowriders
• 9:30 am:  Sunday Morning Worship for All MWS Cruisers
  • Led by Dr. Jack Graham, Laura Story, and others
• 10:30 am:  Meet & Photos with MWS & Cruise Guests (Group 1)
• 2:00 pm:  Meet & Photos with MWS & Cruise Guests (Group 2)
• 4:00 pm:  A Chat with Debbie Smith
• 6:00 pm:  Evening Concert with Laura Story & Oliver North
• 8:15 pm:  Dinner in the Opus Dining Room (FORMAL NIGHT)
• 10:30 pm:  Late Night Youth Activity / Games**

Monday, July 4th – Caribbean Sea Day / Celebrating July 4th At Sea!

• 8:00 am:  Women’s Bible Study with Laura Story
• 9:00 am:  Youth Meet-up at the Flowriders
• 9:30 am:  Morning Devotion with All MWS Cruisers
• 11:30 am:  Youth Activity / Games**
• 1:30 pm:  Michael W. Smith Concert
• 3:30 to 5:00 pm:  Choir Rehearsal :: Conference Center
• 8:15 pm:  Dinner in the Opus Dining Room (Deck is tbd)*
• 10:30 pm: Comedy Night with Mark Lowry – Studio B
• 11:00 pm:  Late Night Youth Activity / Games**

Tuesday, July 5th – Philipsburg, St. Maarten

• 8:00 am:  Arrive in St. Maarten
• 11:30 am:  Choir meet will be given instructions / directions where to meet for performance in Phillipsburg.
• 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm:  Concert for St. Maarten (Choir Members)
  • Concert is still tentative and being coordinated with a local St. Maarten ministry team.
  • All guests welcome to attend.  More details will be released as they become available.
• 4:30 pm:  All aboard in St. Maarten (Ship departs at 5:00 pm)
• 5:00 pm:  Evening Concert with Dr. Jack Graham and Mark Lowry
• 8:15 pm:  Dinner in the Opus Dining Room (Deck is tbd)*
• 11:00 pm:  Late Night Youth Activity / Games**

Wednesday, July 6th – San Juan, Puerto Rico

• 7:00 am:  Arrive in San Juan, PR
  • Enjoy San Juan…  we highly recommend the fortress tours.  Absolutely awesome.
• 1:30 pm:  All Aboard in San Juan, PR (ship departs at 2:00 pm)
• 2:00 pm:  SMINGO
• 4:00 pm:  Youth Meet-up at the Flowriders
• 6:00 pm:  Worship with MWS and The Cruise Choir
• 8:15 pm:  Dinner in the Opus Dining Room (FORMAL NIGHT)
• 11:00 pm:  Late Night Youth Activity / Games**

Thursday, July 7th – Labadee

• 7:30 am:  Women’s Bible Study with Laura Story
• 9:00 am to 5:00 pm:  Labadee Port  / Activities
• 4:30 pm:  “The Hymns” Concert with Michael W. Smith & Mark Lowry
  • Doors open at 4:10 pm to the Opal Theater
• 8:15 pm:  Dinner in the Opus Dining Room (Deck is tbd)*
• 11:00 pm:  Late Night Youth Activity / Games**

Friday, July 8th – Caribbean Sea

• 7:30 am:  Morning Devotion with Dr. Jack Graham
• 8:45 am:  SMITTYOKE
• 2:00 pm:  Youth Meet-up at the Flowriders
• 6:30 pm:  FAREWELL CONCERT
• 8:15 pm:  Dinner in the Opus Dining Room (Deck is tbd)
• 10:00 pm:  Late Night Youth Activity / Games**

Saturday, July 9th – Ft. Lauderdale, FL

• 8:00 am:  Disembarkation begins.
  • On our inspection cruise, It took us only 20 minutes to get from walking off the ship, to walking into the Ft. Lauderdale airport.  It is very simple and fast.
    A couple recommendations:
    • Walk off with your luggage instead of having the ship take your bags off the ship.
    • TAKE A TAXI to the airport – it’s very affordable and much faster than taking a bus.

*Guests are welcome to eat with the group or make their own dining reservations at one of Oasis of the Seas over 20 restaurants – some restaurants do cost extra on the ship, but all meals in the Opus Dining room are included.
**We will have a Youth director with our group planning specific activities exclusive to MWS Cruisers that are youth group aged cruisers throughout the cruise.

Please know that this is NOT final and while we hope that it is mostly correct, changes may occur at any time without notice.  We will do everything we can to make sure that we don’t interfere with your “in-port” times, so you can plan what/where/when you’re doing excursions.

OK, now that you’ve read the ENTIRE schedule we know that you are ready to book your cabin and join Michael W. Smith and all of his guests on the cruise… right?  Go here to get all of the details.

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You want more info before you go there?  How ’bout this video…

Want to read EVEN more?  We had one of our staff members take the ship this past July to “review” things.  Here’s what he reported back daily:

DAY 1: First Impressions of the Ship

DAY 2: The Big Boat… I mean SHIP!

DAY 3: There’s a “FEW” (hundred) things to do.

DAY 4: FOOOOOOD

Day 5: St. Maarten

Day 6: Somewhere East of Cuba

Day 7: The Final Wrap-up From The Ship

Thinking about booking the cruise?
Get details and reserve your cabin today:
http://www.michaelwsmithcruise.com

Just wanted to thank all of you who supported THE PASSION… And who prayed for us… And prayed for all those that watched. It was so powerful… I will never forget. Jesus… Primetime television… That doesn’t happen every day… I am so grateful. Was such an honor to share the stage with Seal, Jean Carlos, Prince Royce, Trisha Yearwood, Chris Daughtry, Shane Harper, Gabriel Conte and the rest of the disciples and cast.

You can still watch this weekend… On Hulu and… On demand.

Blessings to all of you as we ponder and remember what He did for us on this Good Friday. And we all know what happened on the third day… We shall dance and celebrate on Sunday. God bless all of you.

Godspeed!

Michael W.

THE PASSION, written by Peter Barsocchini (“High School Musical”), tells the 2000-year-old story of the last hours of Jesus Christ’s life on earth through passages from the Bible and a variety of contemporary popular music, sung by the cast, and arranged specifically for this event by executive producer and hit music producer Adam Anders (“Glee,” “Rock of Ages”). Set in modern day, the event will follow the dramatic and inspirational story of Jesus of Nazareth, as he presides over the Last Supper, and then is betrayed by Judas, put on trial by Pontius Pilate, convicted, crucified and resurrected. 

The event will unfold live at some of New Orleans’ most iconic locations, while featuring a procession of a thousand people carrying a 20-foot, illuminated cross from outside the Mercedes Benz Superdome to the live stage at Woldenberg Park on the banks of the Mississippi River.

LEARN MORE AND GO BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE PASSION…

Michael W. Smith’s Cruise team hosted a cruise chat on Wednesday, February 17th for all persons thinking about booking or already booked on the cruise.  His team answered questions for almost 90 minutes as a way of making sure that any questions that you have are answered before the cruise!

If you missed the FACEBOOK Q&A you can now read the Q&A in it’s entirety by click HERE or on the image below.