Grey Sled: News

St. Brigid's in Byron-Bergen, NY receives the award for "MOST INTERACTIVE CROWD"

It was great to play for a group that was clapping, hand-motioning, and even STANDING without being prompted to do so!

Initially Grey Sled was both excited and nervous about the challenge that was before them: Play and speak for two hours to a parish that is still dealing with recent death and tragedy within their small church and school communities.

We prayed about saying the right thing, choosing songs that would convey the proper mood, and just keeping the attention of the audience for two whole hours.

As it turned out, the families of Saint Brigid's were all so beautiful and it was very special for the band to be invited to help share in their grieving process.

The LONG set list comprised of Praise & Worship songs, originals, a surprise or two, and talks by both Derek AND Teresa went something like this:

PW Set:
Let Everything that has Breath
LILYNOH
Awesome God

Intro to the Band

Grey Sled set:
Make Us Holy
Road to Emmaus
Bright Lights(So much better this time around!)
Captivate Me

Talk #1
Purgatory (Derek)

iMperfect

5 MINUTE BREAK

Impromptu Song Set:
"Come Back, Come back to your pew" (Everyone jumped right in clapping and singing as we laughed at the situation and the audience found their seats haha)

Clapping Challenge Game

If You're Happy & U Know It
(Special thanks to AARON who lead the group in the "Soldier Boy" portion of the song)

Talk #2 Losing Friends at a Young Age, Tribute to Chris
(Derek)

Infinite (Probably the best-placed version of this song we have ever done)
Home
Send It Down

Talk #3 God is Bigger than we Are (Teresa)

Lead Me On
(A few people were surprised to see our DRUMMER pick up a guitar and take center stage. Her song was perfect for the event and she played it so well--it was awesome to hear harmonies, violin, and a second guitar added to this song in a spontaneous moment that just "worked")

Trading My Sorrows
Witness
Time of Your Life (Greenday)

Overall, we are just so appreciative to have been asked to host this Memorial event. We met a lot of great people and want to give a special thanks to everyone that sang along, Mama Rogers, John Rogers & Matt Jung for making the trip with us, and especially Mr. Cummings who was so willing to give us this opportunity (you were GREAT!)!

Finally, a special "shout out" to singer/songwriter JOHNNY CUMMINGS who made our night by just listening to a couple of our songs.

God Bless all of you and remember: Keep Sleddin'!!!

Due to many requests...
We have posted MORE pictures from a sunny, afternoon photo shoot at an old hotel!

LEAVE US MESSAGES TO LET US KNOW WHICH ONES ARE YOUR FAVORITES!!

Last night Grey Sled was honored to return to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton school for a night of music, coffee and homemade pie! This was the third year that Derek and Bethany have been to this event and they were so proud to share the stage with Teresa and Alyssa this time.

A "shout out" to all the people who made this event possible and especially the ones that invite us to come back each year...

Oh yeah...and thanks to "Mama Rogers" and the Logan family who showed up too!!

And GINNY...you know who you are...you're always a light in our musical world!

The Set List:
This is Halloween (A tribute to the Nightmare before Christmas)
Make Us Holy
Bright Lights (Unfortunately this NEW SONG wasn't quite ready for an audience and we butchered most of it but laughed our way through it...haha)
iMperfect
Captivate Me
Witness (The Band Favorite)

We had a really good time chatting with everyone afterward, got called "Inspiring" by a great gal from Harvest Chapel, and Teresa even gave an impromtu lesson on the djembe!

If you were AT THIS SHOW please sign the guestbook and let us know what you thought!!

Keep sleddin and praisin the LORD!

Grey Sled gathered together and visited a great studio that is LITERALLY in the middle of NOWHERE. The place has a good vibe, the engineers are very laid back (but professional), and the quality of the end product should be "amazing."

Here's where we are now...we like the place, we have plenty of material to record, and we need $!!

Anyone got any rich relatives out there???

If nothing else, please keep Grey Sled in your prayers as we feel this is a very important step in getting our sound out there.

Last night Grey Sled rocked for God in an elementary school gym in Leroy, NY for the opening night of the religious education program for Our Lady of Mercy Parish. There were about 75 highschoolers + several great teachers/leaders/volunteers.
We brought our own sound equipment. All four of us were together and Derek spoke (for the first time) about discipleship and the many distractions facing youth today.

We all re-iterated the fact that the youth are NOT the church of the FUTURE but, rather, the church of TODAY!

The Set List:

We Will Worship
Trading My Sorrows
Awesome God

Make Us Holy
Road to Emmaus
Infinite
I'm Alive (Samuel's Song)
Captivate Me (AWESOME!)
Not Alone
Witness (They Loved It)
iMperfect (Cool solo, beat boxing, and dancing kid from crowd)

Jesus Lifted High

Grey Sled feels very blessed to have been asked to play and look forward to returning to this God-filled group again!

Just an update for anyone out there reading this:

You might have noticed a few changes around our site...We're right in the midst of some great things that really make us smile.
Things always seem to go best when they just sort of "happen."

Teresa (aka awesome drummer!) found more time in her busy schedule, Derek and Bethany prayed a lot about their music ministry, and somehow (God truly is so good!) a 17-year old violinist (we'll call her a prodigy even though she wouldn't) just happens to have always wanted to be part of a Christian band.

We've been meeting at the old hotel for Sunday afternoon practices and are using any money (from donations) toward recording a CD with all this new material.

Mostly, we are all EXCITED and exploring the way to bring all of our gifts and talents together.

One of the greatest things about being married is enjoying little things. Most of the time these aren't even significant enough to write down. The great part about being in a band together is that we have this handy website that is perfect for recording little moments that just might make other people smile too!

The following is one of those "Not Big" moments that you just might like to hear about...

The other day we were both TIRED at work because we had stayed up way too late the night before just talking. We debated about the plot line of a recent movie we saw (Bella) and commented on the strategies of different players from the Survivor finale the night before. I can't even remember all the things we laughed about and shared in the dark when we probably should have been sleeping.

It was a great night and way worth the lack of energy the next day.

There is no way I could re-capture all of the lessons learned and stories made since the last time we added anything to this section of this website. I would like to attempt to remember a few things...

#1 It is hard to tell if the large black image zooming toward you at night is your cat. Once it slams into the window a couple times you will realize it is actually the neighbors cat that got locked in your home by mistake somehow. You will let him out and then laugh about the shock of it all.

#2 If you ever have to wait in an airport for over 9 hours be sure to rescue a hidden football. It will make for a better story if you rely on the knowledge of 3 traveling engineers, a woman in a bright orange coat, and as many shoe laces as you can find. Be assured that the security guards will do nothing but stand by and shake their heads as you watch your husband being lifted onto a trashcan by several willing helpers.

#3 If you see a bee on the playground. Run and scream. Alert anyone else around. It is a very, very fun game.

#4 Being the "un-tangler" is a very important job.

#5 A few scoops of peanut butter ice cream and a big blue bowl make a wonderful dinner.

Denny's is a cool place. I am sure with being open late, a lot of weird things happen. Beth and I we standing waiting to be seated when a heard a thunk. I didn't think anything of it and then I heard a "Help me!" in a strange voice. I glanced around and then saw arms and legs kicking on the floor 30 feet away near the restrooms! Holy vegas! It was an old lady! As I was running towards her I was thinking what I should do and why she was kicking her arms and legs. The moment was strange! I got to her and she was fine but thrashing on the floor. She thanked me before I helped her. I asked if she was hurt and she responded by saying "I tripped on my dam walker and yes I am fine." I was not very skilled in helping old ladies off the floor but I did a decent job. She thanked me and then I heard another lady yell, "Stella! Stella! What is wrong with you!?" The old ladies yelled at each other for a moment and then thanked me. Stella then proceeded to the men's room and I pointed out her mistake. I think she was annoyed with me. As I walked back I felt like spiderman: misunderstood but still a hero!

Some cool things coming up and some of them are in the form of songs. A new cd has been mentioned and a local studio seems to have some allure. This old hotel has some big plans in store. Possibly a coffee house with local music, speakers, video game tournaments and such. Keep watching...

There can be great humor in doing things for God. I wonder if he finds them as entertaining as we do.

I came home after a long day of pharmacy work. My legs were tired. My head was tired. I was, however, glad to have an earlier shift which meant I was home in time to make a nice dinner. As I worked in the kitchen, I noticed a large gallon jug of milk and a tantalizing container of chocolate syrup. This combination smiled at me just about every time I opened the door to the refrigerator. Oooh…Chocolate Milk…Yeah. That would be great. The thought of enjoying it as I cooked made me grin. Yep. This was going to be the best glass of chocolate milk ever made.

I poured the milk into a cup, I squeezed a very nice portion of chocolate into the same cup and stirred away.

Suddenly a very stark reality hit.

We are currently in the Lenten season. It is a time of sacrifice—a time of dying to self.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t the chocolate that I had—by choice—given up this year. Rather, I am desperately trying to hold to a strict water-only drinking policy.

So, I debated for a moment what I would do with this sweet beverage.

Pour it down the sink? I don’t think I could bear it.

But I do love God.

Oh yeah, and I love my husband too.

I decided to give it to my unsuspecting husband. I also decided I wouldn’t say anything about the fact that I had intended this treat for myself. Somehow I thought the sacrifice would be better this way.

I walked upstairs carrying the drink and mustered quite an impressive act.

I used my loveliest tone.

“I made you chocolate milk!”

He looked at me, smiled, and finished it all by the time I came in with our dinner.

It wasn’t until much later in the evening when it finally hit him.

“Why did you bring me chocolate milk?”

I laughed out loud. I guess it was a pretty odd thing to do.

We had a great night tonight. Some key words to think about: Snow. Driving. Younger Brothers. Inspiring Conversations.

After a fun bowling night, we drove Derek's younger brother and lovely friend home.

After dropping off the girl, we heard updates of the March For Life in Washington, DC this past weekend. We weren't able to attend but the younger brother went.

Without too many details, it was such a wonderful thing to hear how a young, awesome highschooler defended his faith on a bus ride back to Buffalo.

Being proud of this great guy is two-fold. First, he is our brother. Second, he was our Confirmation student.

The conversation was inspiring because it makes you realize how possible it is to be a witness and encouraging to realize that you may have played a tiny role in someone else's strength in that same situation.

God Bless fearless, capable, well-spoken younger brothers.

We love you, Johnny!

Today I went into an unfinished room to look for a sweater. We keep the door to this room closed to keep the heat in our half. On a December morning in Buffalo, this room is cold. As I walked in, our kitten followed behind. She scurried off to investigate a space she is seldom allowed to roam. I got what I needed and called to the cat to follow me out. She looked at me, looked around the room, and chose to stay in there.

I shrugged my shoulders, walked out and closed the door behind me.

Only a few minutes later, I could hear her crying. She had had enough of whatever it was she thought she needed. She was done but couldn’t get out on her own. She needed me to open the door for her.

I shook my head knowing all along that the situation would play out this way and let her out.

She glanced at me as if wondering if she might repeat the whole thing again.

Rather than running away this time she zoomed past me and back into the side of the apartment that is much more familiar to her.

How often are we just like that cat? We follow God to a certain extent but then “allow” Him to leave us alone for awhile while we do what we want only until we realize we needed Him all along.

It is always harder for me to be content where I am than to peer around the corner at what is coming. I have been like this my whole life. When I was little I wondered what I would be like when I was big. When I was younger, I wanted to be older. This doesn’t necessarily imply unhappiness with being a certain way. I’ve simply always seen things in relation to the “bigger picture.” I anticipate the future. I have a curiosity about what things time will bring. For better or worse, I tend to look forward to what may be just ahead. When I think of things, I see them visually. To me, the future is almost tangible.

This can be both a challenge and a blessing.

It’s a challenge because I don’t want to miss any part of the present.

It is a blessing because I see the present as a step to the future.

Thinking the way that I do makes being married something really special. Newlyweds think about the future in all things. We are constantly discussing where we might be living next, what our kids names could be, things we want to do, dreams we have for each other. It is such an exciting time.

I do, however, have to be consciously cautious.

Time will pass as it may. I can’t rush it. I can’t control it. I can’t make anything happen any sooner than it should and that is a good thing.

QUICK SNIPPET

Things have changed a little recently. It’s easy to go from one chapter to the next and not remember to jot down the details. I’ve always loved how a few thoughts about this thing or that thing brings you right back to a particular moment. I don’t want to forget about any of these First-Year moments.

We are transitioning from one job to another right now. It’s funny how funny it is when things work out just right. Why do we ever even worry?

Some words for the first two months:
Sleeping in
Fans
Watching Season 1 of Lost
Discovering Ebay
Working at 1pm (Wife)
Working at 3pm (Husband)
Driving (Wife)
Walking (Husband)
Getting off at 9:00pm (Wife)
Getting off at 10:00pm (Husband)
Picking up
Watching late-night movies
Popcorn & Beer for Dinner
Brushing Teeth
Sleeping in…

Some words for the third month:

Waking up to CD alarm clock (8:30am)
Warm Blankets
Coffee Pot
Packing a Lunch
Dropping off at husband’s new job (9:30am)
Running errands
Cleaning House
Leaving for work (Wife)
Husband finds ride home (6:30pm)
Phone calls to insurance companies, booking gigs, practicing music (Husband)
Driving home from work (9:00pm)
Listening to music during a drive
Greeting at the front door
Hearing of the day’s events
A bite to eat
Watching Lost Season 2
Sleep (12:00am)
Waking up to CD alarm clock (8:30am)…


Don’t want to forget this stuff that is becoming our life together.

Sometimes we do things that mean more to other people than we realize. Sometimes we realize that people are always watching.

A fast food restaurant isn’t a typical place for a spiritual conversion. But who are we to limit God’s power to churches and places of worship?

I can’t think of a time when my husband and I did not bless our food before we ate. It’s become second nature. We went out for lunch to celebrate his birthday on Labor Day. We got our food, sat at what has become “our booth”, crossed ourselves, and continued our conversation which included memories of the week before our wedding, plans for the rest of the day, and the death of the beloved Crocodile Hunter the same day. We were interrupted mid-meal by a young, Hispanic man. He was probably not much older than we were. He had a black back pack slung over his left shoulder.

“I just wanted to say…” he began, as he stood next to us, “That I saw you praying.”

My husband and I exchanged glances. I will admit that a slight sense of fear rushed over me. Where was this going to go? Should I put my guard up? Did I need to get my defenses ready? The man’s brown eyes seemed too sincere to be looking for any kind of a religious debate.

“I haven’t prayed in two years.” He continued. “But now, because I saw you, I’m going to start again.”

Smiles stretched over all our faces.

We thanked him. My husband asked his name.

He looked back at us on his way out and replied, “Steve.”

We told him we would pray for him and he went on his way.

Steve is also the name of the Crocodile Hunter.

And we do pray--for both of them.

Rain was streaming on the windows as we drove back from Syracuse. Memories tend to flow better in those conditions. There was a great deal of happenings in a short period of time. On the 26th of August was our Higher grounds concert. We had such a good time even through some technical difficulties! Theresa was on the djembe and we did a majority of our songs and a few covers (Marley/goo dolls/blink182 medley and hotel california) along with some brand new ones. (Can't put the set list because it is missing at this point in time) We played with the band A Wing and A Prayer again and it was quite a large crowd. The next day was a community worship service and we played a bunch of worship songs and some of our own. The next week was the State fair and we played "Porch Swing." No dice. Wasn't our year. The tricky thing is that the singers compete against the dancers at the state fair. Our dance moves on stage are a work in progress. We were the very first act to be on stage! It was a cool spot but we didn't "fair" well. After that was our Rez Ag concert in Clinton NY. What a place! They have had a lot of indieheaven bands and we were honored to play. We played with a band that was another husband/wife duo. It turned to a very prayerful night. We were without our drummer but it turned out to be perfect the way it was.
set list-
All creatures of our God and King
Holiness
Bright Lights (new one)
What Do You Have To Say
Porch Swing
Ring Around Rosie
Best Part
Samuel's Song
Jeremiah 29 (new one)
In the Secret
Home (new one)
Witness (new one)
imperfect
Sinner's Heart
It was very cool because all was recorded there and they will be airing it on a local station or something! That concert was at the Resurrection Assembly Of God. The had a great sound crew and lights and stage. Check it out if you have the chance. It was a very positive/spiritual experience. Grey Sled has experienced much from this crazy time and grown in ways that will be seen in due time.

Unfortunately, after a blue-ribbon performance at the County Fair, Grey Sled does not advance into the semi-finals at the State Fair in Syracuse. The band is blaming this on technical difficulties (they were the very first performance of the competition!) and the fact that their good friend and fellow competitor (Sarah Baumgarden) took their prized position as only ten of the 35 acts advanced. Maybe next year Grey Sled!

Time has been interesting to this place. There are pictures down stairs of the "olden days" with horse and buggy evolving into old model t cars. We worked on the upstairs half that was unfinished and did much cleaning and fixing. The pesent state of this apartment is no where near what it use to be. We have carpet, electricity, internet, nintendo 64, etc. We moved in after our honeymoon and have enjoy starting from scratch. This place is huge and has tons of possibilities. There is a stage, dance floor, bar room, pool room, cool old banisters, and many other spots. There is a freaky dirt basement with old jars of stuff. Also, there is a third floor that use to be another bar and dance floor. When you climb the ladder up to the roof, it feels like you are in some C.S. Lewis book. This place does let your imagination roam. Sometimes roaming to freely. There are so many noises out of nowhere at any time of the day! We have kept the horror movies at bay for now only watching M. Night Shymalyan movies (which sometimes seem way to scary). We plan on having some local bands come hear to play and hoping there will be an evolving youth group that will take wing. The down stairs has a great "sound" to it and it is great when you just want to sing. The old piano lends some great moments of serenity. This is a cool place.

Derek and Bethany are trying to head to the NY State fair. They are riding on the new song, "Porch Swing." This song got some attention at the county fair from the judges and from someone that travels and books bands for Sean Patrick Mcgraw.